Vocal

Vocal Course

Audition Requirements

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Candidates
Online Audition

Candidates should complete their online application first.
In the online application, students should include a digital portfolio (Dropbox folder, YouTube, Vimeo) with a video of the candidate performing the audition programme as prescribed here below. The video needs to be one unedited performance of the required audition programme.
After the digital portfolios have been assessed, candidates will be informed whether the department has selected them for an audition in person (On-campus courses) or for an interview (both for On-Campus and Online courses).

All the portfolios submitted should indicate the applicant’s name and ID number if any, the program applied to and the contents of the file.
For online courses only, portfolio needs to be submitted 2 weeks before the beginning of the term.
For full academic year enrolment starting in September, portfolios needs to be submitted by 31st January of the same calendar year.

Part One: Digital Portfolio

Undergraduate: Candidates shall submit a digital portfolio containing:
• A brief written statement of purpose or goals in the programme
• A video of the candidate performing an audition programme of their own choosing of maximum 15 minutes. This programme shall be subject to the following:
1. An oratorio aria demonstrating vocal agility (with recitative if possible)
2. One aria in a language foreign to the applicant
3. A third piece of contrasting style and mood

Postgraduate Vocal Studies: Candidates shall submit a digital portfolio containing:
• A brief written statement of purpose or goals in the programme
• A video of the candidate performing an audition programme of their own choosing of maximum 25 minutes. This programme shall be subject to the following:
1. An oratorio aria demonstrating vocal agility (with recitative if possible)
2. An operatic aria in a language foreign to the applicant
3. Two songs/lieder of contrasting style and mood

Applicants interested in Opera are invited to apply only for an opera audition: the Opera panel will automatically judge when to offer a place in Opera or to Postgraduate Vocal Studies.

Opera: The Opera Course is an Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 8) programme.
Candidates shall submit a digital portfolio containing:
• A brief written statement of purpose or goals in the programme
• A video of the candidate performing an audition programme of their own choosing of maximum 25 minutes. This programme shall be subject to the following:
1. Three operatic aria in contrasting style and different languages
2. One operatic aria in English

MMDip candidates must also include in their portfolio at least two examples of their academic written work, each piece of written work being 1000-2000 words in length and in English. The candidate’s written work should aim to demonstrate:
• Responsiveness to music and musical issues
• Quality of critical engagement
• Capacity for research enquiry

Part One-bis: In person Audition

For On-Campus enrolments, candidates short-listed from the digital portfolio examination will be invited for an audition in person.

Undergraduate and Postgraduate candidates will be asked to perform:
• The same programme presented in the digital portfolio
• Scales and arpeggios
• A quick-study or sight reading

Part Two: Panel Interview

Following the practical assessment, a panel interview will be conducted with the candidate. This will:
• Allow the panel to further examine the candidate’s knowledge of music and their suitability for the course
• Provide an opportunity for the candidate to ask questions and discuss their performance during the audition
• Allow the panel to gain a clear understanding of what the student hopes to achieve from the course if they are accepted

General Notes

Throughout the audition, candidates should note and strictly adhere to the following:
• In the videos, the camera needs to face the applicant
• Videos of the applicant performing over a soundtrack (instead of a live accompanist or ensemble) will be accepted
• For in person auditions, no time will be available during the audition to rehearse or discuss any special arrangements the candidate may require with the accompanist or rhythm section provided by LPMAM
• Wherever possible, candidates shall ensure that their instruments are fully ready and warmed-up prior to entering the audition room. A warm-up room will be available for this purpose close to the audition room. No warm-up will be allowed during the actual audition
• Prior to commencing the audition, the candidate must provide the music they will be performing in the practical assessment. This should be given to the steward in a suitable folder which must be clearly marked with the candidate’s name and a list of contents. The folder must contain copies of the score or lead sheet for use by the panel along with the melodic and rhythm section parts
• Additionally, undergraduate candidates must also complete the LPMAM written paper on the day of the audition in person. This requirement does not apply to postgraduate candidates

Vocal Course Syllabus

The course is run over a period of four years, each comprising the following core elements: Principal Study lessons, Performance Classes, and Academic and Supporting Studies with the chance to take part in concerts and masterclasses.
Assessment will be focused on the student’s attitude and ability in practical studies and attendance – to include punctuality, preparation for lessons, classes & rehearsals and performance skills.

All year students will benefit from:
• 60 minutes individual tuition once every week,
• Weekly classes in Academic and Supporting Studies
• Performance classes and main stage opera choruses
• Opportunity to undertake a second or related study

The following outlines the performance and coursework expectations required from students for each year of this programme:

Year 1

Performance 1 [Technical Assessment]:
Students are expected to prepare and perform from memory:
1. One song
2. One spoken text
3. Technical exercises

Performance 2 [Non-public recital]:
Students will prepare and present a programme of 20 minutes of songs/lieder, with varied style and languages. All songs must be sung from memory, and at least one must be sung in Italian.
They will be expected to research and write the notes to the programme and give a spoken presentation to the recital.

Coursework:
Student’s practical work will be continuously assessed as part of the coursework.
Compulsory coursework components of the first year include:
Performance Class, Movement, Italian Repertoire, and Introduction to IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet).

Year 2

Performance 1 [Technical Assessment]:
Students are expected to prepare and perform from memory:
1. One song in German
2. A contrasting song in any other language
3. One short monologue
4. Technical exercises

Performance 2 [Non-public recital]:
Students will prepare and present a programme of 20 minutes from memory, comprised of:
1. One song in Italian
2..One song in German
3. Three songs in different style and languages
4. One short monologue
They will be expected to research and write the notes to the programme and give a spoken presentation to the recital.

Coursework:
Student’s practical work will be continuously assessed as part of the coursework.
Compulsory coursework components of the second year include:
Performance Class, Drama Workshop, and German Repertoire.

Year 3

Performance 1 [Technical Assessment]:
Students are expected to prepare and perform from memory:
1. One song in French
2. Two contrasting song in any other language
3. Two short text (with at least one in language foreign to student)

Performance 2 [Public Recital]:
Students will prepare and present a programme of 25 minutes from memory, comprised of:
1. One song in Italian
2..One song in German or French
3. Free choice of songs and arias in different style and languages
They will be expected to research and write the notes to the programme and give a spoken presentation to the recital.

Coursework:
Student’s practical work will be continuously assessed as part of the coursework.
Compulsory coursework components of the third year include:
Performance Class, Dance, Breathing, French Repertoire, French Phonetics, Movement, and Techniques of Teaching 1.

Year 4

Performance 1 [Mid Year Public Recital]:
Students will prepare and present a programme of 30 minutes, with varied style and repertoire. They will be expected to research and write the notes to the programme and give a spoken presentation to the recital.

Performance 2 [End of Year Public Recital]:
Students will prepare and present a programme of 30 minutes, with varied style and repertoire. They will be expected to research and write the notes to the programme and give a spoken presentation to the recital.

Coursework:
Student’s practical work will be continuously assessed as part of the coursework.
Compulsory coursework components of the fourth year include:
Performance Class, Italian Repertoire, German or French Repertoire, Oratorio, Repertoire Coaching, Acting for Opera, Movement, and Techniques of Teaching 2.