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English Lyric Diction (MUSI30283)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 6.25On Campus (Southbank)
To learn more, visit 2023 Course and subject delivery.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject introduces students to Standard American, British Received Pronunciation and Standard Australian diction for singers.
Students will acquire aural, oral and International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription skills, applying these to English-language vocal repertoire of the western classical tradition, with the aim of producing English, American and Australian speech sounds for singing with authentic prosody, efficient articulation, and meaningful communication.
Differences between spoken and sung diction will be explored. Assessment is based on written phonetic transcriptions, spoken/sung performances, and revision of class content.
This subject is primarily designed for classical voice students and for pianists interested in vocal accompaniment. Other instrumentalists are welcome to enrol but should be aware of the singing component of the assessment tasks.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- read and recite British, American and Australian speech sounds, words, poems and lyric texts with appropriate pronunciation and prosody;
- identify the difference between Received Pronunciation, American Standard and Australian accents in singing lyric repertoire.
- demonstrate familiarity with British, American and Australian lyric repertoire of various styles by composers from different periods through listening, transcribing and performing;
- prepare lyric texts in English using International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcriptions and translations;
- perform lyric texts in English with correct pronunciation, appropriate prosody, efficient production and communication of meaning.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- communicate effectively in oral and written forms;
- apply critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills to unfamiliar challenges;
- give and receive constructive feedback;
- engage in rigorous and respectful debate;
- show interest in and respect for others;
- manage competing demands on time, including self-directed project work;
- integrate personal reflection into the creative process;
- make effective use of planning skills.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Corequisites
Non-allowed subjects
Recommended background knowledge
This subject is designed for voice students. Other instrumental students are welcome to enrol and should be aware of the singing component of the assessment tasks.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
IPA transcriptions of English-language song texts.
| Throughout the teaching period | 40% |
5-minute in-class spoken/sung performance of English language lyric texts.
| Throughout the teaching period | 25% |
5-minute spoken/sung performance of English-language lyric texts.
| During the assessment period | 25% |
Active participation in classes.
| Throughout the teaching period | 10% |
Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 80% of all scheduled classes. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Stephen Grant Mode of delivery On Campus (Southbank) Contact hours 24 hours, comprising one 2-hour class per week. Total time commitment 85 hours Teaching period 27 February 2023 to 28 May 2023 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2023 Census date 31 March 2023 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2023 Assessment period ends 23 June 2023
What do these dates mean
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- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Recommended texts and other resources
LaBouff, K. (2007). Singing and communicating in English: a singer's guide to English diction. Oxford University Press.
Johnston, A. (2016). English and German Diction for Singers: A Comparative Approach. Rowman & Littlefield.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Bachelor of Music Course Diploma in Music Course Graduate Diploma in Music Course Bachelor of Music (Degree with Honours) Informal specialisation Music Electives Informal specialisation Graduate Diploma in Music Electives - Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 31 January 2024