Duration
3 years
Intake dates
January
What does this course involve?
If you want to pursue a professional career in musical theatre, drama or community theatre, this course focuses on expert tuition in training the ‘triple threat’ (voice/acting/dance). You’ll have extensive production opportunities as well as the option to develop performer toolkits, including video/audio show reels and individual CD projects.
You will study the relationship between music, movement and drama/text, investigating the role of the performing artist as re-creator and creator. You will have ample opportunities to perform songs from the established musical theatre repertoire in a variety of formats, and learn the importance of imagination in self-devised material relevant to cabaret, club and related entertainment opportunities.
Acting:
You will learn to take a holistic approach to solving theatrical problems, and translate text through aspects of the actor’s craft - voice, text, movement and characterisation - culminating in monologue and dialogue scene work.
Dance:
You will sequentially develop skills in modern, jazz and tap. If you have strong background skills in classical and ballet you will be able to build upon your accomplishments in this style.
Vocal Performance:
You’ll learn both legitimate and chest-voice extension styles of delivery and interpretation. You’ll study contemporary Broadway and West End literature, including the works of such composers and lyricists as Jason Robert Brown, John LaChiusa, William Finn, Stephen Schwartz, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens.
If you choose you can exit after two years with the Associate Degree.
Entrance requirements
Australian Year 12 or equivalent with a pass. Relevant senior employment experience in industry will be considered.
English Language Proficiency
A minimum IELTS overall score of 6.0 (Academic with no band less than 5.5).
A minimum TOEFL score of 550 for paper examination; 213 for computer based and 79 for Internet based.
Special admission requirements
• Evidence of music ability in the form of video tape, DVD or live audition (if possible).
The audition video tape or DVD should contain the following:
1. An up-tempo song from a Broadway or West End musical;
2. A ballad or moderate tempo song from a Broadway or West End musical;
3. A short monologue drawn from an appropriate theatrical script or other dramatic setting of between 1.5 and 2 minutes in duration. Monologues from film scripts should be avoided.
(A recommended list is available on the Box Hill Institute website
http://www. bhtafe.edu.au/Courses/BAM92.htm)
Applicants may be requested to sing only up to 32 bars from either one or both songs selected. Applicants should have prepared the necessary ‘cuts’ in conjunction with their accompanist prior to the audition.
Applicants will be assessed for both their potential and established skills (if any) in dance as part of a group audition. Simple movements and short enchainments will be taught to the group within in a modern style and an assessment made of overall potential. Whereas previous training in dance is advantageous, it is not a formal requirement that such training have been undertaken prior to commencing the course. Applicants should, nonetheless, be aware that dance is a significant part of the program and that a capacity to meet the demands within this component of the course is a significant determinant for successful entry into the degree.
• Completion of a supervised musicianship test (will be sent upon receipt of student’s application).
Cost
Aus $12,500 per year
plus amenities and materials fees.
What employment opportunities will I have?
You will have many employment options within the entertainment and performance industry such as a performer in musical theatre productions, cabaret, stage plays, corporate events, film, television, and themed production opportunities, including employment opportunities with international production companies.
Although some graduates tend to specialise in one area over others, the development of comparable skills in all facets of the triple-threat is the key to long-term success on the stage.
There are also pathways to teaching with the completion of this degree and further post-graduate study.
As a student, the Institute’s Employment Service is your first port of call for advice on gaining employment in this field, and can be contacted on
1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445).
What further study options will I have?
Graduates from this course may apply for post-graduate study at other institutions. This includes post-graduate study in teaching and education.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Victorian Office of Higher Education.
Course Structure
The Bachelor of Applied Music is a three-year degree with four specialist streams: Performance, Composition, Musical Theatre and Audio Production. You must apply for a specific stream but will have the option of taking electives from the other streams.
All four streams are set in a contemporary music context and offer a comprehensive and innovative range of subjects designed to equip you for the contemporary music industry. This is a unique degree offering students the opportunity to specialise for industry employment and/or prepare for post-graduate study, including teaching.
You will undertake core subjects at each year level of the degree. In addition each stream has specific subjects related to that industry area as well as the opportunity to choose an elective study area in each year.
Each stream has a specific focus and aims to engage you in an environment, which supports learning whilst creating an atmosphere conducive to industry-related work practices. In this way the course supports creativity and innovation against a background of principles, techniques and skills acquisition.
