Music Ensemble offers a variety of ensemble performance experiences for experienced performers across the ANU. This course supports students in developing the ability to interact with other musicians, and to critically reflect on their experiences and the ensemble context and dynamic. Students typically perform in a School of Music ensemble but may with the agreement of the course convener participate in a non-School of Music ensemble. This course may be repeated for credit if a different type of ensemble is taken each time; for example a violinist who has previously played in a string quartet may play in a piano trio even though they are both examples of chamber music.

Students may complete this course up to four times for a maximum credit value of 24 units, provided they enrol in a different ensemble in each instance/semester. Please note that the course content, assessment structure, and reading list may change depending on the ensemble and the expertise of the lecturer convening the course. Please refer to the class summary for the specific term in which you wish to enrol for a detailed description.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. understand at a high level the techniques, practice habits, musical and stylistic knowledge of the chosen ensemble;
2. demonstrate their continuous development as ensemble performers;
3. critically analyse their experience in the context of the chosen ensemble; and
4. communicate the outcomes of the rehearsal and reflection process through both a performance and in verbal form.

Research-Led Teaching

Lecturers and instructors in this course are committed to research-led, evidence-based instruction. A culture of enquiry, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, performance excellence, and academic rigour is fostered by linking scholarly research in music pedagogy with professional expertise as creative practitioners. Students in this course are encouraged and supported to develop an autoethnographic research-led praxis.

Field Trips

Students are encouraged to attend live and online concerts, as well as other artistic and performative events, workshops, masterclasses, and festivals throughout the semester. Additionally, they are advised to visit the library for research materials and participate in training sessions.

Required Resources

Details will be provided on Canvas, in seminars/tutorials, and directly from one-to-one tutors.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Meet your Ensemble; Seminar: Introduction to the course; Concert Review assessment overview
2	Ensemble rehearsal; Seminar/Drop-in session
3	Ensemble rehearsal; Seminar/Drop-in session
4	Ensemble rehearsal; Seminar/Drop-in session
5	Ensemble rehearsal; Seminar: preparing your concert review
6	Ensemble rehearsal; Seminar/Drop-in session	Assessment 1: Concert Review
7	Ensemble rehearsal; Seminar: Reflective Journal assessment overview
8	Ensemble rehearsal; Seminar/Drop-in session
9	Ensemble rehearsal; Seminar/Drop-in session
10	Ensemble rehearsal; Seminar/Drop-in session
11	Ensemble rehearsal; Seminar: preparing your Reflective Journal
12	Ensemble participation and performances	Assessment 2 - Reflective Journal Assessment 3 - Ensemble Performance & Director's Report

Tutorial Registration

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.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Concert Review - 20%	20 %	29/08/2025	1,2,3
Reflective Journal - 30%	30 %	24/10/2025	1,3,4
Weekly Ensemble Participation and Final Concert - 50%	50 %	*	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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

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 Skills website. 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 ‘Canvas’ 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

Participation in weekly rehearsals and seminars is necessary for the successful fulfilment of learning outcomes and completion of this course.

Assessment Task 1

Concert Review - 20%

Assessment Description

This task entails a critical review of a live concert attended or viewed online during the first six weeks of the ensemble course. The style of music of the concert should be relevant and connected to the style of music prioritised by the particular ensemble (e.g. jazz fusion or music of the Baroque). The review provides an opportunity to focus on the skills and capabilities of the ensemble with attention to various ensemble skills, including musical interaction between members, communication, tuning, arrangement, staging, corporeal engagement with the audience, and attention to the director's cues. Some research about the history, biography, and performance career of the ensemble would also be relevant for your critical review of the ensemble's performance. 

 Formal requirements

Word length: 800-1200 words

Due Date: Week 6, 29 August 2025

Submission format: submitted on Canvas, 12-point font with student name, date, concert title, and 1.5 spacing as well as a list of sources.

Weighting: 20%

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	C	P	N
Critical Evaluation of Performance	Provides an insightful, nuanced, and well-supported critique of the ensemble’s performance; demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of musical interpretation, style, and ensemble cohesion	Offers a thoughtful and well-structured evaluation with minor gaps in depth or detail	Provides a general critique with some relevant observations; may lack consistency or specificity	Identifies basic performance features but lacks depth or clarity in evaluation	Little or no critical evaluation; description is vague, incorrect, or overly simplistic
Contextual Research	Integrates highly relevant biographical, musical, and stylistic context seamlessly into the review, enhancing the depth of analysis	Demonstrates effective research with appropriate contextual detail; some integration into review	Some relevant context is provided, but may be unevenly applied or limited in scope	Minimal context provided; loosely connected or insufficiently explained	No meaningful research or contextualisation evident
Reflection on Personal Ensemble Practice	Offers a perceptive and original reflection on connections between the reviewed concert and the student’s own ensemble experience; thoughtful application to personal musical development	Shows clear and relevant reflection on similarities or contrasts with the student’s ensemble	Some general comparison is made, though it may lack depth or clear relevance	Makes a minimal or superficial connection to the student’s own ensemble work	No meaningful reflection or connection to the student’s own ensemble
Academic Writing and Referencing	Writing is fluent, precise, and logically structured; sources are correctly cited in Chicago style; formatting and presentation are professional	Writing is clear and mostly well-structured; minor referencing or formatting errors	Writing is generally clear; contains occasional errors in structure, referencing, or style	Writing is basic but understandable; referencing is inconsistent or incomplete	Writing is unclear or disorganised; referencing is missing or incorrect

Assessment Task 2

Reflective Journal - 30%

Assessment Criteria:

Assessment task description

Each week, journal entries offer an opportunity to articulate reflections on a number of ensemble skills and dynamics, including acquired techniques, practice habits, group dynamics, sectional communication, and musical and stylistic conventions and aesthetics of the chosen ensemble. The journal should exhibit both personal critical reflection on musical growth in terms of ensemble skills, such as collaborative sectional playing and communication modes, as well as reflection on the full ensemble and its musical development. Entries might pertain to insight accrued in relation to the chosen repertoire, the genre, the intricacies of the arrangement, and the role of the director in leading weekly rehearsals and the final concert. Finally, your journal might reveal knowledge gained from external research about recordings, composers, or famous ensembles connected to the chosen ensemble style.

