Course syllabus

Vocal Studies Classical Music - Ensemble Singing II, Second Cycle, 30 credits

Course code: MG027A Credits: 30
Main field of study: Musical Interpretation Progression: AXX
Last revised: 13/09/2023    
Education cycle: Second cycle Approved by: Head of school
Established: 22/12/2020 Reading list approved: 13/09/2023
Valid from: Spring semester 2024 Revision: 2

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
After completing the course, the student should be able to

  • discuss interpretation, its conditions and different methods
  • give an overview of the vocal solo and ensemble repertoire from different periods from a practical and theoretical point of view
  • reflect on the technical development of the own singing voice.

Competence and skills
After completing the course, the student should be able to

  • practise, rehearse and perform music from different periods with a high degree of independence, both as a soloist and in an ensemble,
  • use advanced instruments of music theory and the piano in the own rehearsal work
  • adapt the own voice in various ensemble situations with a high degree of independence
  • prepare for audition.

Judgement and approach
After completing the course, the student should be able to

  • describe and evaluate the artistic expression in the own and other people's works
  • reflect on the own artistic and technical development
  • reflect on own artistic positions.

Content

Ensemble Performance, 15 Credits

  • Ensemble singing
  • Study and rehearsal techniques
  • Repertoire knowledge
  • Auscultation
  • Concerts

Vocal Studies, 7,5 Credits

  • Solo singing
  • Music Performance

Tools and implements, 7,5 Credits

  • Piano as a tool for study and rehearsal
  • Tools of music theory
  • Voice theory
  • Preparation for audition

Examinations and grades

Ensemble Performance, 12 credits (Code: A001)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Rehearsal Technique, 3 credits (Code: A009)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

The Choir as Workplace (Code: A010)
Grades used are Participated (DT).

Solo Singing, 5.5 credits (Code: A004)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Repertoire, 2 credits (Code: A005)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Ergonomics, Voice Theory and Aural Health (Code: A013)
Grades used are Participated (DT).

Tools and implements

Ear Training, 4 credits (Code: A011)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Piano, 3.5 credits (Code: A012)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).


According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

In accordance with university regulations on grading systems for first and second-cycle courses and study programmes (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades is to be used: fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). For courses included in an international master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the A to F grading scale is to be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by them, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds for doing so.

The grades used on this course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Comments on grades

To pass the whole course, at least the grade E is required for each examination.

The letter Grades A-E will be converted to numbers 5-1 and combined to an average grade, where the number of credits for each examination also are taken in to account. A weighted average grade of the course modules will thus be reported for the whole course.

Grade A is given when the average mark is at least 4.5.
Grade B is given when the average mark is at least 3.5 but lower than 4.5.
Grade C is given when the average mark is at least 2.5 but lower than 3.5.
Grade D is given when the average mark is at least 1.5 but lower than 2.5.
Grade E is given when the average mark is lower than 1.5.

In order to receive the final course grade A or B, the student must have received the grade A or B on the sub-courses Ensemble Performance, and at least the grade E on the remaining sub-courses.

Modes of assessment

Ensemble Performance, 12 credits (Code: A001)
Practical examination.

Rehearsal Technique, 3 credits (Code: A009)
Practical examination and written assignment.

The Choir as Workplace (Code: A010)
Practical examination and written assignment.

Solo Singing, 5,5 credits (Code: A004)
Practical examiantion.

Repertoire, 2 credits (Code: A005)
Oral examination and written assignment.

Ear Training, 4 credits (Code: A011)
Practical examiantion.

Piano, 3,5 credits (Code: A012)
Practical examination.

Voice Theory and Aural Health (Code: A013)
Oral examination.

Comment on examination forms
If necessary, the exam can take place in front of a group of teachers.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other modes of assessment.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

Vocal Studies Classical Music - Ensemble Singing I, Second Cycle, 30 Credits.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The course is given in english.

In the event that auscultation takes place elsewhere the student shall be responsible for their costs.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

Alldahl, Per-Gunnar (2008)
Choral Intonation
Gehrmans Musikförlag
ISBN: 9177482565, 9789177482567

Sundberg, Johan (1987)
The Science of the Singing Voice
Northern Illinois University Press
ISBN: 0875805426, 9780875805429

Additional Reading

Miller, Richard (2004)
Solutions for Singers
Oxford University Press, Inc.
ISBN: 9780195160055

Additions and Comments on the Reading List

Additional literature and sheet music will be added in agreement with the teaching teacher.