ANATS VIC Chapter

On Sunday August 27th the Victorian Chapter of ANATS and the Victorian Music Teachers’ Association in conjunction with the AMEB presented an afternoon on ‘Singing for Leisure’. Professor Lyn Casey-Brereton discussed the new pilot syllabus and answered many questions from teachers. She made the point that singing for other people’s pleasure demands certain standards of excellence, stressing the importance of participation in music making. For many, particularly young students, the broad popular repertoire listed provided a relevant and comfortable starting point for their vocal studies.

Lyn discussed the differences between the current classical syllabus and the new syllabus:
- fewer scales and exercises
- memorisation requirements
- broad range of popular repertoire
- free choice item
- appropriate additions to the objectives
- choice between sight reading and aural tests

A useful handout (provided by Melinda Cerisoli) covered the major differences between classical and contemporary singing. This chart provided a basis for further discussion which included
- appropriate accompaniments
- transposition to suitable keys
- use of chest voice and belting
- desirability of individual approach
- improvisation and the importance of characterisation in music theatre

Lyn emphasised the importance of the scales included in the syllabus. These scales are carefully and logically graded. In early vocal studies it is essential to learn how to listen and how to hear. Scales and exercises are absolutely necessary to improve ear, eye, musicianship skills and vocal technique. Lyn was asked to comment upon her approach to examining this syllabus. She outlined this as follows, bearing in mind the criteria in the syllabus:
- a convincing performance in the chosen genre(ie coming across!)
- stylistic awareness linked to appropriate vocal quality
- clear diction (allowing for the particular style)
- imaginative interpretation, including freedom of expressive elements
- ease of vocal delivery (no forced or ‘screamed’ tone)
- personal involvement and individuality
- reliable intonation
- enjoyment

At the beginning of the second section of the workshop Alwyn Mott, State Manager of the AMEB informed the audience about the processes used by the AMEB for the development of a new syllabus.
Jenny Caire (at very short notice due to the unavailability of Melinda Cerisoli) presented three young students - Iona Roy, Laura Seymour and Josh Piterman. These singers performed some works from the syllabus and some from contemporary music theatre. The students spoke about their own approach to the songs – how they felt about each song and how not to sing them! Their performances demonstrated the different stages of development of these young singers and were much appreciated by the audience. Many thanks to Kellie Ryan whose ability to accurately ‘read the notes’ and also to accompany within the style of each piece and with sensitivity to the singer, was in evidence.
This session was attended by VMTA and ANATS members and also by some students and teachers not members of either association.