Music Ensemble offers a variety of ensemble performance experiences for experienced performers across the ANU. This course supports students in developing the ability to interact with other musicians, and to critically reflect on their experiences and the ensemble context and dynamic. Students typically perform in a School of Music ensemble but may with the agreement of the course convener participate in a non-School of Music ensemble. This course may be repeated for credit if a different type of ensemble is taken each time; for example a violinist who has previously played in a string quartet may play in a piano trio even though they are both examples of chamber music.

Students may complete this course up to four times for a maximum credit value of 24 units, provided they enrol in a different ensemble in each instance/semester. Please note that the course content, assessment structure, and reading list may change depending on the ensemble and the expertise of the lecturer convening the course. Please refer to the class summary for the specific term in which you wish to enrol for a detailed description.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. understand at a high level the techniques, practice habits, musical and stylistic knowledge of the chosen ensemble;
2. demonstrate their continuous development as ensemble performers;
3. critically analyse their experience in the context of the chosen ensemble; and
4. communicate the outcomes of the rehearsal and reflection process through both a performance and in verbal form.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

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	Meeting your ensemble; Seminar: Introduction to the course
2	Ensemble rehearsal; Seminar: Concert review guidelines
3	Ensemble rehearsal; Seminar: Ensemble case study
4	Ensemble rehearsal; Seminar: Ensemble case study
5	Ensemble rehearsal; Seminar: Ensemble case study, preparing your concert review
6	Ensemble rehearsal; Seminar: Ensemble case study (concert review)	Assessment 1
7	Ensemble rehearsal; Seminar: Ensemble case study
8	Ensemble rehearsal; Seminar: Ensemble case study
9	Ensemble rehearsal; Seminar: Ensemble case study
10	Ensemble rehearsal; Seminar: Ensemble case study
11	Ensemble rehearsal; Seminar: Ensemble case study
12	Ensemble participation and performances	Assessment 3 and 4. Exam period - Weekly journal submission: Assessment 2

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Concert Review - 20%	20 %	28/03/2025	1,2,3
Weekly Journal - 30%	30 %	30/06/2025	1,3,4
Weekly Participation and Final Concert - 50%	50 %	23/05/2025	1,2,4

* 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
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• 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

Participation in weekly rehearsals and seminars is necessary for the successful fulfillment of learning outcomes, and completion of this course.

Assessment Task 1

Concert Review - 20%

Assessment Description

This task entails a critical review of a live concert attended during the first six weeks of the ensemble course. The style of music of the concert should be relevant and connected to the style of music prioritised by the particular ensemble (e.g. jazz fusion or music of the Baroque). The review provides an opportunity to focus upon the skills and capabilities of the ensemble with attention to various ensemble skills including musical interaction between members, communication, tuning, arrangement, staging, corporeal engagement with the audience, and attention to the director's cues. Some research in relation to the history, biography, and performance career of the ensemble would also be relevant for your critical review of the ensemble performance. 

 

Assessment Criteria

• Demonstrated ability to critically evaluate, in written form, the performance level of the chosen ensemble in concert.
• Demonstrated ability to execute preliminary research on the chosen ensemble group as added context for the concert review (e.g. incorporating biographical, musical, and stylistic context and background to the chosen ensemble’s performance). 
• Demonstrated ability to reflect, in written form, upon the relation between the concert performance of the chosen group and the student’s ensemble’s musical style and performance ethos.
• Demonstrated ability to write efficiently and in an acceptable academic style (e.g. citing relevant sources in the Chicago style and structuring the review in a logical and visually appealing manner)

 

Formal requirements

Word length: 800-1200 words

Due Date: Week Six, March 28th 

Submission format: submitted on Turnitin in 12-point font with student name, date, concert title, and 1.5 spacing as well as list of sources.

Percentage of final mark: 20%

Assessment Task 2

Weekly Journal - 30%

Assessment Criteria:

Assessment task description

Each week, journal entries offer an opportunity to articulate reflections on a number of ensemble skills and dynamics including acquired techniques, practice habits, group dynamics, sectional communication, and musical and stylistic conventions and aesthetics of the chosen ensemble (LO1). The journal should exhibit both personal critical reflection on musical growth in terms of ensemble skills such as collaborative sectional playing and communication modes as well as reflection on the full ensemble and its musical development. Entries might pertain to insight accrued in relation to the chosen repertoire, the genre, the intricacies of the arrangement, and the role of the director in leading weekly rehearsals and the final concert. Finally, your journal might reveal knowledge gained from external research about recordings, composers, or famous ensembles connected to the chosen ensemble style.

Assessment criteria:

• Demonstrated ability to critically reflect upon the dynamics of the ensemble rehearsal context
• Demonstrated ability to critically reflect upon one’s individual development with respect the chosen ensemble format (including technique, sectional contribution, communication between members and director, and personal practice habits)
• Demonstrated ability to organize structured writing on various facets of the ensemble’s musical style including repertoire, performance context, arrangements, sectional playing, and interaction between the director and ensemble.
• Demonstrated ability to draw conclusions about the relationship between personal development and the level of ensemble performance achievement reflected in a final concert.

Formal requirements

Word limit: 1600-2400, ca.150-200 words a week

Format: submit via Turnitin with a title page, date, name and pagination throughout, subheadings are also expected for weekly entries.

Due date: Exam week, May 30th

Value: 30%

Assessment Task 3

Weekly Participation and Final Concert - 50%

Assessment Description

Assessment of participation in the weekly ensemble rehearsals and a final concert entails two categories:

1. The first is the assessment of the student’s level of contribution to the final concert by the director. Attending the final concert is a critical milestone for the ensemble course, providing an opportunity to showcase developments and skills acquired throughout the course. Attendance is graded with a pass/fail assessment in relation to participation in the final concert. If the student does not attend the final concert, they receive a failure for this part of the assessment. 

2. The second is an assessment by the ensemble director of the weekly contributions of the student to the ensemble rehearsals. Ensemble skills and qualities taken into consideration include overall regular attendance to weekly rehearsals; an exhibited ability to respond to suggestions of the director and to sectional leaders; an aptitude for personal growth and skill development throughout the term; and technical skills acquired in relation to personal practice and in relation to the ensemble genre conventions (e.g. playing in tune, expressing proper articulation, soloing, playing dynamically in the expected conventions of the ensemble musical style, and responding to directions from ensemble directors during performances).  

Assessment criteria:

• Demonstration of growth in developing technical proficiency and practice/rehearsal habits (from ensemble director's report) 
• Evidence of growth in developing stylistically/culturally appropriate performance practice (from ensemble director's report)
• Evidence of continuous development of communication and ensemble performance skills (from ensemble director's report) 
• Participation in final ensemble performance (pass/fail) 

Formal requirements

Due date: Week 12, May 23rd

Value: 50%

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 for performance tasks not permitted. The pass/fail component of the ensemble participation assessment will be failed if students do not participate in the final live performance.
• Late submission for written task 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. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

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.

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 Accessibility 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 supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students