Subject Details
First Year
plus two subjects from the electives list
MUZ101 – Music language studies 1 - (52 hours)
This is the first of six units of Music Language Studies. In this subject students will study aural and theoretical concepts, knowledge and skills in the context of developments in early Western music. Links will be made between music from these periods and contemporary music. Topics covered will include aural and theoretical recognition, notation and performance of intervals, scales, chords, melodies, rhythms, and four-part harmony. Students will also demonstrate an awareness of stylistic conventions, form, analysis, major composers and historical and social contexts of early Western music up to, and including, the Baroque period.
MUZ102 – Music language studies 2 - (52 hours)
This subject will build on the aural and theoretical concepts, knowledge and skills developed in Music Language Studies 1, by examining the use of similar musical elements in jazz genres from the last century. Other topics will include aural and theoretical recognition, notation and performance of scales, extended chords, chord progressions, rhythms and melodies derived from conventions in jazz; further harmonisation and an awareness of stylistic conventions, form, analysis, major composers and historical and social contexts of jazz in the 20th Century.
MUZ113 – Industry styles 1 - (39 hours)
This is the first of six units designed to prepare musicians with the comprehensive competencies required to perform in a variety of commercial styles suited to celebratory functions, formal ceremonial occasions and events and informal social gatherings. Students will work in designated band groups developing arrangements and repertoire, as well as learning an instrument other than the students’ specialist instrument.
MUZ114 – Industry styles 2 - (39 hours)
This subject proceeds directly from Industry Styles 1. Students will consolidate and expand repertoire and explore further musical, organisational and behavioural demands and expectations associated with different functions. Students will continue to arrange music and expand upon their knowledge of instruments that are unfamiliar to them.
MUZ115 – Principal study 1 - (26 hours)
This subject is the first of six sequential, and developmental, units of study that will prepare students for employment as professional performing musicians in the contemporary music industry. Students will progressively develop and expand both technique and repertoire on a principal study instrument or voice. Programs of instrumental or voice tuition will be developed for each student after analysis of their competencies on entering the course. Lessons will be delivered in a combination of weekly individual lessons, technique classes and additional master classes.
MUZ116 – Principal study 2 - (26 hours)
Principal Study 2
Students will extend and expand upon established concepts, knowledge and skills in instrumental or voice performance. Content will progress sequentially from the previous unit under the direction of specialist teachers in individual consultations with students. Lessons will be delivered in a combination of weekly individual lessons, technique classes and additional master classes.
MUZ103 – Music technology 1 - (52 hours)
Students will acquire conventional keyboard techniques and knowledge and skills that enable the keyboard to be used as a tool for studying musical elements and as an interface with computer software. Students will learn basic performance on the keyboard to enable input for MIDI with the purpose of realisation of composition.
MUZ104 – Performance platforms - (52 hours)
This subject provides a performance platform for students to develop technical and interpretative skills in preparing and performing (or producing) solo and ensemble works to an audience. Through collaboration, students will develop the necessary skills and stagecraft to direct a cohesive performance. Performance of established repertoire as well as original material will be supported by students who are developing an understanding of the operation of sound reinforcement and recording systems, staging and lighting as related to live performance. Students will also be involved in a range of workshops which could include: choir, a cappella groups, rhythm-sections, guitar, keyboard, percussion, woodwind, brass, Big Band, funk groups and student run ensembles.
Second Year
plus two subjects from the electives list
MUZ201 – Music industry studies 1 - (39 hours)
In this subject students will learn to plan, organise, prepare, facilitate and present music to discriminating audiences. Students will develop confidence in undertaking self-initiated and self-directed work: the critical evaluation of this work, and the fundamental principles in small business organisation, management and administration.
MUZ202 – Music industry studies 2 - (39 hours)
This subject continues directly from Music Industry Studies 1. Students will develop greater maturity in undertaking self-initiated and self-directed work: the critical evaluation of this work, and the principles of more complex business organisational structures. In addition, the basics of project management will be introduced as a means to evaluate long-term sustainability of the small-business enterprise model.
MUZ215 – Principal study 3 - (26 hours)
Students will consolidate and extend concepts, knowledge and skills in contemporary performance, developing more advanced skills in both technique and repertoire on a principal study instrument or voice. Content will progress sequentially from the previous unit under the direction of specialist teachers in individual consultations with students. Lessons will be delivered in a combination of weekly individual lessons, technique classes and additional master classes.
MUZ216 – Principal study 4 - (26 hours)
Students will consolidate and extend concepts, knowledge and skills in contemporary performance, further developing their skills in both technique and repertoire on a principal study instrument or voice. Content will progress sequentially from the previous unit under the direction of specialist teachers in individual consultations with students. Lessons will be delivered in a combination of weekly individual lessons, technique classes and additional master classes.
