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.

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). 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.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Aural: Revision of Sem 1 and intro compound intervals. Theory: Music Theory as Problem Solving
2	Aural: Revision and extension of triads, 4-note chords and inversions. 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: Extending harmonic security through improvisation – arpeggiated voice leading lines Theory: Writing for Bowed Strings
5	Aural: Revision (practice exam) Theory: Writing for Woodwinds and Brass
6	Aural: Mid-Semester Exam Theory: Scoring for Different Ensembles; Creating Piano Reductions	A1: Aural Mid-Semester Exam. T1: Arranging Assignment
7	Aural: Slash chords and Polychords Theory: Improvisation in Jazz, Classical Music
8	Aural: Extending harmonic security through improvisation – revision, chord/scale approach, and transcription Theory: Transposition, Tonicisation and Modulation
9	Aural: Harmony – extensions. Theory: Motivic Development and Phrase Structure
10	Aural: Harmony – functional chromatic harmony. Theory: Musical Form	A2: Transcription Project
11	Aural: Asymmetrical meters Theory: Revision (Practice Exam)	T2: Summary Sheet/Video
12	Aural: Revision/Sight Singing Exams Theory: Final Exam	A3: Aural Skills Demonstration & T3: Theory End-of-Semester 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 - 15%	15 %	29/08/2023	1,2,3,4
T1: Theory Arranging Assignment - 15%	15 %	04/09/2023	1,2,3,4
A2: Aural Transcription Project (Group & Individual) - 20%	20 %	13/10/2023	1,2,3,4
T2: Theory Summary Sheet/Video - 10%	10 %	16/10/2023	1,2,3,4
A3: Aural - Individual Aural Skills Demonstration: Harmonic Security & Sight Singing - 20%	20 %	24/10/2023	1,2,3,4
T3: Theory Exam - 20%	20 %	23/10/2023	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 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 - 15%

All students within this course must sit the mid-semester Aural Skills exam. The exam will consist of multiple-choice pre-recorded listening tests and notated responses to pre-recorded dictation examples.

 

Topics and skills assessed will include all materials covered so far in ASMT 1 and 2, with a particular focus on ASMT 2 weeks 1 – 6.

 

Submission:

The in-person exam will be submitted at the end of the exam time. 

Assessment criteria/rubric: 

1. Ability to identify the pitch in isolated intervals and melodic form.
2. Abilty to identify harmony in the form of triad qualities, inversions, 4-note chords, extensions, and harmonic progressions.
3. Abilty to identify rhythmic aspects of musical articulation through dictation/transcription of pre-recorded examples.
4. Demonstrate the capacity to apply theoretical knowledge of core analytical techniques in music using appropriate terminology and notation.

Assessment Task 2

T1: Theory Arranging Assignment - 15%

Arrange one of the provided works (see Wattle) for an ensemble that includes at least three different instruments. Write a 500-800-word reflection with embedded score annotations that focuses on the process of arranging your chosen work. Your reflection must integrate the course content through the analysis of concepts/techniques like voicings, voice leading, rhythmic choices, etc. pertaining to your arrangement. The purpose of this assessment is to demonstrate 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 score of your arrangement (notated on a music software program such as Sibelius/Musescore - handwritten scores are not accepted).

·     A WAV file of your arrangement.

·     A PDF of your reflection

 

Assessment criteria/rubric:

1.    Demonstrated understanding of idiomatic writing/arranging for your chosen ensemble.

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

3.    Quality and clarity of the musical score (layout, format, neatness), embedded excerpts (annotations) and reflective essay (grammar, spelling, structure and referencing). 

4.    Demonstrated understanding of topics through regular participation in tutorial activities and discussions.  

Assessment Task 3

A2: Aural Transcription Project (Group & Individual) - 20%

For this project, students will form groups of 4 people (unless otherwise agreed with the Lecturer/Course Convenor) and select a piece of music from the list provided (see Wattle) to transcribe. The following requirements apply:

 

• Each individual will transcribe one complete voice from the chosen work. The allocation of individual voices will be agreed upon by the group so that no two parts are doubled, and a minimum of 4 distinct voices will be transcribed by the group members.
• Each individual is required to transcribe a minimum of 32 bars (unless otherwise agreed with the Lecturer/Course Convenor), and the excerpt must coincide with the bars transcribed by the other members of the group.
• As a group you will compile the individual voices into a combined score (and audio file) and work together to ensure that the work is cohesive and that all assessment criteria are met.
• Each group member is required to demonstrate their ability to make a fair, equitable, and respectful contribution to the group.
• You will demonstrate your ability to use techniques and concepts from ASMT 1 & 2 to analyse and notate the chosen work.
• You will demonstrate your ability to annotate the score, identifying key center, harmonic analysis (Roman numerals - not figured bass), sequences, phrases, motives, structure, and melodic analysis (chord/scale relationship).
• You will demonstrate your ability to reflect critically on your experience.

