Course Syllabus

MUSC 3920 Opera Workshop

Course Description

This course includes staging and performances of arias and short scenes from operas, operettas, and musical theater. It is intended for students in the vocal music advisement track, as well as those wishing for an advanced experience in vocal literature.This ensemble will provide students with an opportunity to develop technical skill, sight-reading ability, and knowledge of the repertory related to the ensemble. It further allows students to synthesize musical, historical and cultural knowledge into meaningful artistic expression. This course is open only to music majors pursuing the bachelor of music degree or by permission of instructor. Audition required. May be repeated for credit.

Justification

This course provides vocal majors with an opportunity to perform great works of opera, which is especially critical for those pursuing performance degrees. Courses similar to this are taught at other institutions in Utah. This course transfers as a performance credit.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Perform scenes from operas in a variety of languages, including, English, German, Italian and French.
2. Understand the proper techniques for singing while moving on stage.
3. Understand and perform correct blocking and staging technique.
4. Understand the roles of the musical director, stage director, costume director stage manager, understudy and performer as they relate to the production of a show.
5. Understand the differences that existed in the performance practices of operas written in the Baroque, Classic, Romantic and Post-Romantic periods.

Course Content

1. Basics of stage direction
2. Basics of acting
3. Basics of diction in Italian, French, German and English
4. The Alexander Technique of performance posture
5. Preparing a role as a performer and as an understudy
6. Basics of costuming
7. Performance practices as they relate to different historical periods