MUZ271 – Theatre language studies 1 - (52 hours)
This is the first of four subjects in this sequence. In this subject students will acquire and consolidate fundamental aural and theoretical concepts, knowledge and skills in the context of language development in musical theatre from the 1930s through to the mid-1970s. Introduction to characterization and metamorphosis will be introduced combining the skills of voice, text and movement. The study of monologue and scene is introduced to develop the awareness of ‘self’ as actor.
MUZ272 – Theatre language studies 2 - (52 hours)
This is a direct continuation from MUZ271. In this subject, students will further develop and consolidate concepts, knowledge and skills in the context of language development in musical theatre from later-period Sondheim through to the present day. A deepening understanding and interpretation of various acting principles in the context of musical theatre will be expected. Specifically students will be introduced to the skills in synthesizing voice, text and movement as appropriate to characterization and consolidating acting technique through awareness of the role of personal experience.
MUZ273 – Theatre styles 1 - (52 hours)
This is the first of four units as a comprehensive study of the “triple-threat. In this subject students examine the integration of the three major performance competencies in musical theatre through a scene-into-song class, acting improvisation; as a context for character, movement and text, and further progressive studies in dance as an adjunct to movement within performance.
MUZ274 – Theatre styles 2 - (52 hours)
In this subject students will extend their experience through the scene-into-song component to further explore the use of voice within character and the intertwined choices and possibilities dictated by movement (including specified dance routines) as a unified expression of characterisation. Students will be further introduced to the study of vocal accents including vowel modifications for American (all), mid-Atlantic and European settings. The acting improvisation component continues to examine the release and focus of energy and imagination in rehearsal and performance. The dance component extends technique into styles including Jazz and Tap.
Third Year
plus two from the electives list
MUZ371 – Theatre language studies 3 - (52 hours)
In this subject students will be introduced to deconstructing each element of the “triple-threat” in the works chosen for analysis, and subsequently reconstructing the artefact in a new context. In particular the genre of Cabaret and Workers Theatre will provide insight into the development of the “triple threat”. More complex characterization will be expected as well as the ability to sustain presentations with ease and confidence. Monologues and scenes will reflect greater risk-taking strategies in the role being explored.
MUZ372 – Theatre language studies 4 - (52 hours)
In this final unit of Theatre Language Studies, the culmination of analytical language requirements of the ‘triple-threat’ is explored in depth through extended analyses of several seminal musical theatre works. It is expected that students will develop a thorough understanding of the conceptual duality and skills in acting and movement and the corresponding relationship between voice and text in musical theatre. Students will be expected to demonstrate a variety of acting techniques in a range of monologues and scenes, effect a sustained metamorphosis in characterization and employ advanced skills in the preparation and performance of material.
MUZ373 – Theatre styles 3 - (39 hours)
Continuing from MUZ 274, the scene-into-song component examines, in greater analytical detail, the concepts of uniting action, beat and objectives as part of the continuing development and growth of the performer’s work. Greater emphasis is placed on processing direction, the courage to make more ‘dangerous’ choices, stamina, resilience and discipline. The acting improvisation component works at a more complex and demanding level in imaginative modes of expression. The dance component follows on work developed in Year 2. Classical dance classes will focus on a more advanced level of technique and an ability to execute enchainments at a higher standard. Jazz and Tap dance will focus on strength, flexibility and style to sustain routines with increased confidence at a higher performance level with increased precision and musicality.
MUZ374 – Theatre styles 4 - (39 hours)
In this last subject within the sequence, students will be expected to demonstrate integration in vocal and dramatic requirements of songs with appropriate choices uniting action, timing and objective solutions. Students will be further expected to successfully address individual choices and problems that present during performance. More demanding modes of imaginative expression within improvisation will be required as well as greater emphasis on musicality and performance in dance.
MUZ301 – Research and application of industry principles 1 - (52 hours)
Using collaborative, investigative, planning and management methods students will acquire and apply knowledge and skills that prepare them for entry into the music industry. Students will develop a three-tiered project incorporating team-based event management and planning, the planning of a self-promotional CD and the planning of a solo public event, students will integrate knowledge and skills that underlie production and management processes in the music industry. Students will also draft a significant research project relevant to individual goals, preferences and expertise.
MUZ302 – Research and application of industry principles 2 - (52 hours)
The plans for the three-tiered project incorporating team-based event management, a self-promotional CD and a solo public event developed during the first unit of this subject will be implemented. Students will gain practical experience in the music industry in a variety of situations including the development of a related business plan and the delivery of a short series of lessons in their area of expertise. The production of a researched and substantiated body of work will provide students with knowledge in their major area of study as preparation to enter the music industry.
