This course explores how music practice is expressed through leadership and collaborative group contexts, supporting the development of performing, leadership, and ensemble direction skills. Building on prior courses, students deepen their demonstrated knowledge of musicianship, adaptability, and critical thinking through a range of practical and academic experiences. Students learn about diverse musical settings—from professional ensembles to community music-making—gaining insight into how music is performed, led, and experienced across genres and social contexts. Students develop professional techniques for leading others, offering feedback, and facilitating inclusive and responsive musical environments. Students are equipped with organisational skills and tools to build relationships and guide others effectively, while fostering ethical, diverse, and socially responsible practices. Participation in music ensembles continues to support socially embedded learning, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and leadership in contemporary music practice.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- demonstrate an advanced level of technical proficiency including rhythm, intonation, articulation, timbre, and dynamics (as appropriate) to support music leadership and musicality;
- apply refined expressive techniques, stylistically appropriate improvisation, and/or digital tools to support ensemble leadership, musical direction, and interpretive decision-making in complex music-making contexts;
- critically evaluate the interpersonal skills required in professional performing contexts, including teamwork, professionalism, constructive communication, adaptability, and reliability; and
- apply ethical principles and inclusive leadership strategies to effectively instruct and lead others across diverse ensemble and community music contexts.
Indicative Assessment
- Solo Performance Folio (total of 12-15 minutes submitted in 5 instalments across the semester) (35) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- In-Class Quiz (15) [LO 3,4]
- Essay (1,500 words) (25) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Ensemble Project (15-20 minutes) (25) [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; and
b) 94 hours of study across the semester, which may include regular individual practice on their chosen instrument or voice, rehearsal preparation, technique development, and reflective work that supports their progress toward the course learning outcomes.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
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 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $4200 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $5820 |
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.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8882 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |