Vocal Performance Stage 1

Performance A

Ai Solo or Collaborative Performance of a varied programme, to be assessed by a public recital. The overall duration to be 35 minutes, including any spoken introductions. 50%

Aii Performance of a role in a main production or opera scenes This option may only be taken exceptionally, by agreement with the Head of Department. 50%

Performance B

Opera pathway

Students who have chosen the opera pathway will be assessed in Bi Role Study and Bii Recitative workshop.

Bi Role Study. Learners will choose one role from a selection of three operas in German. They will learn how to study and research their character through a series of simple exercises, then draw on that learning in the rehearsal and performance of a short scene involving their character. They will receive coaching in preparation for production rehearsals, and be taught how to notate their moves on a score. Assessment is based holistically on: their performance of the scene; the written character exercises; the notation of their moves on a score; and a short written reflection. 25%

Bii Recitative Workshop. A workshop performance of staged recitatives from opera. Material to be chosen by the course tutors. As part of the programme students will be given guidance on essential stagecraft and support in the preparation of given recitatives. 25%

Other options

Biii Solo or Collaborative Performance of a varied programme, to be assessed by a recital. The overall duration to be 20 minutes, including any spoken introductions. 25%

Biv Lecture-Recital – a 30 minute presentation combining live performance and spoken commentary. This option should be negotiated and agreed upon with the HoD. 25%

Bv Opera Audition. Preparation of three arias in at least two languages, two of which to be sung; the first to be selected by the student, the second by the panel. Audition to be followed by questions from the panel. An audition package including a CV, biography and headshot to be submitted in advance. Students may indicate at this stage if they wish to treat the assessment as preparation for a specific audition context, such as: general audition, chorus audition, studio/YAP audition. 25%

Bvi Chorus and/or Small Role in a production. 25%

Bvii Solo or Collaborative Performance in an RCS public recital, or solo role in orchestral/ choral concert. To be negotiated and agreed with the HoD. Opportunities may include departmental public performances such as Song Studios or ‘Mondays at One’; appropriate cross-curricular performances may also be considered. 25%

Bviii New Work. A performance or studio recording of a new work, along with either a supporting commentary (c.1000 words) or a viva. 25%

Bix Studio Recording of 10-15 minutes comprising repertoire appropriate to the specialisms of the student, negotiated with the Head of Department. This may be a video recording, audio recording, or a combination of both. If a student chooses to submit video recordings, the visual presentational aspects of vocal performance will be taken into account. The recording is either to be accompanied by a written commentary (c.1000 words) on the recording process, chosen repertoire, editorial issues, performance and interpretive decisions, or the candidate may elect to address these issues in an oral examination. 25%