MUZ315 – Principal study 5 - (26 hours)
Students will consolidate and extend concepts, knowledge and skills in performing contemporary commercial music. In this unit students will be directed toward developing professional performance demeanour and stage etiquette on their principal instrument or voice. The use of performance focusing and motivational techniques will facilitate confidence and individuality. Students will consolidate highly integrated aesthetic and expressive interpretation and creativity. Lessons will be delivered in a combination of weekly individual lessons, technique classes and additional master classes.
MUZ316 – Principal study 6 - (26 hours)
In this last of six units, students will expand repertoire, acquire further technical facility and consolidate professional performance demeanour and stage etiquette on their principal instrument or voice. Lessons will be delivered in a combination of weekly individual lessons, technique classes and additional master classes.
The unit will culminate with the performance of final, 30-minute recital.
Elective List
MUZ121 – Principles of songwriting 1 - (26 hours)
This subject provides an analytical overview of the musical devices and conventions that exist in popular song forms and genres. Analysis of elements such as: melody, structure, rhythm, harmonic progression and style will inform the student in the composition of songs in designated popular song styles.
MUZ122 – Principles of songwriting 2 - (26 hours)
Continuing directly from the previous unit, students will extend their abilities to compose songs within a variety of genres. They will further develop greater understanding of characteristic harmonic, melodic and rhythmic treatment of lyrics within various song genres, and learn to apply these conventions with their own writing.
MUZ141 – Instrumental studies 1 - (26 hours)
Through performing in ensembles students will acquire concepts and knowledge about the practical application of arranging and composing or live recording. Learning a second study instrument will give students the experience of an instrument with which they are unfamiliar, equipping them with fundamental understanding that is integral to their specialised disciplines.
MUZ142 – Instrumental studies 2 - (26 hours)
This subject is a continuation of Instrumental Studies 1. Through performing in ensembles students will acquire concepts and knowledge about the practical application of arranging and composing or live recording. Learning a second study instrument will give students the experience of an instrument with which they are unfamiliar, equipping them with a fundamental understanding that is integral to their specialised disciplines.
MUZ143 – Introduction to filmscoring 1 - (26 hours)
Students will develop philosophical and musical concepts of the aesthetic role and function of music used in films between 1920-1950s. Students will acquire the capacity to evaluate film scores with reference to established conventions, including compositional techniques, and their application in defined social, historical and cultural contexts.
MUZ144 – Introduction to filmscoring 2 - (26 hours)
Students will study post-1950s film music genres to evaluate the role and function of music in various dramatic contexts. Students will also acquire knowledge of the way in which music is synchronised to film, and then consolidate this knowledge with several assignments in composing and synchronising music to short film excerpts.
MUZ145 – Production principles 1 - (26 hours)
In this subject students will acquire the basic concepts of Acoustics as they relate to musical instruments and the environments in which they are played. Students will learn the core principles of recording with analogue and digital systems; theories of audio production and practice, live sound and live recording techniques in performance environments.
MUZ146 – Production principles 2 - (26 hours)
Consolidating and extending the concepts and knowledge acquired previously, students will further apply these principles in practise, using both analogue and digital recording methods as the basis for an introduction to mixing environments. Practical recording assignments make up a significant component of the course.
MUZ151 – Digital audio platforms 1 - (26 hours)
This subject is recommended for those who wish to extend knowledge and skills learnt in Music Technology 1. The subject explores a range of computer music systems and software. Content will change from year to year depending on the latest tools available to assist musicians develop their artistic product.
MUZ152 – Digital audio platforms 2 - (26 hours)
This subject is recommended for those who wish to extend knowledge and skills learnt in Digital Audio Platforms 1. The subject explores a range of computer music systems and software. Content will change from year to year depending on the latest tools available to assist musicians develop their artistic product.
MUZ221 – Principles of songwriting 3 - (26 hours)
Students will consolidate their writing skills in tandem with developing greater skills in recording and sequencing their musical ideas within various digital audio environments. More sophisticated mock ups of original ideas will be expected as well as complete realisations of songs both in printed and audio format. The art of collaboration will be introduced.
MUZ222 – Principles of songwriting 4 - (26 hours)
Students will integrate concepts, knowledge and skills acquired in the previous three units. Students will be required to craft complete arrangements of their original songs with fully notated instrumental parts and audio realisations. Collaboration with other writers is a requirement within this subject.
