The Aural Skills and Music Theory courses are a series of courses compulsory for all Bachelor of Music students that develop core skills underpinning analytical and practical engagement in a variety of musical idioms, including common practice, jazz, and popular styles. In this course, students apply their analytical approaches to larger harmonic and formal frameworks while investigating more complex rhythmic, pitch, formal, and harmonic structures in music. The theory component is complemented with the sequential and aligned development of relevant aural skills, including audiation (inner hearing) and aural awareness of related melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic structures, through individual and group listening, reading and performing (singing), and dictation activities.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of more complex elements of music, including those relating to pitch, melody, harmony, rhythm, and form;
2. fluently apply theoretical knowledge through analysis of music scores using more complex terminology and notation;
3. demonstrate an ability to fluently read and interpret more complex music notation, including inner hearing of melody, harmony, and rhythm, through sight-singing, sight-reading, improvisation, and performance activities; and
4. aurally identify and creatively interpret more complex elements of music, including pitch, chords, and harmony in major and minor keys, and more complex rhythms, as demonstrated through notation and performance tasks.

Research-Led Teaching

Lecturers in this course are working to lead the international conversation regarding the teaching and learning of theory and aural skills in the decolonising academy. We are in a constant state of reevaluating the materials, techniques and perspectives utilised in this course to reflect the dynamic postmodern cultural landscape of Australia and the

rest of the planet in the 21st Century. Students in this course are provided with a creative, playful and academically rigorous space in which to pursue their own autoethnographic

research-led praxis.

Field Trips

Students are encouraged to attend live and online concerts and other artistic and performative events throughout the semester, as well as trips to the library for research materials

and training sessions.

Examination Material or equipment

Manuscript paper, pencil and eraser, laptop, headphones. Further details will be provided on Wattle and discussed in lectures and tutorials and on the course Teams forum.

Required Resources

Notebook (digital or paper); headphones; access to a computer with a camera and microphone as well as notation software (Sibelius, Musescore, Finale), DAW (Logic, Reaper, ProTools, Ableton, etc.), video editing (iMovie, Final Cut, Openshot, etc.), metronome and other apps for your mobile phone (as discussed in class) -

More details regarding this list will be provided on Wattle and discussed in lectures and tutorials and on the course Teams forum.

Recommended Resources

Students will be provided with weekly resources and are also required to seek out resources from the library and various online sources throughout the semester.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Aural: Overview of Assessments & Intervals in Harmonic Context Theory: Music Theory as Problem Solving
2	Aural: Extending Inversions (Slash Chords) & Ear Training Applied to Harmony Theory: Introduction to Four-Part Writing: SATB, Piano and Guitar Voicings
3	Aural: Hemiolas and Polyrhythms Theory: Practising Four-Part Writing and Understanding Percussion
4	Aural: Chord Tone Improvisation (AVLL) Theory: Writing for Bowed Strings
5	Aural: Introduction to Sight Singing Theory: Writing for Woodwinds and Brass
6	Aural: Practicing Sight Singing Theory: Scoring for Different Ensembles; Creating Piano Reductions	ASMT Demonstration - Digital Folio Assessment (20%)
7	Aural: Melodic, Rhythmic & Harmonic Dictation/Transcription Theory: Improvisation in Jazz, Classical Music
8	Aural: Practising Melodic, Rhythmic & Harmonic Dictation/Transcription Theory: Transposition, Tonicisation and Modulation
9	Aural: Combining Aural & Theory to Generate Musical Ideas Theory: Motivic Development and Phrase Structure
10	Project Workshops & Feedback
11	Project Workshops & Feedback	Transcription & Contrafact Project Assessment (40%)
12	Exam Revision/Mock Exams
13	Exam Period (TBA)	End of Semester ASMT Examination (40%)

Tutorial Registration

Students will have the opportunity to select an aural skills tutorial and a theory tutorial via the course Wattle site (each week you will be required to attend both aural skills and theory lectures and tutorials).

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
ASMT Skills Demonstration - Digital Folio (20%)	20 %	30/08/2024	1,2,3,4
Transcription & Contrafact Project (40%)	40 %	18/10/2024	1,2,3,4
End of Semester Examination (40%)	40 %	*	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students are expected to attend and participate in weekly lectures and tutorials as well as scheduled consultation times with lecturers/tutors. There will also be opportunities for communicating with, learning from and supporting your classmates online via Teams throughout the semester.

Examination(s)

The final assessment is a live and in-person exam to be held during the exam period.

