University of Dayton / College of Arts & Sciences

Department of Music

 

COURSE SYLLABUS

MUS 390.16: Opera Workshop

 

Lee Hoffman, co-director                                                                                        Fall, 2005

John Wright, co-director                                                                                     1 credit hour

John Benjamin, coach/piano                                                                T/TH 4:30 - 5:45 PM

http://academic.udayton.edu/LeeHoffman/ow.html

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Prof. Hoffman       Phone: 937-229-4971       Email: Lee.Hoffman@notes.udayton.edu

Prof. Wright          Phone: 937-229-3931       Email: John.Wright@notes.udayton.edu

Prof. Benjamin      Phone: 937-229-3293       Email: John.Benjamin@notes.udayton.edu

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This is a course in performance technique for the singer-actor through the study and performance of music from operatic literature. Improvisation exercises are incorporated. Repertoire varies from year to year.

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

                    á To explore performance techniques for the singer-actor through acting and improvisation exercises.

 

                    á To develop the student's ability to move, sing and act, and to integrate these into a character with ease and stylistic awareness.

 

                    á To sing with freedom, good intonation and musical and dramatic expression.

 

                    á To explore new dramatic repertoire.

 

REQUIREMENTS

Attendance: is required at all regular rehearsals. Attendance at every rehearsal during production week is mandatory without exception; make necessary arrangements now. Students may be excused from regular rehearsals if the instructor is notified in advance of the rehearsal in person, by personal phone call, email or written note. Excessive tardiness and/or more than one unexcused absence will result in a lowering of the grade.

 

Music and roles: Each singer is expected to (1) promptly, accurately and persuasively learn and memorize music and role(s), at least meeting, if not exceeding his or her vocal, musical and dramatic potential, and (2) bring a pencil and score to all musical coachings and staging rehearsals. Use of tape recorder at rehearsals is strongly suggested.

 

Performances: Each member of the Opera Workshop cast is required to complete all scheduled performances of role(s) as assigned. Emphasis will be placed on each member's maximum effort toward meaningful progress in movement, characterization, diction and dramatic/musical/vocal expression.

 

Score: You will each receive rehearsal scores.

 

EVALUATION

Grade will be based on attendance, effort, the quality of the completed assignments and the consistency of progress throughout the semester.

 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

NOTE: Specific musical and dramatic assignments and rehearsal locations will be posted on the Opera Workshop webpage, at the MT125 board and announced via email; check all regularly!

 

Class #      Day / Date      Activity                Location

1                T 8/23             Introductions        MT 114

3                Th 8/25           As posted             MT 114

4                T 8/30             As posted             Sears Recital Hall & as posted

5                Th 9/1             As posted             Sears Recital Hall & as posted

6                T 9/6               As posted             Sears Recital Hall & as posted

7                Th 9/8             As posted             MT 114 & as posted

8                T 9/13             As posted             Sears Recital Hall & as posted

9                Th 9/15           As posted             Sears Recital Hall & as posted

10              T 9/20             As posted             Sears Recital Hall & as posted

11              Th 9/22           As posted             Sears Recital Hall & as posted

12              T 9/27             As posted             Sears Recital Hall & as posted

13              Th 9/29           As posted             Sears Recital Hall & as posted

14              T 10/4             As posted             Sears Recital Hall & as posted

15              Th 10/6           As posted             Sears Recital Hall & as posted

16              Th 10/13         As posted             Sears Recital Hall & as posted

17              T 10/18           As posted             Sears Recital Hall & as posted

18              Th 10/20         As posted             Sears Recital Hall & as posted

19              T 10/25           As posted             Sears Recital Hall & as posted

20              Th 10/27         As posted             Sears Recital Hall & as posted

21              T 11/1             As posted             Sears Recital Hall & as posted

22              Th 11/3           As posted             Sears Recital Hall & as posted

P                Sun 11/6         6:00 - 11:00 PM Tech Rehearsal, Boll Theatre

P                M 11/7            6:00 - 11:00 PM Pre-Dress Rehearsal, Boll Theatre

P                T 11/8             4:30 Ð 5:45 PM    Sears Recital Hall

P                T 11/8             6:00 - 11:00 PM Pre-Dress Rehearsal, Boll Theatre

P                W 11/9            6:00 - 11:00 PM Dress Rehearsal 1, Boll Theatre

P                Th 11/10         4:30 Ð 5:45 PM    Sears Recital Hall

P                Th 11/10         6:00 - 11:00 PM Dress Rehearsal 2, Boll Theatre

P                F 11/11            6:00 PM Call; 8:00 PM Performance, Boll Theatre

P                Sat 11/12        6:00 PM Call; 8:00 PM Performance, Boll Theatre

 

NOTE: Additional off-campus performances are possible; more information soon.

 

This syllabus is subject to change at the instructors' discretion. Updated 9/20/05.