MUZ241 – Ensemble 1 - (26 hours)
The focus for this subject is to develop concepts, skills and understanding in the ensemble performance of music in a variety of musical contexts. Students will develop stylistic awareness, musical expertise and ensemble protocols. Composition students may use the ensemble for direction of performance of original works. Ensemble workshops may include: choir, a cappella groups, rhythm-sections, guitar, keyboard, percussion, woodwind, brass, Big Band, funk groups and student run ensembles.
MUZ242 – Ensemble 2 - (26 hours)
This subject is a continuation of Ensemble 1. The performance skills and associated protocols will be consolidated and repertoire will be expanded. Composition students may use the ensemble for direction of performance of original works. Ensemble workshops could include: choir, a cappella groups, rhythm-sections, guitar, keyboard, percussion, woodwind, brass, Big Band, funk groups and student run ensembles.
MUZ243 – Scoring for film and video 1 - (26 hours)
Through studying the compositional techniques of various film composers, students will acquire concepts, knowledge and skills, and apply these in scoring a series of short musical excerpts to accompany film sequences. Students will, in addition, learn how to synchronise their scores to digital film sequences.
MUZ244 – Scoring for film and video 2 - (26 hours)
Building on knowledge and skills acquired in the previous unit, the study of eminent Australian and international film composers will assist students to consolidate an understanding of the wide range of compositional techniques employed in scoring for film. Students will be required to compose and score a series of short film cues to a brief.
MUZ245 – Composition studies 1 - (26 hours)
Students will undertake a thorough grounding in the structural components of composition: with a particular focus on contrapuntal writing techniques as a foundation for continuing study. Students will complete a series of composition exercises culminating in a short work for small ensemble, chamber or string orchestra.
MUZ246 – Composition studies 2 - (26 hours)
Students will continue to build upon previous skills by composing and arranging for the four main instrumental sections: woodwind, brass, percussion and strings. Through exercises and analyses in voicing, texture, timbral density and defined stylistic convention, students will acquire practical abilities in composing and arranging for small jazz combos and vocal groups.
MUZ247 – Production styles 1 - (26 hours)
In this subject students will learn to apply principles of recording studio and session management; from pre-production and design, through to session engineering and production. Students will work with digital audio workstations undertaking various recording assignments. With reference to music recordings that exemplify the evolution of, and current practice in audio production, students will develop discrimination in identification of the use of a wide range of principles and methods of creative audio recording technologies and techniques.
MUZ248 – Production styles 2 - (26 hours)
Students will consolidate the skills and knowledge acquired to this point, developing greater independence in managing recording projects and fluency within the studio environment. More creative resources will be introduced; with access to an increasing number of external plug-in environments, for the analysis and the re-creation of seminal production ‘sounds’. Students will develop an appreciation of the techniques and aesthetic qualities inherent in internationally recognised award winning albums.
MUZ249 – Computer music production systems 1 - (26 hours)
Students will study the application of computer hardware and software to assist them in realising their musical ideas. Students will learn to manipulate MIDI and audio data; develop basic skills in the interactive control of the computer in real-time; develop an introductory knowledge in the concepts of sound design, and become familiar with issues in non-linear music making.
MUZ250 – Computer music production systems 2 - (26 hours)
Students will begin to acquire skills in computer music programming as a means to integrate prior knowledge with the demands, and opportunities, in the emergent areas of sound design for the multimedia and telecommunication industries. Areas of study include digital signal processing and the expressive integration of different media.
MUZ252 – Negotiated project 1 - (26 hours)
This subject involves close discussion and planning sessions in consultation with a supervisor who will approve an independent project or a group project in which participants' individual roles are clearly defined. The project may involve the planning and implementation of a public performance event, the development of a significant music industry initiative, collaboration with an affiliated industry group in producing a significant work or event, scoring for film, recording songs and original compositions, producing recordings for other students or the production of a significant music resource.
MUZ253 – Negotiated project 2 - (26 hours)
This subject involves close discussion and planning sessions in consultation with a supervisor who will approve an independent project or a group project in which participants' individual roles are clearly defined. Project 2 can be an extension of the activity commenced in Negotiated Project 1. The project may involve the planning and implementation of a public performance event, the development of a significant music industry initiative, collaboration with an affiliated industry group in producing a significant work or event, scoring for film, recording songs and original compositions, producing recordings for other students or the production of a significant music resource.
MUZ251 – Music publishing - (26 hours)
Students will focus on various music publishing software including advanced functions in Sibelius. Outcomes include the preparation of music scores to a publishable standard.
