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Unit outline_

VSAO5636: Advanced Opera Repertoire 4

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Sydney

Students work for one hour per week individually with a vocal coach and for two hours in ensemble class as scheduled, enabling them to explore and refine their learning of the repertoire prepared for aspects of coursework including mainstage productions, performances of solo and audition repertoire, masterclasses and internal and external concerts. These units impart to students the wide range of skills needed to successfully bring their participation in an opera production from the first day of music rehearsal to a successful performance outcome. As part of the final year of the Masters, students will undertake an independent project which documents aspects of opera training from each of the areas of study. Previous study in Advanced Opera Voice, Advanced Opera Repertoire, Advanced Opera Stage and Advanced Opera Diction has led towards the development of a personal template for the preparation of an operatic role. The Capstone Project (Opera Performance Portfolio) is an independent study which takes place over Semesters 1 and 2 and is assessed as part of Opera Repertoire 4.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Performance
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
VSAO5635
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Stephen Mould, stephen.mould@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Stephen Mould, stephen.mould@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Participation Ensemble class
In class continuous assessment
30% Multiple weeks n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3
Small continuous assessment Coaching teacher assessment
n/a
30% Ongoing n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO2
Assignment Repertoire book
n/a
10% STUVAC
Due date: 10 Nov 2024 at 23:59
n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO5
Assignment Opera performance portfolio = Capstone
n/a
30% STUVAC
Due date: 10 Nov 2024 at 23:59
n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO5
Presentation hurdle task Formative Test
Character presentation.
0% Week 03
Due date: 15 Aug 2024 at 16:00

Closing date: 16 Aug 2024
Up to 15 minutes.
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO3
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

he University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Comprehensive and outstanding technical control and musical integrity in relation to developmental expectations. Musical individuality consistently projected to create a persuasive personal representation of the work. Performance flair indicative of soloist standard. A mark of 95 or above indicates extraordinary technical virtuosity and musical artistry.

Distinction

75 - 84

Excellent technical, musical and stylistic achievement. Consistently coherent and expressive performance. Some personal interpretation of the work suggesting soloist potential. 

Credit

65 - 74

Confident technique with evidence of solid musicality and some stylistic achievement. Occasional lapses indicative of unresolved technical, artistic and/or stylistic issues. Projects potential for further development.

Pass

50 - 64

Satisfactory level of preparation and musical engagement. Some inconsistencies in musicianship, style and/or tone. Musical imagination and overall performance sense developing though some insecurity in this area.

Fail

0 - 49

Unsatisfactory technical achievement and/or unsatisfactory level of musical and artistic engagement. Limitations may be of such a scale and consistency as to call into question the student’s future direction in the programme.When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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
Week 01 Introduction, discussion of semester and music rehearsal for "Mother". Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 02 "Mother" music rehearsals Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 "Mother" music rehearsals Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 "Mother" music/ensemble rehearsal Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Music/ensemble rehearsal Tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Music/ensemble rehearsal Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 07 "Mother" music/ensemble rehearsal Tutorial (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 08 "Mother" music/ensemble rehearsal Tutorial (17 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 "Mother" music/ensemble rehearsal Tutorial (17 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 10 "Mother" ensemble class - rehearsals with orchestra Tutorial (25 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 11 Singers and orchestra rehearsals Tutorial (6 hr) LO2 LO5
Week 12 Intensive stage week at NIDA Tutorial (21 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Performances Tutorial (12 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

  • 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%.

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 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

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. acquire the tools to effectively prepare and learn repertoire
  • LO2. learn to interact with coaches and contextualize the learning environment
  • LO3. learn musical, stylistic and vocal characterisation skills
  • LO4. develop a study plan and learn to prioritise individual learning objectives
  • LO5. gain independence and self-reflective skills in all aspects of the learning process

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 this unit was last offered.

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.