Examinations, Courses and Awards

Course SummaryThis module is intended to allow you to demonstrate your ability as a choral singer. You should be able to draw on your other studies for the diploma as a means of enriching and developing your understanding of, and approach to, the practice of music in liturgy and worship. Much of your preparation for this module is likely to be related to your regular work as a choral singer.

Learning OutcomesOn successful completion of this module you will be able: (a) to participate in both the rehearsal and performance of two contrasting liturgical compositions in such a way as to demonstrate competence as a singer; (b) to demonstrate your ability to sustain a vocal line without additional support; and (c) to demonstrate fluency in sight-singing.

StudyThe normal preparation and individual tuition for performance and practical examination as a solo singer is appropriate, but you can also gain much by participating in an able choir (whether sacred or secular). It is expected that you will be working towards this module during both years of study for the diploma.

AssessmentAssessment is based on a practical session and a series of practical tests related to choral singing. This session will take place in your own church or chapel with your own choir or music group. Two examiners will attend the session on an agreed date. Exceptionally, where this is impossible to arrange, you may be asked to submit a VHS video recording.

• 1. Participation in rehearsal and performance of repertory identified by you and approved in advance by the Academic Board (see below). This will consist of a rehearsal of two contrasted pieces of liturgical music (30 minutes), and the performance of them (2 to 3 minutes in performance). One of the pieces should include solo verse(s) or passage(s) sung by you.
• 2. Participation in rehearsing and performing two pieces chosen by the examiners of liturgical music for a small choral group (one to a part) (30 minutes). You will be the only voice singing your part in the group and one of the pieces will include a solo verse or passage sung by you. You will be provided with the music in advance but must not rehearse the pieces with the group before the session. Music for the group will be provided by the examiners on the day.
• 3. A series of tests related to choral singing: sight-reading of a hymn and of a piece of polyphony, sight-reading of a psalm or plainsong (at the candidate's choice), performance of  four short items selected by the candidate from specified solo songs or passages from sacred choral music (accompaniment will be provided).

When the examiners allocate grades and marks, equal weight will be given to each of the three elements of the assessment.

Arrangements for the assessmentYou should submit a proposal for the content of the practical session to the Course Secretary before the session takes place. This should include scores of the music to be rehearsed and performed.

If there is no difficulty with your proposal, approval will be granted by the time the study period begins. If there are reservations the matter will be resolved as quickly as possible. The Course Secretary will forward single copies of the items for Section 2 (above) and for the prepared elements of the tests when communicating approval.