This course introduces students to music practice through a performance-focused lens, developing foundational musicianship and critical thinking skills across a range of presentational and participatory forms of musical expression, from professional stage environments to community-based settings. These skills are explored across various genres relevant to contemporary music-making, supporting students in the discovery and formation of their own artistic identity. Students are expected to enter the course with an existing practice in a chosen instrument or voice, which will form the basis for developing effective practice habits informed by learning and motor skill theories. The course also addresses the understanding and management of music performance anxiety (MPA) in practice, rehearsal, and live contexts, alongside strategies for injury prevention and sustainable technique.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- apply a foundational level of technical proficiency, including rhythm, intonation, articulation, timbre, and dynamics (as appropriate) through musicality;
- demonstrate a foundational level of professional musicianship and/or creativity, including expressivity, improvisation, and/or technology (as appropriate);
- develop and apply personal practice routines to support independent learning and skill development on a chosen instrument or voice; and
- identify and describe psychological and physiological factors that influence healthy and sustainable music practice.
Indicative Assessment
- Performance Folio (total of 12 minutes submitted in 5 instalments across the semester) (50) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- In Class Quiz (15) [LO 4]
- Practice Plan and Journal (1,200 words) (15) [LO 3,4]
- Ensemble Participation and Performance (15-20 minutes) (20) [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.
Inherent Requirements
Students enrolling in this course are required to have an established practice on a musical instrument or voice prior to commencement. This includes the ability to engage independently in regular technical and musical development on their chosen instrument or voice
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.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3913 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |