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:

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. 50%

Other options

Bii 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%

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

Biv 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%

Bv Chorus and/or Small Role in a production, if cast. 25%

Bvi 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%

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

Bviii 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%