Assessment Task 1

ASMT Skills Demonstration - Digital Folio (20%)

For this task, you will demonstrate your aural awareness and theoretical understanding of melody, rhythm and harmony by submitting a digital folio of exercises.

Sight Singing

·     You will record a single-take video of yourself performing a sight-singing demonstration (examples will be provided on Wattle with further details).

·     Sight-singing will be unaccompanied, but a piano can be used for starting pitch reference.

·    Sight-singing will be performed along with a metronome click.

·     Rhythmic and melodic accuracy, awareness of tonality, key centre, intonation, accents, phrasing, and dynamics (where applicable) will be assessed. Vocal quality will not be assessed.

Rhythm Drills

·     You will record a single-take video of yourself performing a rhythm drill demonstration (examples will be provided on Wattle with further details).

·     Rhythm drills will be performed along with a metronome click using hand claps, pencil taps, or spoken syllables.

·     Rhythmic accuracy, accents, and other relevant nuances (where applicable) will be assessed.

Harmonic Awareness & Security

 

You will select a lead sheet/reduction from a provided list of options and prepare and present the following:

·    A notated Arpeggiated Voice Leading Line (following instructions on Wattle)

·  A sung demonstration of a Harmonic Security exercise (examples will be provided on Wattle with further instructions)

Submission:

The following should be uploaded to wattle:

·     A video MP4 file of your sight singing demonstration.

·     A video MP4 file of your rhythm drills demonstration.

·     A PDF score of your Arpeggiated Voice Leading Line (notated on a music software program such as Sibelius/Musescore - handwritten scores are not accepted).

 

Assessment criteria/rubric: 

• Rhythmic and melodic accuracy, consistent tempo, awareness of tonality, key signature, meter, and intonation
• Demonstrated awareness of indicated dynamics, accents, articulations, phrasing, and expressive nuances.
• Demonstrated awareness of voice-leading principals, chord/scale relationships, harmonic security, and melodic and rhythmic phrasing concepts
• Clarity, neatness, and quality of musical notation
• Evidence of prior preparation and ability to develop appropriate practice goals and routines

Assessment Task 2

Transcription & Contrafact Project (40%)

Transcribe a musical work, selecting from a list of provided works (see Wattle), and present as a lead sheet reduction (root movement, melody, and chord quality - see Wattle for guidelines). Using the lead sheet reduction as source material, create a contrafact, arranged for four voices (as specified on Wattle). Provide an additional copy of the arrangement score with embedded annotation including harmonic analysis, identification of harmonic and melodic sequences, voicings, voice-leading, and other relevant core concepts/techniques included in the course content.

The purpose of this assessment is to demonstrate your understanding of ASMT 1 & 2 core concepts, your aural abilities (transcription), and your knowledge of arranging and writing for different instruments, using music theory to assist you with this process.

 

Submission:

The following should be uploaded to wattle:

·     A PDF lead sheet reduction of your transcription (notated using a music software program such as Sibelius/Musescore - handwritten scores are not accepted).

·     A PDF score of your contrafact arrangement (notated using a music software program such as Sibelius/Musescore - handwritten scores are not accepted).

·     An annotated PDF of your contrafact arrangement (digital annotation preferred - using different coloured fonts/highlights. Include a key for clarity if needed).

· An MP3 file of your contrafact arrangement

 

Assessment criteria/rubric:

1.    Demonstrated understanding of relevant aural and theoretical concepts.

2.    Ability to link the arrangement process to the course content (music theory).

3.    Quality and clarity of the musical scores (layout, format, neatness), and embedded annotations/analysis.

4.    Demonstrated understanding of topics through accurate annotated analysis of scores.  

Assessment Task 3

End of Semester Examination (40%)

This live and in-person exam will be conducted during the exam period. Topics and skills assessed will include all the materials covered in this course.

Submission:  

This exam will be completed at a given day/time during the exam period. 

Assessment criteria/rubric:  

1. Ability to define and describe the core elements of music, including those relating to pitch, melody, harmony, rhythm, and form.
2. The capacity to apply theoretical knowledge of core analytical techniques in music using appropriate terminology and notation.  
3. Demonstration of aural acuity and fluency in reading, writing, and interpreting music. 
4. Ability to creatively interpret various elements of music, including rhythm, pitch, chords, and harmony in tonal contexts, as demonstrated through notation tasks. 

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Feedback and marks will be provided within two weeks of the assessment submission.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

In exceptional circumstances, an amended assessment task may be set for resubmission in place of the original assignment. You must consult with the Course Convenor and Lecturer for the assessment task in question to apply and your request will be considered. Timeline on due dates for any approved resubmission will be considered on a case by case basis depending on the student's circumstances.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students