This topics course is designed for students with little or no prior experience on a musical instrument, as well as for those wishing to expand their practice into a second or new instrument or area of specialisation. It introduces the fundamentals of creative musical practice through a choice of voice, guitar, or percussion. Students develop essential musicianship, technical skills, and creative confidence, while also learning about physical and mental wellbeing, including injury prevention and recovery.
Foundational concepts are explored through lectures, practical workshops, and creative tasks tailored to each instrument or area of focus. Activities include beginner-level repertoire, guided improvisation, ear training, and both individual and group-based music-making in a supportive environment.
With an emphasis on healthy, expressive, and sustainable approaches to musical development, the course introduces key skills such as coordination, musical expression, and basic music literacy.
Students may complete this course twice for a maximum of 12 units, provided they enrol in a different topic in each instance. Course content, assessment, and readings will vary depending on the topic and instructor. Please refer to the class summary for details specific to the term in which you intend to enrol.
Topics may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Voice
- Guitar
- Hand Percussion
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- explain the basic anatomical and functional aspects of the voice or chosen instrument using appropriate terminology;
- respond to simple musical instructions in individual and group music-making activities;
- demonstrate foundational technical exercises that support safe and sustainable use of the voice or instrument; and
- recognise and apply basic strategies to manage physical fatigue and strain in musical activity
Other Information
In instances where the course centers on guitar, students are required to source their own guitar and bring it to class each week.
Indicative Assessment
- In Class Quiz (30) [LO 1,2,4]
- Group Performance (8-10 minutes) (40) [LO 2,3,4]
- Written Reflection (1,800 words) (30) [LO 1,2,4]
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; and
b) 94 hours of independent studio practice and contextual research (reading and writing).
Prescribed Texts
This will vary based on topics. All materials will be provided via Canvas.
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.