Exploring classical expression

Abstract

My purpose with this thesis is to compare which similarities and differences there are between the work of two pedagogues at Guildhall School of Music and Drama (GSMD) and The Academy of Music and Drama (AMD). I want to elucidate which methods my chosen pedagogues use when they work with classical singers from an acting point of view and stimulate the discussion about how two, apparently separate, art forms can blend together. I am also interested to learn if this kind of methods could benefit the musical expression of a classical singer. My principal questions are: How is it possible to work with a personal expression in classical singing? How does the two selected pedagogues at AMD and GSMD work with the student's personal expression? I attempted to answer these questions by interviewing the pedagogues by taking part in a private session myself with each of the pedagogues to get a student’s point of view, and by auscultating. The result is presented in three written themes as well as an attached recording with the private sessions. The themes allowing exploration in a safe environment together with others, finding and showing who you are without restrictions and building a bridge between yourself and your craft represent the foundation of the methods I found. The major similarity was the creation of a safe environment that allows the students to explore and the major difference I found was the starting-point of the education; at GSMD it was the text and at AMD the subtext. For vocal pedagogues I believe that the results of the thesis are worth attention as an innovative way of working with classical singers.