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:
- understand at a high level the techniques, practice habits, musical and stylistic knowledge of the chosen ensemble;
- demonstrate their continuous development as ensemble performers;
- critically analyse their experience in the context of the chosen ensemble; and
- communicate the outcomes of the rehearsal and reflection process through both a performance and in verbal form.
Work Integrated Learning
Simulation/Virtual
This course gives students real world experience working with an ensemble and ensemble director towards a public performance. Students will receive and prepare repertoire, rehearse with other musicians, and then present their work in a concert which is open to the public.
Other Information
An audition is required for non Performance students. Information regarding auditions can be found on the ANU School of Music website.
Students enrolled in the Performance major or minor are reminded that students cannot submit the same assessment for two different courses (that is, they cannot count the same ensemble towards both a Performance course and an Ensemble course).
Performing in an ensemble can only be learned through actually participating in an ensemble, and the absence of an ensemble member has a negative impact on the ensemble experience. As such, unless they have a relevant medical certificate, students are expected to attend and participate in at least 80% of ensemble rehearsal time.
Indicative Assessment
- Seminar presentation (20) [LO 1,2,3]
- Performance assessment as member of the Ensemble (40) [LO 1,2]
- Essay (2000 words) (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses 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. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks of rehearsals, seminars, workshops, and other activities; and
b) 94 hours of independent study.
There will be fixed rehearsal contact times for some ensembles; others will rehearse intensively prior to performance. Students are cautioned to check the detailed timetable for the ensembles they will be participating in prior to confirming their enrolment, as attendance at 80% of class activities is expected.
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the School of Music to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
Score, charts, and other materials will be made available during the semester.
Assumed Knowledge
Musical abilities commensurate with the ability to make a contribution to the chosen ensemble/s at the required level.Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 12
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
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.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2270 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7279 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |