MA Practice of Voice and SingingGuildford School of Acting
- Programme director
- Ms Chris Palmer
- Programme length
- Full-time: 12 months, Part-time: 24 months
- Programme start date
- September 2013
This programme supplies a unique connection between the disciplines of sung and spoken voice.
Programme overview
This programme supplies a unique connection between the disciplines of sung and spoken voice, and aims to render transparency and mutual relevance between two disciplines in the creation of a groundbreaking and innovative student learning experience. The practice-based programme is informed by a theoretical understanding and critical awareness of historical and current practices, and seeks to develop a personal style of coaching in its graduates.
The MA Practice of Voice and Singing seeks to bring together these two separate methodologies in order to create a new paradigm for teaching voice and singing, and invites students to expand, develop and reflect on their coaching styles.
Entry requirements
Prospective students are normally required to hold a first or 2.1 honours degree at Bachelors level or equivalent. Non-graduates with a professional practice profile of at least five years can be accepted. Entry is highly selective and subject to the GSA audition and interview procedure.
As part of your audition, you will be required to:
- Support your application with a brief essay (1,000 words) setting out your particular interest in voice and singing
- Introduce, perform and work with the panel on a prepared poem and sonnet, and two songs of contrasting style and genre
- Attend a panel interview
English language requirements
IELTS minimum overall: 6.5
IELTS minimum by component:
6.0
We offer intensive English language pre-sessional courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Fees and funding
All fees are subject to increase or review for subsequent academic years. Please note that not all visa routes permit part-time study and overseas students entering the UK on a Tier 4 visa will not be permitted to study on a part-time basis.
| Programme name | Study mode | Start date | UK/EU fees | Overseas fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA Practice of Voice and Singing | Full-time | Sept 2013 | £9,345 | £9,345 |
| MA Practice of Voice and Singing | Part-time | Sept 2013 | Please enquire | Please enquire |
Programme content
Compulsory Modules
- Vocal Anatomy and Physiology
- Phonetics
- Voice and Singing in Performance 1
- Voice and Singing in Performance 2
- Interdisciplinary Pedagogies 1
- Interdisciplinary Pedagogies 2
- Integrated Practice 1
- Integrated Practice 2
- External Placement and Dissertation
Module Overview
You will study eight compulsory modules and, for a master’s qualification, research and attend a professional placement and write a dissertation.
Examples of modules available are:
Vocal Anatomy and Physiology
This module is intended to provide you with a sound working knowledge of the entire anatomical and physiological system relating to the sung and spoken voice. You will be required to demonstrate this in your own vocal practice and be able to impart this knowledge and understanding to others. You will be expected to show evidence of comprehensive research into the history of vocal pedagogy to the present day. You will be encouraged to synthesise scientific observation and practice.
Voice and Singing in Performance 1
This module is designed to research and train the voice in preparation for integrated performance in both singing and voice. The exploration of a wide range of classical text and song, using a variety of teaching methods, will enable you to develop a deep and systematic understanding of coaching and personal vocal growth, and finally to develop an independent and specialised style across both disciplines.
Interdisciplinary Pedagogies 1
This module is intended to introduce and engage you with a variety of leading practitioners, both current and historical, in order to understand the pedagogies in both singing and voice. Experiential learning through ‘doing’ the work of others will lead you to develop an understanding of methodologies for your own practice. Through this you will develop your own strategies, methodologies and coaching as an effective practitioner operating in the combined disciplines of voice and singing.
Integrated Practice 1
This module will provide you with the means to demonstrate full integration between voice and singing, drawing together all that has been researched, learnt and practised on the course to date. You will have the opportunity to practise and reflect on your craft in a variety of rehearsal and performance spaces, always combining the two disciplines.
External Placement and Dissertation
This module is the culmination of the work undertaken so far. You will identify a placement outside GSA which will provide you with scope for extending your skills of observation, analysis and appropriate intervention in the interests of a particular enterprise.