Submission requirements:

Word limit: 1600-2400, ca.150-200 words a week

Format: submit via Canvas with a title page, date, name and pagination throughout; subheadings are also expected for weekly entries.

Due date: 24/10/25

Value: 30%

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	C	P	N
Critical Reflection on Rehearsal Dynamics	Offers a perceptive and detailed analysis of ensemble rehearsal dynamics, including group processes, challenges, and collaboration	Provides a clear and relevant reflection with thoughtful observations on group interaction	Describes key aspects of rehearsal with some insight; may lack depth or critical engagement	Basic description of rehearsal activity with limited reflection or depth	No meaningful reflection on rehearsal dynamics; overly descriptive or vague
Reflection on Individual Development	Demonstrates nuanced and self-aware reflection on technical, interpersonal, and musical development, including rehearsal and personal practice	Clearly articulates individual growth and contributions across relevant ensemble domains	Provides general reflection on personal role and development with some detail	Limited reflection on individual development or ensemble contributions	No clear evidence of reflection on individual development or contribution
Structured Discussion of Ensemble Style	Writing is highly organised and articulates a detailed and critical understanding of repertoire, stylistic features, group roles, and ensemble-director interaction	Structured and informative discussion of ensemble style and performance components	Adequate description of ensemble style and roles; may lack coherence or detail	General or inconsistent discussion of ensemble features; lacks clarity or depth	Disorganised or unclear writing with little understanding of ensemble musical style
Synthesis of Personal and Ensemble Achievement	Draws thoughtful, evidence-based conclusions about the relationship between personal development and ensemble performance in the final concert	Presents a clear and relevant evaluation of how individual growth contributed to ensemble success	Identifies some link between personal work and ensemble outcome; may lack analytical depth	Makes basic or surface-level connections between individual and ensemble performance	No connection made between personal development and ensemble achievement

Assessment Task 3

Weekly Ensemble Participation and Final Concert - 50%

This assessment recognises the essential role of active participation in the development of ensemble musicianship. Students will participate in weekly rehearsals with an assigned ensemble and tutor to build advanced ensemble techniques, develop individual and collective rehearsal habits, and explore a variety of musical, stylistic, and culturally informed performance practices.

Students will be guided in developing both verbal and non-verbal communication strategies, the ability to give and receive constructive feedback, and ensemble-specific technical and musical skills. Emphasis is placed on historically and stylistically appropriate performance practices, teamwork, and professional rehearsal conduct.

Assessment is based on two key components:

Ensemble Rehearsal Participation

Students will be assessed by their ensemble director on the following criteria:

• Musical Development: Evidence of ongoing technical improvement, ensemble listening skills, and appropriate stylistic expression (e.g. dynamics, articulation, intonation, or improvisation depending on the ensemble).
• Responsiveness and Collaboration: Ability to respond constructively to direction from the ensemble director and peers, and to contribute meaningfully to rehearsal goals.
• Professionalism: Preparation of parts, punctuality, and commitment to the shared musical outcome.

Final Concert Participation - Pass/Fail

Students must participate in the final public performance of their ensemble.

• Failure to participate in the final performance without approved exceptional circumstances will result in a fail for this portion of the assessment and may compromise progression in the course.
• Participation in the concert demonstrates the culmination of rehearsal learning and contributes to the overall ensemble experience for all members.

Submission: Participation records, ensemble director evaluation, and participation in the final concert

Due Date: Ongoing across the semester; final concert (Week 12) participation is mandatory

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	C	P	N
Technical Proficiency and Rehearsal Habits	Demonstrates consistent advanced technical control and professional rehearsal discipline	Demonstrates strong technique and reliable rehearsal engagement	Demonstrates developing technical control and rehearsal focus	Basic technical competence with variable rehearsal habits	Limited technical development and inconsistent rehearsal participation
Stylistically/Culturally Appropriate Performance Practice	Performs with deep stylistic awareness and strong cultural understanding	Performs with clear stylistic accuracy and relevant cultural awareness	Performs with general stylistic understanding and intent	Basic stylistic application; cultural elements underdeveloped	Performance lacks stylistic or cultural appropriateness
Communication and Ensemble Skills	Consistently demonstrates advanced communication, responsiveness, and leadership in ensemble contexts	Communicates effectively and contributes to ensemble cohesion	Demonstrates basic ensemble awareness and interaction	Participation evident but communication is inconsistent	Poor ensemble awareness or minimal contributio
Criterion	Pass	Fail
Participation in Final Performance	Student actively participated in the final ensemble performance	Student did not participate in the final performance without approved exemption

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

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 for performance tasks not permitted. The pass/fail component of the ensemble participation assessment will be failed if students do not participate in the final live performance.
• Late submission for written task 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

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

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.

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 Accessibility 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 supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students