Develop a 45-50 minute program
All own choice repertoire The Concert Performer is expected to put together a cohesive program and perform at a professional level with attention to all details which apply to a formal recital. Singers do not have to include the previously required genres of classical, contemporary and musical theatre. At least one song must be in a language other than English, unless you are doing an English Song Cycle that takes up the whole performance time. Singers can choose to do a full song cycle as part of, or their whole program. For example, Frauen Liebe Und Leben, Winterreisse - classical song cycles or, Tell Me On A Sunday, Winter Songs - contemporary song cycles) Singers may choose, a theme and songs as appropriate, from any genre. It is understood that in some song cycles there will be easier songs that may appear at much lower levels. These are accepted in the context of a whole work with multiple songs. This applies to thematic programs too, as long as the chosen songs create a continuum of the storytelling. Australian singers If you can find one that fits with your other choices, please try to include a classical, contemporary, or music theatre song by an Australian composer. |
PERFORMANCE FOOTAGEAll performance footage needs to be in a single take with no editing of any kind. Your footage needs to be converted into a YouTube link which you will copy and paste into the application form. When uploading to Youtube, ensure the visibility setting is set to Unlisted. This ensures that your video will only be seen by those that are given the link.
LIVE AUDIENCEALL Performer Level singers have the option of recording their recital with a live audience in attendance. If this option is taken up, be aware of camera position in terms of lighting and clarity of the audio and the additional noise a live audience might make.
KEYS AND ACCOMPANIMENTSongs from the stage ie; opera; oratorio; G&S; Music Theatre MUST be in the correct key as they appear in the show.
You should use a professional accompanist for your performance in order to develop your own feeling and musical expansion in your songs, rather than be dictated by the backing. This does not apply if COVID restrictions are in force, or you have other extenuating circumstances, such as lack of access to a qualified accompanist.
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LANGUAGESArt Songs and arias from operatic and oratorio works, must be sung in the original language.
PROGRAM NOTESUnderstanding the origins of your chosen songs, the audience they were written for, and so on will add to your connection with each song and thereby enhance your performance.
Gathering interesting information, including wiki references, translations, links and images is enjoyable and helps to reflect upon your learning journey.
These need to be cited as shown on the sample. Little tip - doing your program notes AS you are learning each song is way better than getting to them AFTER your performance is done and dusted! Program notes are marked out of 10. CONCERT AND CABERET PERFORMERSingers might like to look at the Cabaret Performer to differentiate between it and this Concert Performer.
Also, singers can do both the Concert and the Cabaret Performer certificates if they wish, as they are quite different. |
Consider your program as a wholeAt all levels you need to consider your program as a whole. Have a mix of tempi, a range of emotions, humour and dynamics. Variety is important, as is the order in which you choose to perform your songs.
3 Broad areas of AssessmentThere are three broad areas of assessment, each scored out of 30, that should be considered when choosing your songs:
Vocal Command (30 marks) Musical Security and Stylistic Nuance (30 marks) Communication and Entertainment (30 marks) |
Sometimes a song might be easy to sing musically and vocally, but the emotional challenge is high. Sometimes a song might be easy emotionally, but tricky musically and vocally. Sometimes a song might be easy vocally, but musically and emotionally taxing etc, etc.
Songs won’t always tick all the boxes of criteria. That’s fine. If you’re finding a song a stroll in the park, chances are it’s too easy for the level you’re working towards. Alternatively, if the challenge you’ve given yourself is just not working, it might belong to the next level. Try not to get too bogged down.
Kate Sadler in action
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SHEET MUSICAll levels require a single PDF of your legally obtained sheet music, in the order in which you are singing your program. Illegal sheet music deprives composers of their livelihood.
If your music is not licensed with your name, you need to write your source on the first page by naming the website (even if it is out of copyright), inserting a receipt as proof of purchase or, a photo of the cover from a song book which you own if you have scanned a pdf from it. If you have not created formal sheet music for your composition, you are welcome to put your lyric/chord chart into the correct place of your sheet music PDF.
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