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, and performance activities; and
4. aurally identify and creative 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.

Required Resources

Notebook (digital or paper); 600ml or larger water bottle; reusable straw (details on Wattle); headphones; access to a computer with a camera and microphone as well as notation

(Sibelius, Musescore, Finale), DAW (Logic, Reaper, ProTools, Ableton, etc.), electronic music (SuperCollider), video editing (iMovie, Final Cut, Openshot, etc.) and analysis (Sonic

Visualiser) software; 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). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Hurdle requirement: A minimum mark of 50% cumulatively across all assessment items in the aural component, and a minimum mark of 50% cumulatively across all assessment items in the theory component, is required to pass the course, regardless of performance in other items.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Aural: Intervals and Scale Degrees, Sight-Singing, Dictation and Improvisation. Theory: Music Theory as Problem Solving
2	Aural: Triads and Inversions, Sight-Singing, Dictation and Improvisation. Theory: Keyboard and SATB styles
3	Aural: Intervals and Triad Inversions - combined revision. Sight-Singing, Dictation and Improvisation. Theory: Orchestration Part I: Writing for Strings
4	Aural: Polyrhythms (triplets). Sight-Singing, Dictation and Improvisation. Theory: Orchestration Part II: Writing for Woodwinds and Brass
5	Aural: Polyrhythms – revision and variations of triplets. Sight Singing/Dictation/Improvisation. Theory: Orchestration Part III: Writing for Percussion
6	Aural: Revision – exam. Theory: Orchestration Part IV: Scoring for Different Ensembles and Orchestra; Creating Piano Reductions	A1 - Aural Exam: melodic & rhythmic dictation, chord identification, harmonic dictation, improvisation strategies. T1 - Theory Assessment: Orchestration Assignment
7	Aural: Transcription, Improvisation, Sight-Singing/Reading. Theory: Improvisation in Jazz, Classical and World Musics
8	Aural: Transcription, Improvisation, Sight-Singing/Reading. Theory: Modulation and Transposition
9	Aural: Transcription, Improvisation, Sight-Singing/Reading. Theory: Musical Forms I: Small and Large forms in Classical Music
10	Aural: Transcription, Improvisation, Sight-Singing/Reading. Theory: Musical Forms II: Jazz, Pop and Vocal Forms
11	Aural: Transcription, Improvisation, Sight-Singing/Reading. Theory: Introduction to Chromatic Harmony and Voice-Leading
12	Aural: Revision/Group Transcription Project review. Theory: Revision	A2: Group Transcription Project & A3: Individual Reflection on Group Transcription Project. T2: Summary Sheet & T3: Theory Exam

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
A1: Aural Skills Exam	20 %	31/08/2021	1,3,4
T1: Theory - Orchestration Assignment	20 %	06/09/2021	1,2,4
A2: Aural - Group Transcription Project	20 %	29/10/2021	1,2,3,4
T2: Theory - Summary Sheet	10 %	22/10/2021	1,2,4
A3: Aural - Individual Reflection on Group Transcription Project	10 %	29/10/2021	1,2,3,4
T3: Theory Exam	20 %	26/10/2021	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 Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

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 Integrity . 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)

See Assessment Tasks for more information. All students are required to sit an Aural Skills exam and a Theory exam in Semester 2.

Assessment Task 1

A1: Aural Skills Exam

All students within this course must sit the mid-semester Aural Skills exam. Topics and skills assessed will include all materials covered so far in ASMT 1 and 2 including: 

 

• Melodic and Rhythmic dictation  
• Identification of pitch sets/modes  
• Identification of triads, chords and inversions  
• Harmonic dictation 
• A written response to a question about improvisation strategies 

Submission:

The exam will be submitted at the end of the exam time. The exam will be conducted in-person pending COVID-19 advice. If the exam is to be held online, this will be done through wattle.  

Assessment Criteria:

• Ability to identify, define and articulate (using notation) the primary parameters of music; specifically pitch, melody, harmony, and rhythm.  
• Demonstrate the capacity to apply theoretical knowledge of core analytical techniques in music using appropriate terminology and notation.  
• Demonstrate fluency in reading and interpreting music.  
• Ability to interpret various elements of music, including rhythm, pitch, chords, and harmony in tonal contexts for the purpose of creative improvisation.  

Assessment Task 2

T1: Theory - Orchestration Assignment

Arrange a piano miniature/jazz standard (see Wattle for a suggested list. All pieces must be approved by the Theory lecturer) for an ensemble that includes at least 3 different instruments. Write a 500-word reflection with embedded score annotations to describe your arrangement process. The purpose of this assessment is to demonstrate your knowledge of arranging and writing for different instruments, using the theory to assist you with this process.   

Submission: 

The following should be uploaded to wattle: 

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

A WAV file of your arrangement. 

A PDF of the 500-word reflection on your approach to arranging for your chosen ensemble (with embedded score excerpts as necessary). 

A PDF of the original piano miniature/jazz standard (if choosing your own). 

Assessment criteria:  

The demonstration of idiomatic writing/arranging for your chosen ensemble.  

