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English Lyric Diction (MUSI30283)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 6.25On Campus (Southbank)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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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.

Participation is restricted to enrolled students.

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: 17 March 2025