The Use of the Suzuki Method to Enhance Singing Techniques for Students of Diploma in Theatre Studies

Abstract

The teaching and learning process is a transformation of knowledge, technology and values from the educator to the community. The transformation takes place during lecturers in the process of accumulating credit hours based on the current curriculum. Singing technique or known as Teknik Nyanyian is one of the minor course available to the diploma students of the theatre course in UPSI. This course plays an important role in enhancing talent, attitude and the personality of the diploma students. In tandem with the education curriculum in UPSI, singing technique is a minor subject that is offered to the undergraduates of diploma in theatre. In order to produce accurate singing techniques, a singer needs to focus on breathing techniques, notation/melody, tempo, rhythm and articulation. Based on the data collected, the diploma students have never been exposed to music notation and introduction to rhythm and breathing technique. 35 diploma students were selected from the theatre department for the purpose of this study. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data in which the Suzuki method was used to teach singing technique, along with melody and rhythm. The findings of the study show that the Suzuki method was instrumental in teaching singing technique along with the acquisition of rhythm and melody.