Principal Study Opera 2

This module builds upon the work of Stage 1 of the programme, allowing you to further extend and deepen your work as a singer. You will continue to draw upon both coachings and one-to-one lessons with a vocal tutor, all of which will support you in preparing for rehearsals and performances. You will be assessed two performances (including at least one main stage production) plus an opera audition, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate the learning outcomes of the module across a range of contexts and repertoires.

Module aims

This module is designed to:

• Demonstrate advanced technical and expressive mastery in all disciplines required as an opera singer
• Project a mature and individual personality and provide opportunities for its projection in-and-through practice
• Establish a comprehensive knowledge base that supports understanding and facilitates the solving of complex musical problems in opera: the skills acquired should fulfil the expectations of the profession
• Consolidate musical versatility and adaptability in a wide range of collaborative contexts within the Opera School and thoroughly to familiarise the student with the practices and ethos of a professional opera company
• Enable you to establish highly developed skills to pursue and sustain fulfilling, lifelong learning, leading to informed performance at professional level

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

• LO1 Show advanced technical and expressive mastery in opera singing
• LO2 PProject a mature and individual musical personality in-and-through performance
• LO3 Employ critical thinking in-and-through the process of making music

Assessment

Assessment 1: Performance B (50%)

Assessed LOs: 1, 2.

Assessment 2: Performance A (50%)

Assessed LOs: 1, 2.

Assessment criteria for Assessment 1 and 2

Assessors will look for:

LO1 – Show advanced technical and expressive mastery in opera singing

• secure vocal technique
• secure intonation together with a range and quality of tone production
• use of imagination and expression
• musical perception and projection
• knowledge of principal operatic languages
• understanding of use of language in different styles and periods
• understanding of drama in the text
• secure acting and theatre skills
• movement skills

LO2 – Project a mature and individual musical personality in-and-through performance

• stage presence
• sense of performance
• understanding and command of role
• committed, communicative and engaging response to the music
• imagination and creativity in performance
• responsiveness in ensemble partnerships
• communication and rapport with the audience
• consistency and reliability
• sense of pace and theatre
• understanding and projection of character

Assessment 3: Observation of Working Practice (Pass/Fail)

Two reports, one to be written after each premiere performance by the Director, Conductor and/or Head of Opera.

Assessed LOs: 2, 3.

Assessment Criteria for Assessment 3

Assessors will look for:

LO2 – Project a mature and individual musical personality in-and-through performance

• stage presence
• sense of performance
• understanding and command of role
• committed, communicative and engaging response to the music
• imagination and creativity in performance
• responsiveness in ensemble partnerships
• communication and rapport with the audience
• consistency and reliability
• sense of pace and theatre
• understanding and projection of character

LO3 – Employ critical thinking in-and-through the process of making music

• imagination in interpretation
• understanding of structure, form and genre
• knowledge of operatic repertoire, its content and context
• musical and self-critical awareness, perception and responsiveness
• ability to project ideas
• understanding of style
• response to feedback from professionals and peers
• self appraisal of performance

More detail on the requirements for each assessment may be found in the Assessment Specifications for the module.

Feedback

You will receive immediate verbal feedback in the course of your one-to-one lessons. You will be given written feedback by your tutor twice a year, which will be recorded as part of your Supporting Studies profile. You will receive timely written feedback on each of your A and B assessments.

Resources

Key resources will be recommended by principal study tutors.

Summary details

Module title	Principal Study Opera 2
SCQF level	11
Credit rating	90 SCQF (45 ECTS)
Total notional student effort hours	900
Status	Core
Module coordinator	Head of Department
Pre-requisites	Principal Study Opera 1
Co-requisites	Supporting Studies 2
Anti-requisites	None
Learning modes	Indicative hours
Scheduled study	30 (minimum)
Independent study	770 (maximum)
Total notional student effort	900