The courses in the Performance major and minor provide students with opportunities to develop their artistic practice and skills in music performance. The first of the sequential music performance courses supports students in developing proficiency in both solo and ensemble settings while also building practical skills in organising and supporting musical projects. Students will participate in one-to-one sessions with vocal/instrumental teachers, ensemble rehearsals, seminars, and other practical and academic contexts.

All students wishing to enrol in this course must successfully complete an audition.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. demonstrate foundation level understanding of terminology, characteristics of style, and historical concepts as they relate to musical works;
2. demonstrate a foundation level of technical proficiency, and an emerging understanding of the emotional content in musical works;
3. work independently and collaboratively to develop proficiency in understanding the craft of musical performance and its presentation to an audience; and
4. critically analyse material and aesthetical elements of music, demonstrating an ability to provide feedback and pose research questions in both written and verbal formats.

Research-Led Teaching

Lecturers and instructors in this course are committed to research-led, evidence-based instruction. A culture of enquiry, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, performance excellence, and academic rigour is fostered by linking scholarly research in music pedagogy with professional expertise as creative practitioners. Students in this course are encouraged and supported to develop an autoethnographic research-led praxis.

Field Trips

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

Required Resources

Details will be provided on Wattle, in seminars/tutorials, and directly from one-to-one tutors.

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	One-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsal, instrumental/vocal seminar, tutorial
2	One-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsal, instrumental/vocal seminar, tutorial
3	One-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsal, instrumental/vocal seminar, tutorial
4	One-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsal, instrumental/vocal seminar, tutorial
5	One-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsal, instrumental/vocal seminar, tutorial
6	One-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsal, instrumental/vocal seminar, tutorial	Assessment 1: In-class assessment during tutorial
7	One-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsal, instrumental/vocal seminar, tutorial
8	One-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsal, instrumental/vocal seminar, observe P 5 & 6 Concert Practice performances
9	One-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsal, instrumental/vocal seminar, observe P 5 & 6 Concert Practice performances
10	One-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsal, instrumental/vocal seminar, observe P 3 & 4 Concert Practice performances
11	One-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsal, instrumental/vocal seminar, tutorial, observe P 3 & 4 Concert Practice performances
12	One-to-one lessons, ensemble performances, instrumental/vocal seminar, tutorial	Assessment 2: ensemble performance

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
Tutorial Assessment & Online Quiz: Live Sound, Acoustic Performance, and Hearing Safety for Musicians - 25%	25 %	28/03/2025	1,2,3,4
Ensemble performance assessment - 25%	25 %	23/05/2025	1,2,3
Solo Performance Folio - 50%	50 %	15/06/2025	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
• 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.

Assessment Task 1

Tutorial Assessment & Online Quiz: Live Sound, Acoustic Performance, and Hearing Safety for Musicians - 25%

During the week 6 tutorial, you will be asked to participate in interactive small-group acoustic and amplified performance scenarios. You will identify and problem-solve sound issues from the perspective of the participant and observer. You will be observed collaborating and communicating effectively in real-time to reach optimal live sound/performance outcomes and complete multiple-choice and short-answer questions. A related online course and quiz about hearing safety for musicians must also be completed by the end of Week 6.

Assessment submission:

• In-class interactive participation
• Online quiz
• Materials submitted via Wattle

Assessment Criteria:

• 30% Demonstrated awareness of live sound requirements, techniques, and terminology in acoustic and amplified performance through interactive small-group in-class demonstrations
• 30% Demonstrated diagnostic and troubleshooting skills for acoustic and live performance sound
• 20% Evidence of developing communication and feedback skills in live acoustic and amplified performance contexts
• 20% Demonstrated understanding of hearing safety for musicians through the successful completion of an online unit and quiz

Assessment Task 2

Ensemble performance assessment - 25%

Students will attend weekly rehearsals with an assigned ensemble and tutor to work on the development of high-level ensemble techniques, practice and rehearsal habits, and a variety of musical and stylistic performance practices. Students will be guided and observed while developing verbal and non-verbal communication skills, and the ability to give and receive constructive feedback while broadening their understanding of historically and culturally informed performed practice.

Performing in an ensemble can only be learned through participating in an ensemble. The absence of an ensemble member negatively impacts their ability and that of each of the other ensemble members to continuously develop as ensemble performers.

Assessment submission:

• Weekly rehearsals - minimum 80% attendance
• Participation in the final ensemble performance

Assessment Criteria (equally weighted):

• Demonstration of developing technical proficiency and practice/rehearsal habits (from ensemble director's report)
• Evidence of 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)

Assessment Task 3

Solo Performance Folio - 50%

The solo performance folio consists of two parts:

• One-to-one teacher's report - technical skills and exercises will be assessed in lessons with your one-to-one tutor throughout the semester. This may include instrument-specific sight reading, transcription, etudes, rudiments, scales and arpeggios, improvisation, and other technique-based tasks prescribed by your tutor and prepared as a Technical Work Plan to be submitted and approved by the Course Convenor.
• Jury Performance - This is a closed repertoire exam, performed before a jury. The duration of the solo performance exam is 15 mins. The jury will select contrasting pieces to be performed from a prepared list. Your repertoire list must be prepared in consultation with your one-to-one tutor from an approved list (see Wattle).

Assessment submission:

• Technical Work Plan and folio of recorded technical work - submitted via Wattle with one-to-one tutor approval (see Wattle for details)  
• 15-minute live presentation before a jury

Assessment criteria: (weighted equally)

• Technique/Technicality: demonstration of foundation level of technical proficiency including rhythmic and melodic accuracy, tone/timbre, intonation, breath control, postural awareness, touch, pedalling accuracy, articulation, harmonic awareness, understanding of terminology, etc. as appropriate
• Musicality: demonstration of foundation level of creative/interpretative/improvisational abilities, stylistic awareness, dynamic control, phrasing, mood, etc. as appropriate
• Repertoire: demonstrated historical and cultural awareness of the music being performed, evidence of a developing personal approach, and appropriate contrast and challenge in selected repertoire
• Preparation and presentation: evidence of prior preparation of all musical and performance aspects, including preparation of scores/charts, tech/staging requirements, appropriate stage manner and presence, and confidence with communication (verbal and non-verbal) and performance
• Participation: consistent attendance and engagement during one-to-one lessons, weekly seminars, and tutorials/concert practice, including evidence of a willingness to give, receive, and implement constructive feedback

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 not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• 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. 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.

Returning Assignments

Feedback and marks will be provided within two weeks of 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

Considered on a case-by-case basis by the Course Convenor in exceptional 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 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