Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts

COURSE OUTLINE

VOCAL TECHNIQUE - Tutorial

We have only one voice, and we are its owner, trainer, and, if necessary, doctor. As singers, we must know our instrument so well that even if we're asked to sing in a potentially harmful way, we can protect ourselves and our careers by giving our directors what they want without doing much damage. Students will learn, through vocalization, where the voice comes from, how different muscle groups work together in vocal production, and how to monitor themselves for the internal cues that indicate a free instrument. This work requires great concentration and focus, but the rewards are worth it!

MUSICAL THEATRE PRESENTATION

The musical theatre presentation class is designed to introduce students to various musical styles. Students will have the opportunity to develop presentation skills, i.e. finding the best material to suit the skills of the performer so that they may audition with confidence. The emphasis will be on interpretation and finding a personal style.

THEORY

The theory program, levels 1 - 4, is specifically designed to help the musical theatre performer develop the skills necessary to pursue their career. Each level incorporates ear training, sight-singing and keyboard harmony to increase the student's understanding of the written elements of theory. There will be a mid-term exam, final exam and a keyboard exam in each level as well as regular homework assignments.
Level One
Music theory and vocal technique are emphasized through group singing in a music theatre context. Term one is an introduction to sofeggio and rudimentary sight-singing in major keys. Term two shifts the emphasis to performance of basic to intermediate level choral repertoire from musical theatre, classical and popular genres of a basic to intermediate level with careful attention to accuracy of pitch, rhythm and dynamics. End of term examinations in sight-singing, and part singing in small groups.
Level Two, Three
Music theory and vocal technique are solidified through group singing in a music theatre context. Students in level two, three have a solid understanding of music theory and rudimentary sight-singing ability. Continued study in sight-singing and minor keys introduced. Repertoire from musical theatre prepared for public performance. Final examination in theory/sight-singing, and part singing in small groups.
CHORUS
Level One
Music theory and vocal technique are emphasized through group singing in a music theatre context. Term one is an introduction to sofeggio and rudimentary sight-singing in major keys. Term two shifts the emphasis to performance of basic to intermediate level choral repertoire from musical theatre, classical and popular genres of a basic to intermediate level with careful attention to accuracy of pitch, rhythm and dynamics. End of term examinations in sight-singing, and part singing in small groups.
Level Two, Three
Music theory and vocal technique are solidified through group singing in a music theatre context. Students in level two, three have a solid understanding of music theory and rudimentary sight-singing ability. Continued study in sight-singing and minor keys introduced. Repertoire from musical theatre prepared for public performance. Final examination in theory/sight-singing, part singing in small groups.
MUSICAL THEATRE HISTORY / REPETOIRE

In this class you will study the history of musical theatre and the people involved from its origins to the present day. This course is directed at those who have little or no existing knowledge of the Broadway musical theatre repertoire. You will explore through musical and lyrical analysis, the standard and traditional songs of Rodgers, Kern, Loesser, Loewe and moving on to Sondheim, Weill and Gershwin and completing the term with the contemporary musicals of Wildhorne, Lloyd Weber and others. The Metro Reference Library will be your home away from home as it will provide you with the source material for this course. As you study these materials, you will begin to put together your own personal audition "kit" for songs that work for you when you begin the audition treadmill upon graduation of RAPA.