The neatness, layout, and format of the score (including the embedded excerpts).  

A description/reflection of the arrangement process linked to the course content (music theory). 

Grammar, spelling, quality of the writing and academic referencing (if references are used). 

Assessment Task 3

A2: Aural - Group Transcription Project

For this assignment, students will form groups of 2 – 4 people and select a piece of music (a suggested list will be provided) to transcribe.

The following requirements apply: 

 

• Demonstrated ability to make a fair, equitable and respectful contribution to the group 
• Demonstrated ability to use techniques and concepts from ASMT 1 & 2 to analyse and notate the piece 
• The transcription should include at least 3 distinct voices (e.g. trumpet, baritone saxophone, double bass/piano, bass, drums/violin, viola, cello) 
• The group is required to transcribe an excerpt of minimum 32 bars, focusing on a section of the piece that has particular significance to the group (ie inclusion of improvisation, density/complexity, instrumentation etc)  
• The selected work should be something for which reliable notation is not available and must be approved by the lecturer/tutors
• Demonstrated ability to annotate the score identifying key center, harmonic analysis (roman numerals), sequences, phrases, motives, structure, melodic analysis (chord/scale relationship) 

Submission:  

 The following should be uploaded to wattle: 

• A link or media file of the original recording (file upload or link in written document)  
• Annotated PDF of your score in standard notation (using Musescore or Sibelius) 
• WAV file of a MIDI or other realisation of your transcription (from notation software, DAW or similar) 
• 150-word PDF document outlining the members of the group and a short sentence detailing their role/contribution to the transcription. 
• Chicago Style Bibliography with at least five sources relevant to your chosen piece and to the transcription process (at least three of these cannot be scores or recordings).  

Assessment criteria/rubric:    

•  Appropriateness of the chosen work 
• Clarity, neatness and quality of notation, with appropriate audio file  
• Demonstrated ability to accurately/appropriately notate and analyse the chosen piece  
• Demonstrated ability to work within and contribute to your group   
• Grammar, spelling, quality of the writing and academic referencing (where applicable). 

Assessment Task 4

T2: Theory - Summary Sheet

Summarise (in your own words - dot points are acceptable) two of the topics/concepts covered in weeks 7-11 that you found particularly challenging. Think of an original, critical question for each of these topics (2 in total) that would help you with your revision and provide the answer (showing how you worked this out). This summary sheet should not exceed one A4 page. The purpose of this assessment is to help you revise challenging topics before the exam.  

Submission:  

The following should be uploaded to wattle: 

• A single A4 sheet (in PDF form) of your summary/questions. 

Assessment criteria/rubric:   

• The ability to summarise information clearly and succinctly (in your own words). 
• A demonstrated ability to construct original questions that apply relevant theoretical concepts from the course.  
• Demonstration of critical-thinking and in-depth knowledge on the chosen topics.  
• The clarity and accuracy of your answers to the constructed questions.  

Assessment Task 5

A3: Aural - Individual Reflection on Group Transcription Project

Presented as an 800-word document, this written reflection will describe your transcription process (e.g. what was easy, what was difficult, how did you solve these problems).  

 

Your written reflection should: 

 

• Identify the piece transcribed (composed by, performed by, recorded year etc)  
• Identify the particulars of the excerpt drawn from the recording (bar numbers, section, time stamp etc)  
• Include annotated notation excerpts from the transcription relevant to your individual reflections  
• Identify the group members involved and discuss your assigned role and contribution to the project.  
• Clearly state the appropriateness of the chosen excerpt with relation to the musical significance to the group members   
• Discuss the relevant theory and aural skills concepts, and any external resources/materials accessed and utilised.  

Submission:

The following should be uploaded to Wattle 

• A single 800-word PDF document  
• Chicago Style bibliography with at least five sources relevant to your chosen piece and to the transcription process (at least three of these cannot be scores or recordings). 

Assessment criteria/rubric:   

•  Effective communication and clarity of reflective writing pertaining to relevant musical ideas (transcription and analysis)  
• Clarity, neatness and quality of excerpts using music notation (Sibelius/Musescore etc) with appropriate and accurate analysis, labelling and annotation 
• Grammar, spelling, clarity of writing, and overall presentation/structure 
• Demonstrated ability to make use of accurately format at least 5 sources in Chicago Style.  

Assessment Task 6

T3: Theory Exam

All students within this course must sit the final Theory exam. The exam will be conducted at the end of the semester (either in-person or online depending on the COVID-19 advice). Topics and skills assessed will include all materials covered throughout the semester, with a particular focus on weeks 7-11.  

Submission:

The exam will be submitted in-person at the end of the exam time. If the exam is to be held online, this will be done through wattle.  

Assessment criteria/rubric:   

• Ability to define and describe the core elements of music, including those relating to pitch, melody, harmony, rhythm, and form.  
• Demonstrate the capacity to apply theoretical knowledge of core analytical techniques in music using appropriate terminology and notation.  
• Demonstrate fluency in reading and interpreting music.  
• 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. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

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

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

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 Diversity 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