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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Opera Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
120161  Advanced Diploma in Opera Studies 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Music 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 01213/23  2023-02-02  2026-02-02 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-02-02   2030-02-02  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Advanced Diploma in Opera Studies provides the learner with preparation for a specialised, and professional career. The qualification aims to enhance and focus the career of a learner who has completed the Diploma in Music. The qualification prepares the learners for the varied challenges within the specific career choices, to study new repertoire and to play simple accompaniments, while applied music theory cultivates an understanding of musical structures. The qualification will provide learners with the competencies to manage the specialised careers embarked on. The specialisation in Opera Studies advances the learner's performance as well as teaching abilities within the broader area of vocal studies.

On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Synthesize, conceptualise, and integrate core knowledge and exhibit an understanding thereof concerning the principles and practices of Opera Studies.
  • Apply both theories and knowledge of voice/instrumental studies, repertoire and methods of teaching as related to Opera Studies.
  • Demonstrate current practices and methods and select appropriate interventions within performing, teaching and community engagement aspects as specifically related to Opera Studies.
  • Evaluate performances and choose effective strategies and theories to address issues related to performance, vocal and general music education teaching practices related to Opera Studies.
  • Comprehend the value and ethics related to performing art aspects and teaching practices, especially within the Arts Management and teaching methods units as related to Opera Studies.
  • Access, evaluate, process, and manage information independently in delivering assignments for individual modules, especially within the Introduction to Research Skills module.

    Rationale:
    Music in all its forms enables meaningful engagement with communities, industry, and the world. South Africa has a longstanding and rich choral tradition that has sparked an interest in opera and studying classical voices in many young South Africans. Embarking on an operatic career, however, requires a significant amount of time and money as well as access to specialised training and advanced levels of education. As indicated by the poverty rate, these resources are not available to the average South African. The qualification is aimed at addressing poverty as it will equip learners with the knowledge and skills required by the music industry and thereby increasing employment opportunities. The qualification will therefore present learners with employment opportunities in performance.

    The South African entertainment industry, with its annual turnover of over R5 billion, has been identified by the government as one of the key strategic growth sectors within the creative industries. The need for capacity-building initiatives in this area is widely acknowledged and tertiary education within the field is thus imperative to enable growth, development, and transformation within these capacities. The qualification thus intends to provide South Africa with learners with expertise in diverse musical traditions to ensure the high quality and continuity of the local leadership base of innovative musical expertise in Opera. The qualification will also enable learners to develop advanced skills and applied competence in opera and provide learners with opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth and to be able to make rewarding contributions to society, in the form of arts and culture.

    The qualification is designed to meet the needs of advanced graduates and young professional singers who wish to extend their performance skills and knowledge in the context of the operatic repertoire and current professional practice. The qualification aims to develop and refine the technical and interpretive qualities of the learners' voice as an operatic instrument, developing self-sufficiency in repertoire choice and role selection, preparation, and performance. There is a strong focus on text-related matters in various kinds of vocal music to foster the development of skills as an interpreter in the major operatic languages, and on the stage, skills required for opera.

    Opera is a highly specialised and collaborative art form with a rich history. The qualification is designed to prepare learners for careers in solo or ensemble performance. The qualification will address the development of professional practice. The qualification is structured to include modules which develop a specific skill set necessary for a professional Opera Singer. These include Performance Studies, Vocal Ensemble, Stage Craft and Language for Singers. To serve the teaching duties which are often carried out simultaneously with an operatic career, the modules of Repertoire and Method and Keyboard Skills are included. The Arts Management module can serve the management of the professional opera and/or teaching career. The introduction to Research Skills develops research and academic writing skills in view of further postgraduate studies. The qualification was developed in consultation with South African institutions and international institutions offering similar qualifications as well as the stakeholders in the music industry.

