Vocal exercises: In addition to their own researched and selected exercises, students will be required to sing exercises from the set MUS206 exercises and use a loop station. Assessments of exercises will occur where possible within scheduled tutorial times. However, students may also be required to book an individual time for assessments outside those times. 

Program: The vocal practice program should detail the individual practice routine devised by the student and include warm-ups, exercises for vocal development and cool-downs. The vocal program should include in-text references (e.g., to the researched and selected exercises) and demonstrate understanding of the program components. The vocal program must be typed and contain a reference list.

Programs are to be submitted via Turnitin by 5:00PM on the due date. 

Assessment criteria

Implementation (practical) and understanding (written) of vocal technique and stylistic integrity including:

• vocal production and technique (effective preparation)
• vocal stylistic nuances and musicality (effective communication in performance)
• vocal program and evidence of reflexivity (effective practice methods)
• academic writing and referencing
• evidence of the learning process

This assessment begins in Week 1 and concludes at the end of Week 7. It requires weekly reflection on individual progress in relation to the vocal program and unit content. This may involve content summaries, individual research and critical listening exercises when appropriate. Following the development of a vocal program (Week 1), students are to therefore required to write progressive weekly reflections (maximum of 500 words each week). Diligent sequential entries are required. The journal must be typed, should include in-text references, discography and contain a reference list.

Journals are required to be submitted via Turnitin by 5:00PM on the due date. 

Assessment criteria: Evidence of:

• effective practice
• reflective thinking and reflexive implementation of strategies in relation to individual development and unit content
• vocal health and vocal care strategies
• critical listening (e.g., to own voice and examples of style)
• appropriate journal format, including academic writing and referencing 
• a process of learning

This assessment entails a group recording (29/9) and performance (6/10) of a 12 bar blues that, in addition to group sections, allows each student to sing a solo line or a 12 bar sequence, submit a reflection statement (maximum of 750 words) on the ensemble process and learning. Students are therefore required to prepare for and to actively participate weekly in tutorials, iLearn forums and additional rehearsals. Students are required to individually write lyrics to a group theme consistent with the blues style, and to collectively structure a melodic component in tutorials. Students will be marked individually on their respective contributions including creating, recording, reflecting and performing.

A selection of instrumental backings is provided, however groups may also choose to provide their own simple musical accompaniment in a 12 bar blues format.

Ensemble assessments will occur where possible within the scheduled lecture time.

Written component: The reflection statement should include in-text references and demonstrate understanding of the blues style, blues vocal nuances and group development. It should also have the individual student lyrics attached that may be referenced in the reflection. The reflection statement must be typed and contain in-text referencing and a reference list if appropriate.

Reflection statements are required to be submitted via Turnitin by 5:00PM on the same date as the performance (6/10). 

Assessment criteria

Evidence of:

• stylistic, musical and technical integrity
• creative component and contribution to process, recording and performance 
• implementation and understanding of blues vocal nuances
• implementation of vocal practice 
• critical listening
• academic writing and referencing
• a process of learning

This assessment requires a solo performance of 2 contrasting songs, 2 spoken introductions to those songs and stagecraft, in front of an audience from memory. CD backings or musical accompaniment are to be provided by students. No melody, either sung or played, is to be heard in these recordings. 

Students will be marked their performance of two songs representative of two contemporary musical styles/genres. Students are required to discuss the style of their songs as introductions to each song (from memory), detailing the style and the vocal nuances they will perform that represent their chosen styles. Students have up to 10 minutes performance time (including song introductions and set-up time).

Assessment criteria

Evidence of:

• informative spoken introductions to the chosen styles and repertoire
• stylistic integrity and nuances relevant to style 
• vocal nuances and implemented vocal technique
• musical integrity in melodic components
• stagecraft including performance skills and confidence
• a process of learning

Students will either be assigned assessment times during the scheduled lecture and tutorial times, or will be assigned additional assessment times during Week 13.