Students will be introduced to the tools and approaches of choral music analysis and arrangement. They will also learn to access, assess and transcribe original and edited sources of vocal music (solo and ensemble), and will be introduced to the principles and practices of vocal performance and staging.

Students will attend lectures that will cover the theoretical aspects of choral music analysis and arrangement for two, three and four parts. Another set of lectures will be dedicated to the introduction and study of original and edited sources of vocal music. Students will also attend a laboratory where principles and practices of vocal performance in relation to staging (including stage presence, lighting and spacing) will be introduced.

Demonstrate an understanding of the tools required to analyse choral music in two, three and four parts. Exhibit basic knowledge of choral arrangement principles and approaches. Identify and assess original and edited sources of vocal music for solo and ensemble. Demonstrate a competence in applying basic principles of staging in vocal performance contexts.

Develop a creative approach and a critical awareness necessary to make choral arrangements and to strengthen stage presence.

Engage in technical work through teacher-directed and ensemble practice. Develop the skills necessary to engage in staged vocal performance practice.

This module will be taught using a combined theoretical and practical approach. Students will be introduced to the different elements of choral music - such as melody/voicing (motives, themes, melodic devices, range), meter, tempo, articulation, rhythmic devices, rhythmic motives, form, harmonic structure and devices, texture, dynamic and text (pronunciation, articulation and translation) - and will learn to develop a basic understanding of how these elements can be used to analyse and further arrange choral music. Examples will be drawn from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. Principles of choral arrangement for two, three and four parts will be also introduced theoretically and practically in order to stimulate creativity. Students will be required to submit a basic choral arrangement of an existing work (or one of their own, if applicable). A separate lecture will introduce students to the different resources (printed, audio/visual, online) of original and edited versions of vocal music, as well as to principles and practices that will help them identify and assess musical sources/scores for their own study. This will include the practice of transcription from original sources. The laboratory will consist of workshops on staging for vocal performance, and will include the study of principles of lighting design, spacing and stage presence. This aspect of the module will encourage collaboration with other artists necessary to produce a fully-staged performance.