Submission:

Each individual from the group will upload the following files and documents to Wattle:

·     Annotated PDF of your individual part score in standard notation (using Musescore or Sibelius)

·     Annotated PDF of your collated full group score in standard notation (using Musescore or Sibelius)

·     WAV file of a MIDI or other realisation of your individual part transcription (from notation software, DAW or similar)

·     WAV file of a MIDI or other realisation of your collated full group transcription (from notation software, DAW or similar)

·     An 800-word individual reflective essay detailing the transcription process, problems encountered and how you resolved them, and key takeaways. A reflective essay template including prompt questions will be provided (see Wattle).

Weighting:

Individual transcription component: 60%

Group transcription component: 20%

Reflective essay component: 20%

Assessment criteria/rubric:  

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

Assessment Task 4

T2: Theory Summary Sheet/Video - 10%

 Choose either a) or b):

a)    Summarise?in your own words (dot points are acceptable) two of the topics/concepts covered in weeks 7-10 and following this, construct a critical, original question for each topic (two in total) that demonstrates an applied understanding of the concepts. Provide the answers to your questions and a brief explanation of how you worked these out. The summary sheet should not exceed one A4 page. 

 

b)   Create a YouTube-style tutorial video summarising two of the topics/concepts covered in weeks 7-10 by constructing a critical, original question for each topic (two in total) and explaining how these theoretical concepts are applied. Your video should focus on the process of answering these questions, explaining the key concepts along the way. You must provide the answers to your questions at some point in the video. It is important to note that the content of the video will be considered but not the production quality. The video should not exceed five minutes.

 

Submission:

The following should be uploaded to Wattle: 

Either:

·       A single A4 sheet (in PDF form) of your summary and questions. 

OR

·       A five-minute video (mp4) that explains the answers to your constructed questions.

Assessment Criteria/Rubric:  

1. Ability to summarise/present information clearly and succinctly (in your own words). 
2. Demonstrated ability to construct original questions that apply relevant theoretical concepts from the course.  
3. Clarity and accuracy of your answers to the constructed questions. 
4. Demonstration of in-depth knowledge pertaining to the chosen topics through assessment quality. 
5. Demonstrated understanding of topics through regular participation in tutorial activities and discussions.  

Assessment Task 5

A3: Aural - Individual Aural Skills Demonstration: Harmonic Security & Sight Singing - 20%

For this task, you will demonstrate your ability to audiate by performing an improvisation demonstration and a sight-singing demonstration.

 

Harmonic Security – 45%

 

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

·     A sung demonstration of a pre-composed arpeggiated voice leading line (a notated copy must be supplied)

·     An improvised vocal or melodic instrumental solo (i.e. not drumkit) that demonstrates your ability to audiate and create a salient and novel musical material. Your improvisation will include a clear outlining of the harmony through the use of chord tones, voice leading, rhythmic variation and other phrasing devices (examples will be provided). No stylistic parameters will be assessed.

 Sight Singing –45%

 

·     You will perform a sight-singing demonstration.

·     One option will be chosen by the lecturer from a selection that includes various keys, tonalities, ranges, and clefs.

·     Sight-singing will be unaccompanied, with a starting pitch to be provided on the piano. The key/starting pitch provided may differ from the notated example to account for vocal range and absolute pitch ability.

·     Rhythmic and melodic accuracy, awareness of tonality, key centre, and intonation will be assessed. Vocal quality will not be assessed.

EarMaster - 10%

 

Your EarMaster analytics will be reviewed to determine the development of regular effective practice strategies catering to individual needs, desirable difficulty, and improvement in aural abilities over time.

Submission:

·     This will be a 10-15 minute in-person exam. No submission is required. An archival video will be created by the lecturer during your exam. Individual times will be scheduled during regular Week 12 lecture and tutorial times.

 

Assessment criteria/rubric: 

 

General:

• Demonstrated understanding of relevant aural skills/concepts through regular participation in tutorial activities and discussions. 

Improvisation task:

• Clarity, neatness, accuracy, and quality of music notation (Sibelius/Musescore etc)
• Demonstrated awareness of voice-leading principals, chord/scale relationships, harmonic security, and melodic and rhythmic phrasing concepts (improvisation)

Sight-reading task:

• Rhythmic and melodic accuracy, consistent tempo, awareness of tonality, key signature, meter, and intonation
• Demonstrated awareness of indicated dynamics, accents, articulations, phrasing, and expressive devices

Ear Training task:

• Demonstrated ability to develop appropriate practice goals and routines using the Ear Master app

Assessment Task 6

T3: Theory Exam - 20%

All students in this course must attempt the theory exam. The exam will be conducted in week 12. Topics and skills assessed will include all the materials covered so far in ASMT 1 & 2, with a particular focus on weeks 7-10.

Submission:  

The exam will be submitted in person at the end of the exam time. 

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 fluency in reading 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. 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 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