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Unit outline_

VSAO3645: Diction for Performance 1

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Sydney

In this unit the students will concentrate on the specialist language needs of the vocal performer, with the objective of students achieving a professional command of diction in English, French, German and Italian. The focus in this unit is producing performance in song repertoire that results from the appreciation of the text-music relationship. On completion of this unit students should be able to demonstrate correct interpretation and delivery of the text.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Performance
Credit points 3
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Simon Lobelson, simon.lobelson@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Anke Ryan, anke.ryan@sydney.edu.au
Simon Lobelson, simon.lobelson@sydney.edu.au
Alan Hicks, alan.hicks@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Creative assessment / demonstration Exam Video - Final French practical assessment
present one French song; must be memorized
20% Formal exam period
Due date: 18 Nov 2024 at 23:59
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4
Creative assessment / demonstration Exam video Final Italian practical assessment
present one Italian song; must be memorized
20% Formal exam period
Due date: 18 Nov 2024 at 23:59
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4
Creative assessment / demonstration Exam video performance
present one German song; must be memorized
20% Formal exam period
Due date: 18 Nov 2024 at 23:59
5 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4
Assignment group assignment Demant Dreikurs Scholarship Song Competition
media marketing assignment
10% Mid-semester break
Due date: 05 Oct 2024 at 23:59
2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO4
Presentation In-class German performance
Presentation
10% Multiple weeks 15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
Presentation In-class Italian performance
Presentation
10% Multiple weeks 15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
Presentation In-class French Performance
Presentation
10% Multiple weeks 15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • In-class performance: The student initially performs the prepared material in class. The student then interacts with the diction teacher and the class to discuss the interpretation and, if necessary to improve the diction. The student will then re-perform his material.
  • Final French/Italian/German practical assessment: Each student will perform one song of his own choice from the French, German and Italian repertoire. The songs are to be performed by memory. The assessment will be based on the quality of the synergy between diction, correct application of musical markings and emotional expression.
  • Group assessment. The student groups prepare the marketing concept and materials including introductory finalist videos, ticketing set-up, and the filming/streaming of the Demant Dreikurs Scholarship Song Competition for release on the website.

Detailed information for each assessment will be published on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The following assessment criteria are used for written work in this unit of study:

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Demonstrates high level of initiative in research and reading; sophisticated critical analysis of evidence; high level engagement with theoretical issues, innovative use of reading/research material and impressive command of underlying debates and assumptions; properly documented and written with style, originality and precision.

Distinction

75 - 84

Demonstrates initiative in research and wide, appropriate reading; complex understanding of question and ability to critically review material in relation to underlying assumptions and values; analyses material in relation to empirical and theoretical contexts; properly documented; clear, well-developed structure and argument with some signs of literary style.

Credit

65 - 74

Evidence of broader understanding than pass level; offers synthesis with some critical evaluation of material; coherent argument using a range of relevant evidence; some evidence of independent thought, good referencing. A high credit (70-74) shows some evidence of ability to problematise and think conceptually.

Pass

50 - 64

Written work meets basic requirements in terms of reading/research; relevant material; tendency to descriptive summary rather than critical argument; makes a reasonable attempt to avoid paraphrasing; reasonably coherent structure; often has weaknesses in particular areas, especially in terms of narrow or underdeveloped treatment of question; acceptable documentation.

Fail

0 - 49

Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: Unacceptable paraphrasing; irrelevance of content; poor spelling; poor presentation; grammar or structure so sloppy it cannot be understood; failure to demonstrate understanding of content; insufficient or overlong word length.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks 1. Learn to listen, 2. Assigned students perform, analyze and discuss in-class German songs in preparation for their voice lessons, student practise Lecture and tutorial (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
1. Learn to listen, 2. Assigned students perform, analyze and discuss Italian songs with their peers in preparation for their voice lessons, student practise Lecture and tutorial (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
1. Learn to listen, 2. Assigned students perform and analyze and discuss French songs with their peers in preparation for their voice lessons, student practise Lecture and tutorial (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3

Attendance and class requirements

As per the Sydney Conservatorium of Music resolutions, http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/conservatorium/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml (Item 11):   

  • Attendance: Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned. The Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 90%.

 

  • Lecture recording: Lectures for this unit of study will be recorded and made available to students via the Learning Management System (LMS) 

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 3 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 60-75 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Additional texts and materials will be handed out in class and made available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate correct interpretation based on the synergy between poetry, rhythm, dynamic differences and expression markings.
  • LO2. perform songs in class and concert practice, demonstrating an understanding of French, German and Italian pronunciation in different musical periods
  • LO3. prepare individual German, Italian, and French repertoire for voice lessons, vocal performance classes, performance workshops, and voice lessons
  • LO4. practical application of acquired knowledge from other disciplines and the development of entrepreneurial skills by engaging in teamwork to organise, market and run a professional event.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since the unit was last offered.
  • You are responsible for sending your music at least two weeks in advance to the assigned accompanist. 

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.