    This qualification will equip learners with the skillset to partake in Opera productions both locally and internationally as well as to develop an understanding of operatic activities within local communities and specifically to continuously develop young talent for future operatic careers as singers, conductors, vocal coaches, musicians, directors, stage managers, administrators, set and costume designers, and other professionals all work together to bring to life the masterworks of the genre, as well as new works that give voice to contemporary talents and issues. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Diploma in Music, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • Diploma in Music Performance, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • Diploma in Performing Arts in Musical Theatre, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • A relevant qualification in the related field, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 128 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 128 Credits.
  • Vocal Performance A, 12 Credits.
  • Vocal Performance B, 12 Credits.
  • Repertoire and Method A, 8 Credits.
  • Repertoire and Method B, 8 Credits.
  • Vocal Ensemble,16 Credits.
  • Stage Craft, 8 Credits.
  • Language for singers, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Research Skills, 16 Credits.
  • Keyboard Skills, 12 Credits.
  • Applied Music Theory, 8 Credits.
  • Arts Management, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to synthesise, conceptualise and integrate core knowledge and exhibit an understanding thereof concerning the principles and practices of Opera Studies.
    2. Apply both theory and knowledge of voice/instrumental studies, repertoire and methods of teaching as related to Opera Studies.
    3. Demonstrate current practices and methods and select appropriate interventions within performing, teaching and community engagement aspects as specifically related to Opera Studies.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate performances and choose effective strategies and theories to address issues related to performance, vocal and general music education teaching practices related to Opera Studies.
    5. Comprehend the value and ethics related to performing art aspects and teaching practices, especially within the Arts Management and teaching methods units as related to Opera Studies.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to access, evaluate, process, and manage information independently in delivering assignments for individual modules, especially within the Introduction to Research Skills module.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to convey academic, professional, theoretical as well as conventional and new artistic ideas and opinions using verbal and non-verbal as pertaining to Opera Studies.
    8. Demonstrate skills to act appropriately and solve academic and artistic issues arising within Opera Studies.
    9. Demonstrate the ability to manage individual and collaborative learning in Opera Studies by applying methodical and practical-related principles of the discipline.
    10. Demonstrate the accountable and ethical use of resources for theoretical, technical, and artistic practices as related to Opera Studies as imparted especially in the Arts Management module. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Display vocal proficiency, and technical requirements for music expression and performance.
  • Identify musical examples from the repertoire.
  • Apply theories of musical interpretation in the context of performing opera.
  • Describe the necessary processes involved in learning instrumental, vocal and theoretical concepts.
  • Apply relevant compositional techniques in performing opera.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Interpret extant performance practices with detailed attention to authenticity.
  • Evaluate and apply the appropriate concepts, principles, and theories as applied to Opera Studies.
  • Select and contextualise musical examples according to the stylistic repertoire to which they belong.
  • Identify parameters for analysis in relation to the selected musical examples.
  • Apply the identified parameters using appropriate approaches from the music analysis.
  • Describe and interpret the music in terms of the applied parameters and the related analysis.
  • Adhere to the conventions expected in the musical style and draw conclusions from the analysed musical examples.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Explore and apply sounds, concepts, repertoires, and practices for assimilation in the musical arrangement.
  • Apply an extended knowledge of the repertoire for the specific instrument of certain style periods.
  • Present and communicate information, ideas, and opinions in well-structured arguments.
  • Apply presentation principles to concert standards and tonal conventions to ensure professional performance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Recognise and evaluate musical examples from the repertoire.
  • Explore and apply pedagogical concepts, principles, and theories to specific instrumental performance and teaching.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Observe stage conduct and etiquette resembling a professional quality.
  • Use appropriate stage etiquette to communicate with the audience in both formal and less formal performance contexts.
  • Analyse ethical and managerial issues affecting an art organisation.
  • Observe and apply the intellectual copyright in the art context and entertainment milieu.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Analyse, classify and interpret scholarly texts.
  • Formulate scholarly arguments utilising scholarly sources.
  • Apply accurate referencing styles within short research examples.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Present and communicate information, ideas, and opinions in well-structured arguments.
  • Perform simple harmonic and form analysis in written and spoken formats.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Deal with conceptualisation in subject matter, methodology, strategy and compositional techniques and materials.
  • Analyse and apply various approaches and methods to teaching music in a diverse range of educational contexts.
  • Evaluate and apply relevant stylistic knowledge and insight in performance.
  • Identify and describe problems in relevant fields and individual disciplines and develop solutions appropriate to various musical contexts.
  • Formulate appropriate responses to resolve concrete and abstract, practical, and theoretical problems in music.
  • Identify, analyse, and address complex problems in pedagogical and performance practice
  • Apply creative responses to pedagogical and performance practice challenges.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Interact musically with other singers and/or instrumentalists in a proficient and appropriate manner.
  • Check performance for consistency and accuracy against the musical score or other stated criteria.
  • Devise and arrange movements to music and apply a wide range of styles suitable for learners with varying levels of musical experience.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Identify the financial and accounting objectives and principles appropriate for general management.
  • Explain finance management skills and personal finances using appropriate scenarios.
  • Apply marketing theories and concepts to develop audiences, promote the non-profit arts as a valuable social sector, and develop marketing plans and strategies.
  • Develop effective fundraising strategies and tools to raise funds from institutional, government and individual donors.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Learning and assessment are integrated. Integrated assessment should show how already demonstrated competence in individual areas can be linked and applied for the achievement of a holistic outcome as described in the exit level outcomes. The following methods of formative and summative assessments are used.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessment takes place in the form of a performance examination (closed or in public).
    In the theoretically orientated modules pertaining to Repertoire and Method, Arts Management and Introduction to Research Skills utilise a combination of tests where information is memorised and applied; written assignments; oral presentations and practical presentations as formative assessments.

    Summative Assessment:
    The summative assessment takes the form of a written examination (closed book), examination assignment or oral presentation.

    Experiential learning is managed by a lecturer responsible for the module and is assessed using practical and oral presentations through either peer assessment or lecturer evaluations. All modules are internally and/or externally moderated annually. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification has been compared with similar qualifications offered by the following countries.

