VSAO4647: Semester 2, 2025

Units VSAO4647 Semester 2 2025 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

VSAO4647: Diction for Performance 3

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Sydney

Overview

In this unit the students will refine the specialist language needs of singers, with the objective of students achieving a professional command of diction in all major languages of classical song repertoire. On completion of this unit students should be able to deliver a professional delivery of the text in more demanding repertoire in a fluent, accurate and expressive performance of the sung text.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Performance
Credit points	3
Prerequisites ?	VSAO3646
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Simon Lobelson, simon.lobelson@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Exam performance in French, German, Italian The student performs the prepared repertoire for each language	50%	Formal exam period	15mins	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	In-class presentation 1 French, German, Italian Presentation	40%	Multiple weeks	20 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Class discussion Proactive in-class participation.	10%	Ongoing	120 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Demant Dreikurs Scholarship Song Competition media marketing assignment	0%	Week 07 Due date: 20 Sep 2025 at 23:59	2 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

In-class performance: The student initially performs the prepared material in class. The student then interacts with the diction teacher and the class to discuss the interpretation and, if necessary to improve the diction. The student will then re-perform his material.
Final French/Italian/German practical assessment: Each student will perform one song of his own choice from the French, German and Italian repertoire. The songs are to be performed by memory. The assessment will be based on the quality of the synergy between diction, correct application of musical markings and emotional expression.
Group assessment. The student groups prepare the marketing concept and materials including introductory finalist videos, ticketing set-up, and the filming/streaming of the Demant Dreikurs Scholarship Song Competition for release on the website.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Assigned students perform, analyze and discuss complex German repertoire in preparation for upcoming recitals and performances at an advanced level.	Lecture and tutorial (8 hr)
	Assigned students perform, analyze and discuss complex Italian repertoire in preparation for upcoming recitals and performances at an advanced level.	Lecture and tutorial (8 hr)
	Assigned students perform, analyze and discuss complex French repertoire in preparation for upcoming recitals and performances at an advanced level.	Lecture and tutorial (8 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

As per the Sydney Conservatorium of Music resolutions, http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/conservatorium/rules/faculty_resolutions.sht m l (Item 11):

Attendance: Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned. The Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 90%.

Lecture recording: Lectures for this unit of study will be recorded and made available to students via the Learning Management System (LMS)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 3 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 60-75 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Additional texts and materials will be handed out in class and made available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. perform complex songs in class and concert practice, demonstrating a further advanced understanding of the pronunciation of the major languages in different musical periods including aspects of onomatopoeia
LO2. deliver a correct delivery of the text in complex repertoire and styles in a fluent, accurate and expressive performance of the sung text
LO3. demonstrate an individual interpretation based on the synergy between poetry, rhythm, dynamic differences and expression markings.
LO4. practical application of acquired knowledge from other disciplines and the development of entrepreneurial skills by engaging in teamwork to organise, market and run a professional event.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since the unit was last offered.

Additional information

The language order is structured as follows:

Weeks 1-4, French, lecturer: Simon Lobelson

Weeks 5-8, German, lecturer: Anke Hoeppner-Ryan

Weeks 9-12, Italian, lecturer: Alan Hicks

You are responsible for sending your music at least two weeks in advance to the assigned accompanist.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

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