Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen
Koninklijk Conservatorium van Antwerpen
Physical Awareness 1 (voice)12040/3582/2627/1/53
Study guide

Physical Awareness 1 (voice)

12040/3582/2627/1/53
Academic year 2026-27
Is found in:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Music, programme stage 1
    Choice option within specialisation:
    • Voice within Instrumental / Vocal Studies
  • Bridging Programme Vocal
This is a single course unit.
Study load: 3 credits
It is not possible to enrol in this course unit under
  • exam contract (to obtain a credit).
  • exam contract (to obtain a degree).
Co-ordinator: Thielemans Magda
Other teaching staff: Deckx Sander, Desmet Pieter, Schellekens Anabel, Vanhove Stijn
Teaching staff are not (all) known yet.
Languages: Dutch
Scheduled for: Academic year
This course unit is marked out of 20 (rounded to an integer).
Possible deadlines for learning account: 01.12.2026 ()
Re-sit exam: not possible.
Possibility of deliberation: You have to pass this course unit (will never be deliberated).
Total study time: 90,00 hours

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Short description

In physical awareness, students explore ways to prepare themselves for a sustainable career. The body is the instrument, not only physically but also artistically.

Physical Awareness 1 consists of four different modules: PA, Physical fitness, Resilient Artists and Anatomy of the Voice.

In Physical Awareness  (30 hours), students explore their own relaxed and supported posture and, in addition, discover the body as an artistic presence in the theatrical space.

In Physical Fitness (30 hours), students work under the guidance of a physiotherapist to strengthen their bodies.

Resilient Artists (12 hours) includes both a theoretical component and a practically oriented, applied psycho-educational component aimed at strengthening mental resilience.

In Anatomy of the Voice (5 hours), students gain insight into the anatomical functioning of the voice.

Learning outcomes (list)

1.1 The student masters the representative repertoire for his or her discipline.
The student mentions the importance of good mental resilience for building a sustainable career.
The student recognizes the importance of good physical condition for building a sustainable career.
The student identifies the various aspects of an adequate supportive posture, controlled breathing, and spatial awareness.
The student demonstrates a basic knowledge of the vocal apparatus and healthy use of the voice.
2.2 The student makes progress through independent study.
The student develops general physical fitness.
2.4 The student masters the correct playing techniques and postures.
The student demonstrates a basic knowledge of the skeleton, the most important muscle groups and respiration, ergonomics of standing and sitting postures, and can demonstrate this during class in targeted exercises.
The student acquires a good supportive attitude and can demonstrate this during the lesson in targeted exercises.
The student gains awareness of their own movements in space and can demonstrate this during the lesson in targeted exercises.
The student gains control over their breathing and can demonstrate this during the lesson in targeted exercises.
The student demonstrates insight into relaxation techniques and can demonstrate this during the lesson in targeted exercises.
4.3 The student reflects critically on him- or herself and his surroundings.
The student demonstrates insight into coping strategies to strengthen their own mental resilience.
4.5 The student works in a methodical way with a problem-solving attitude.
During the lessons, the student demonstrates the necessary commitment, self-reliance, and ability to reflect.
During lessons, students demonstrate self-discipline, punctuality, and a sense of responsibility.

Course content

The student is aware of the importance of good physical and mental condition in building a sustainable career.
The student acquires insight into and control over:

Their own mental resilience and possible coping strategies
The anatomy and healthy use of the voice
Their own posture and movement

The student becomes familiar with:

Various movements to warm up for study
Different techniques to relax during and after study

The student:

Is aware of the importance of good physical condition and posture
Is aware of the importance of mental self-care
Strives for a solid basic level of fitness, endurance, strength, and flexibility
Strives for a healthy study–life balance

Study material (list)

Sportswear for the courses physical awarenessMandatory
TowelRecommended
Yoga matRecommended

Educational organisation (list)

Learning Activities
Artistic praxis77,00 hours
Work time outside of contact hours13,00 hours

Evaluation (list)

Evaluation(s) for both exam chances, not reproducible in re-sit exam
MomentForm%Remark
1st examination periodReflection assignment once during class weeks5,00Mental Resilience Plan
1st examination periodSkills assessment once during class weeks5,00Anatomy of the voice
1st examination periodSkills assessment once during class weeks45,00Physical Awareness & Physical Fitness
1st examination periodSkills assessment permanently during class weeks (Permanent evaluation)45,00Physical Awareness

Evaluation (text)

Assessment

The component Physical Awareness 1 – Physical Fitness is assessed for 45% through continuous assessment (during each class throughout the teaching weeks) and for 45% through a skills test at the end of the course.

The component Resilient Artists is assessed for 5% through the submission of a personal Mental resilience plan.

The component Anatomy of the Voice is assessed for 5% through a knowledge and understanding test.

Attendance

Continuous assessment (skills assessment during the teaching weeks):
Students are assessed and graded during every class. Attendance is mandatory (except in cases of illness, force majeure, or written approval from the programme) in order to be evaluated through continuous assessment. Unjustified absences have a negative impact on your chances of passing the course.

Unjustified absence:
You will receive ‘Not Participated’ for the partial score of that class.

Justified absence:
You may request a make-up assessment via iBamaflex (module ‘My Absences’) by submitting a valid certificate.
⚠️ This must be done for each individual class.
If you fail to do so, you will receive ‘Not Participated’ for that class.

Long-term absence (e.g. due to illness or ongoing issues):
If you are unable to attend classes for an extended period, you must request Individual Adjustments through the student counsellor before the start of the course.
Please also discuss this with your coordinator and the head of the Movement Department.