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Free University of Bozen-Bolzano

unibzVoices (Choir) 2026/2027 (Lab.)

Semester 1 · 12558 · 5 year master degree in Primary Education - German section · 4CP · EN · DE


The course offers a choral experience for all voice types and is designed to contribute to the students’ aesthetic education. It gives students the opportunity to develop their musicality by honing their vocal skills whilst familiarising themselves with the main choral genres and performance styles in several languages. The choir performs outside lecture hours, and attendance at all performances is required to pass the course. A multi-day concert excursion is also part of the minimum requirements for the course.

Lecturers: Johannes Theodorus van der Sandt

Teaching Hours: 0
Lab Hours: 60
Mandatory Attendance: In accordance with the regulation

Course Topics
- Voice Building - Posture in standing and sitting - Breathing exercises - Selecting suitable repertoire - Correct pronunciation - Prosody of the text and structure of the music - Singing with understanding of the text - Choral Rehearsal techniques - Aural training - A cappella singing - Introduction to choral conducting - Choral formation possibilities - Body language and simple choreography - The importance of the individual stage presentation in the concert program dramaturgy - Sight Singing - Memorization of music - Team work

Teaching format
Frontal instruction, group work, concert activity.

Educational objectives
- Differentiation and listening skills - Rhythmical singing and speaking - Singing with good intonation - Singing and moving - Singing skills, breath control, range extension - Basic conducting techniques - Guidelines in selecting appropriate repertoire - The use of accompaniment in Choral Singing Expected learning outcomes and competences: Knowledge and Understanding The ability to apply knowledge and artistic understanding of the issues, to demonstrate, in particular the recognition of characteristics of good choral singing and vocal use. Applying knowledge and understanding The ability to apply gained knowledge and understanding of the subject matter a choir member and / or as a soloist. Improved ability and skill in singing and reading of scores. The practical application of this knowledge in choral work with children. Assessment To possess the ability to collect relevant data of the topics and the interpretation of it in order to formulate concrete and abstract solutions. Communication skills Significantly enhanced voice and singing skills achieved through listening, articulation, Prosodic skills, posture and breathing. The successful demonstration of these skills in a choir rehearsal. Learning strategies The development of learning strategies and practical/ creative skills to continue studying with a high degree of autonomy and independence.

Assessment
To enable continuous student assessment, their performance is evaluated using an assessment rubric. The rubric sets out the aspects of the musical performance to be assessed. The most important assessments are the concerts and the final rehearsals before a concert. The concert dates are announced at the start of the academic year. If singers are absent from the dress rehearsals, they will not be permitted to take part in the concerts. Absence from any concert (also those as part of the excursion) will require them to retake the examination.

Evaluation criteria
Continuous assessment based on attendance of rehearsals and performances. Students are scored according to their success with these criteria. - Musical Elements: Pitch, rhythm, tempo, dynamics, language skills (if applicable), accuracy - Command of Instrument: Technique, tone, quality, intonation (if applicable) - Presentation: Phrasing, musical style, ensemble, stage presence, appropriate literature, memorization (if applicable) - Clear reasoning, and the ability of critical analysis and reflection. - Individuality, communication, organization and leadership capacity in the practical work

Required readings
  • Lamken, A. (2014). Chorwissen Fu¨r die Hosentasche Kompakte Musiklehre in 20 Kapiteln fu¨r Kleine und große Chorsa¨ngerinnen und chorsa¨nger.Prospect Studio-Label-Verl.
  • Thornton, T. (2005). The choral singer's survival guide. GIA Publications



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Sustainable Development Goals
This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the following Sustainable Development Goals.

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