Advanced Diploma in Opera

Purpose

Upon qualifying the learner will be able to

• Apply the core principles of the foreign languages, French, German, Italian and Spanish to roles being prepared for Advanced Opera Workshop and any other large scale works.
• Apply music creatively and effectively in the context of performance at a level of sophistication suitable to national solo or ensemble performance.

Rationale

The Advanced Diploma in Opera provides a learning pathway for learners who have completed a Diploma in Music at NQF Level 6 to proceed into the Postgraduate Diploma in Music (NQF Level 8). The rationale is to provide South Africa with learners with expertise in diverse musical traditions, in order to ensure the high quality and continuity of the local leadership base of innovative musical expertise in Opera.

The qualification will also enable learners to develop advanced skills and applied competence in opera and to provide learners with opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, to be able to make rewarding contributions to society, in the form of arts and culture.

In addition, the qualification will present learners with employment opportunities in performance. The Advanced Diploma is designed to prepare learners for careers in solo or ensemble performance.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The purpose of recognition of prior learning (RPL) will be to evaluate and acknowledge the knowledge and skills that a learner has gained through informal and non-formal ways. This knowledge and skills will be evaluated through appropriate and reliable assessment ways. Auditions will be held and a CV requested in the case of students who do not meet the minimum admission requirements.

Entry Requirements

For admission learners will need to have

• Diploma at NQF Level 6).

Or

• Bachelors' Degree at NQF Level 7 in the relevant field.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5 and 7, totalling 132 Credits.

Compulsory Module, NQF Level 5

• French for Musicians B, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7

• Advanced Lyric Diction, 24 Credits.
• Advanced Vocal Studies, 24 Credits.
• Advanced Movement, 24 Credits.
• Advanced Opera Workshop, 48 Credits.

1. Display musical and performance skills in the context of audition arias.
2. Apply music creatively and effectively in the context of performance at a level of sophistication suitable to national solo or ensemble performance.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Internalization of acting is demonstrated.
• Basic textual understanding and the ability to physically convey this understanding is shown.
• Stanislavskian work with frequent juxtaposition of home language/European language work is used.
• The ability to sing with technical proficiency is demonstrated and performing with a sense of musical style and dramatic interpretation is displayed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The significance of performance and creative expression is appreciated and applied in various musical genres in the context of national and international developments in the arts.
• Understanding and interpretation of creative and performing issues is communicated to others clearly.
• Working effectively as an individual music specialist or as a team player in music ensembles is demonstrated.
• Theories of musical interpretation in the context of performing opera are applied.
• Relaxation and creative body movement, as well as the techniques of classical, national and contemporary dance are demonstrated.

Integrated Assessment

Learners will have a combination of tests and quizzes and practical examinations including operatic performances and oral examinations. For the vocal studies the performance will be examined by a panel appointed by Senate. The learner's performance time must total 25-30 minutes including at least 8 minutes of singing.