The placement and the exercise will be arranged and determined in negotiation with the programme leaders. The placement will take place over not less than 70 hours which may be delivered either in a solid block or split across the term. You will spend time researching and planning the work for your professional placement under the close supervision of an allocated and appropriate tutor. Supervision will continue through the placement, which will take place during the summer term depending on the schedules and structures of the organisation with which you are placed.
Programme Structure
| Award | Modules | Credits |
| PGDip | Vocal Anatomy and Physiology | 15 |
| Phonetics | 15 | |
| Voice and Singing in Performance 1 | 15 | |
| Voice and Singing in Performance 2 | 15 | |
| Interdisciplinary Pedagogies 1 | 15 | |
| Interdisciplinary Pedagogies 2 | 15 | |
| Integrated Practice 1 | 15 | |
| Integrated Practice 2 | 15 | |
| MA | External Placement and Dissertation | 60 |
The MA Practice of Voice and Singing is designed to be delivered in either a full-time or part-time mode.
Students following the full-time study programme would proceed as follows:
| Year One | Term 1 | Vocal Anatomy and Physiology |
| Phonetics | ||
| Interdisciplinary Pedagogies 1 | ||
| Voice and Singing in Performance 1 | ||
| Term 2 | Phonetics | |
| Interdisciplinary Pedagogies 2 | ||
| Voice and Singing in Performance 2 | ||
| Integrated Practice 1 | ||
| Terms 3 and 4 | Integrated Practice 2 | |
| External Placement and Dissertation |
Students following the part-time programme will proceed as follows:
| Year One | Term 1 | Vocal Anatomy and Physiology |
| Terms 1 and 2 | Phonetics | |
| Voice and Singing in Performance 1 | ||
| Year Two | Terms 1 and 2 | Interdisciplinary Pedagogies 1 and 2 |
| Voice and Singing in Performance 2 | ||
| Integrated Practice 1 | ||
| Terms 3 and 4 | Integrated Practice 2 | |
| External Placement and Dissertation |
Teaching and assessment
A practice-based approach involving the training philosophy of ‘participate–observe–practice’ (POP) is an integral aspect of the programme.
As a full-time student, you will attend lectures, seminars, classes and rehearsal projects during the first two teaching terms with tutorials, seminars and a monitored external placement during the third term. You will spend the fourth term off-campus, writing your critical evaluation and professional development plan.
Part-time students will follow a similar path, with classes and seminars during the first two terms of the first and second years. There will also be a third and fourth term during the second year, in which you will undertake your external placement and complete your critical evaluation.
You will also work with students on other performance programmes. Teaching by our staff and established part-time tutors will involve one-to-one tutorials, group-based seminars and lecture sessions. There will also be expert master classes. You will identify your external placement which will be arranged by mutual negotiation between you and the programme director.
Assessment methods are likewise dependent on the learning outcomes of a module and include performances, essays and presentations. Formative assessments are built into the compulsory modules in order that the students may be given effective individual feedback at an early stage.
Facilities
The University Library contains the majority of set texts, key journals, scripts and scores necessary for the programme. Students have access to extensive facilities through VLE and IT Services, and additional support is available in the Learning Resource Centre in the University Library.
GSA has new dedicated premises on campus with extensive state-of-the-art dance studios and practice rooms, and access to the Ivy Arts Centre, a new fully equipped theatre with a 180-seat main theatre and studio theatre space.
In addition, the University provides a range of student support services. These include a Medical Centre, Counselling Centre, International Office, Student Advice and Information Service, various library support services, Additional Learning Support and English language tuition.
Industry links
GSA MA Practice of Voice and Singing graduates have already achieved many exciting and prestigious international placements and appointments, as far afield as Korea, Bulgaria, Hong Kong, Gothenburg, the Netherlands and Norway. National placements have been undertaken at a multiplicity of organisations including the Globe Theatre, LAMDA and the Bristol Old Vic.
Outstanding international reputation
GSA has an outstanding international reputation for its graduates who make an active and dynamic contribution to the performing arts industry.
Department links
Contact us
For general enquiries
0800 980 3200 or +44 (0)1483 681 681
For admissions enquiries
+44 (0)1483 684 052