    Country: United Kingdom (UK)
    Institution: Royal Academy of Music, University of London
    Qualification Title: Advanced Diploma in Opera
    NQF Level: Level 8 in the UK Qualifications Framework
    Duration: Two years full time

    Entry requirements:
  • A Master's qualification or equivalent (in a relevant subject) but the Academy welcomes applications from learners who may not meet the normal requirements.
  • Entry to the qualification will be dependent on the applicant's ability to demonstrate at audition and interview that s/he will be able to achieve and sustain the standards required to participate in Royal Academy Opera productions and scenes, and that s/he will be able to synthesise the knowledge, skills and experience demanded of participation in Royal Academy Opera's artistic and educational projects.

    Purpose:
    The qualification is designed for those with the potential and aspirations to succeed as principals at the highest international standard.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of both compulsory and elective modules.
    Principal study electives:
    During the application and audition process, learners must select which instrument(s) they wish to specialise in for the duration of the qualification. Learners can choose from the following options:

    Single specialism:
    Only one instrument is studied. It may be possible to study a further instrument formatively, but this will not contribute towards the qualification.

    Instrument/specialisms:
    Learners must select at least one specialism from the 'primary' list. For those studying primary/secondary pathways, two instruments may be selected - one from the 'primary' list and one from the 'secondary' list. Joint pathway learners may select any two instruments from either list.

    Primary instrument/specialism
  • Voice (Bass-Baritone). Vocal Performance A and B, Repertoire. Vocal Ensemble, and Method A and B
  • Voice (Counter-Tenor).
  • Voice (Mezzo-Soprano).
  • Voice (Soprano).
  • Voice (Tenor).

    Similarities:
    The following Royal Academy of Music, University of London (RAM-UL) compulsory modules are comparable to the South African (SA) qualifications.
  • Voice (Bass-Baritone) (Counter-Tenor), (Mezzo-Soprano) (Soprano) and (Tenor) compare with Vocal Performance A and B, Repertoire. Vocal Ensemble, and Method A and B

    Differences:
    The RAM-UL qualification takes two years of full-time study whereas the SA qualification takes one year of full-time study.
  • The RAM-UL qualification is registered at Level 8 in the UK Qualifications Framework whereas the SA qualification is registered at Level 7.
  • The RAM-UL qualification requires applicants who hold a Master's qualification or equivalent in a relevant subject whereas the SA qualification requires applicants who completed the Diploma in the cognate field.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: The University of Sydney
    Qualification Title: Graduate Diploma in Music (Opera Performance)
    Credit points: 48
    Duration: 1 year full-time

    Entry Requirements:
  • A bachelor's degree or higher award from the University of Sydney, or an equivalent qualification, in an appropriate discipline as determined by the school.
    Or
  • A graduate certificate from the University of Sydney, or an equivalent qualification, in an appropriate discipline as determined by the school.
    Or
  • Completion of the requirements of an embedded graduate certificate in an appropriate discipline, as determined by the school, from the University of Sydney, or an equivalent qualification.

    Purpose:
    The qualification provides excellent training in the four key areas of opera voice and performance, opera repertoire, opera diction/language and stage skills, including two staged, orchestrally accompanied performances of operas, giving learners professional experience to equip learners to enter the profession.

    This qualification is designed to meet the needs of advanced graduates and young professional singers who wish to extend their performance skills and knowledge in the context of the operatic repertoire and current professional practice. The qualification will help learners to develop the personal attributes needed for a career in performance, teaching, or other fields such as:
  • Opera singer.
  • Concert and Oratorio singer.
  • Professional Ensemble singer.
  • Professional Opera Chorus singer.
  • Singing teacher (primary, secondary, tertiary and/or private).
  • Music research/academia.
  • Broadcaster.
  • Music writer/blogger/critic.
  • Artist agent.
  • Arts administrator.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Sydney (UoS) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of one-year full-time study.
  • The study of opera within the UoS and SA qualifications contributes to comprehensive, research and practice-based opera training for singers who face a highly competitive and dynamic career path.
  • Similar to the SA qualification, the UoS qualification recognises the need to connect learners to national and international professional practice, and to give them the knowledge, understanding, expertise and personal skills to compete in an increasingly competitive international market.
  • The following UoS compulsory modules are comparable to the SA qualification.
  • Opera Performance Voice 1 and 2, 12 Credits compare with Vocal Performance A and B Vocal and Ensemble in the SA qualification.
  • Opera Repertoire 1 and 2, 12 Credits compare with Repertoire and Method A and B in the SA qualification.
  • Opera Performance Stage 1 and 2, 12 Credits compare with Stage Craft in the SA qualification.
  • Opera Language 1 and 2, 12 Credits compare with Language for singers in the SA qualification.

    Differences:
  • The UoS qualification is weighted 48 credit units whereas the SA qualification carries a weighting of 128 credits.
  • The UoS qualification requires applicants who hold a bachelor's degree and/or Graduate Certificate in a cognate field while the SA qualification requires applicants who completed the Diploma in a cognate study. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Opera, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma: Teacher's Licentiate (UTLM) (in Theory of Music), NQF Level 7
  • Bachelor of Arts in Music, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Sound and Music Technology, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Music, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Music, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Music Honours, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Music, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Music Technology, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance, NQF Level 8.
  • Cognate Bachelor Honours Degree, NQF Level 8.
  • Cognate Postgraduate Diploma, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of the Free State 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.