Collaboration lies at the heart of music practice and production. While acknowledging ‘the great composers’ and the DIY (Do It Yourself) recording movement has often redirected focus toward the individual, music remains, fundamentally, a deeply social activity. This course brings music students together to build on their existing skills on how diverse musical practices can be blended, with musicians assuming multiple roles while collaborating in an inclusive environment. Students will develop a creative, innovative, and original project that challenges their existing skills and pushes them beyond their artistic comfort zones. Through this process, students will learn to work effectively across stylistic, interpersonal, and technical contexts. They will also navigate the challenges that can arise in a collective creative process, where compromises and collaboration foster growth and unexpected solutions. These challenges will be viewed as opportunities to build adaptability, and a deeper understanding of the creative process. Students will also engage with critical perspectives on creativity, collaboration, and innovation in music. In groups, they will collaborate to develop a large-scale project, delivered either through a live performance or as a set of recorded works.

Collaborations may change from semester to semester. They may include but are not limited to: Orchestra, Chamber Ensemble, Choir, Piano Duo, Contemporary Classical Ensemble, Rock Band, Pop Ensemble, Soul Band, Funk Band, R&B Vocal Group, Indie Band, Alternative Band, Metal Band, Singer-Songwriter Collective, Jazz Combo, Big Band, Free Improvisation Ensemble, Jazz Vocal Group, Electroacoustic Ensemble, Laptop Orchestra, Experimental Noise Collective, Live Looping Ensemble, Folk Band, Bluegrass Ensemble, Global Musics Group, Cross-genre Fusion Ensemble, Multimodal Performance Group.

In these groups, students may contribute in one or more ways, including performing on an instrument, music direction, composing pieces, or recording pieces.

Students may complete this course twice for a maximum credit value of 12 units, provided a different type of collaboration is taken in each instance/semester. Please note that the course content, assessment structure, and reading list may change depending on the collaboration 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. demonstrate effective collaboration in diverse musical teams by adopting multiple roles and contributing to a shared creative project/outcome;
2. apply creativity and innovation by developing and realising an original project;
3. select and implement appropriate strategies to address interpersonal, technical, and artistic challenges in group-based music production; and
4. analyse and apply critical perspectives on creativity, collaboration, and innovation in contemporary music contexts.

Research-Led Teaching

The seminars for Music as Collaboration will be taught by a number of international musicians, producers and ensembles, who each bring their unique perspectives on creativity and collaboration. It is highy recommended that students attend all seminars, as all assessment tasks will draw on the creative practice workshops, critical perspectives and class discussions during the seminars.

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	Seminar (Thursday 9-10am): Introduction to Music as CollaborationIntroduction to Assessment task 1Tutor: Anna McDonaldVenue: LT1 (level 5, Building 100) Ensemble rehearsals (Thursday 10am-12pm)Some ensembles will arrange an alternative weekly time with their tutor
2	Seminar: (Thursday 9-10am) Music and Landscape.This seminar will consist of a nature walk within the ANU campus, unfolding different views of nature in musical creativity.Tutor: Malek Mohammadi NejadVenue LT1Ensemble rehearsals (Thursday 10am-12pm) Some ensembles will arrange an alternative weekly time with their tutor
3	Seminar (Thursday 9-10am) Building Effective and Creative Communication in Music Teams Tutor: Anna McDonaldVenue: LT1Ensemble rehearsals (Thursday 10am-12pm)Some ensembles will arrange an alternative weekly time with their tutor
4	Seminar (Thursday 9-10am) Improvisation and creativity within musical collaborations. Please bring your instruments as this will be a practical seminar.Tutor: Malek Mohammadi NejadVenue: LT1Ensemble rehearsals (Thursday 10am-12pm)Some ensembles will arrange an alternative weekly time with their tutor
5	Student in-class individual presentations (Thursday 9-10am) (Assessment Task 1)Venue: LT1Ensemble rehearsals (Thursday 10am-12pm)Some ensembles will arrange an alternative weekly time with their tutor	1.Collaborative Project Proposal and Presentations [In-class, 5 minutes] One other hour during week 5 will be scheduled to complete the presentations.
6	Seminar (Thursday 9-10am) Teho (T3ho), Finnish contemporary ensembleVenue: LT1J&C Ensembles group workshop with Teho (T3ho) ensemble (Thursday 10am-12pm)(All J&C students and tutors if possible)Classical ensembles Masterclass 1 (Thursday 10am-12pm)
7	Seminar (Thursday 9-10am) Innovative Approaches to Music Production:Tutor: Will KepaVenue: LT1Ensemble rehearsals (Thursday 10am-12pm)Some ensembles will arrange an alternative weekly time with their tutor
8	Seminar (Thursday 9-10am)Ensemble Contrechamps, Swiss new music/classical ensembleVenue: LT1Ensemble rehearsals (Thursday 10am-12pm)Some ensembles will arrange an alternative weekly time with their tutor
9	Seminar (Thursday 9-10am)Improvising across classical and jazz genresTutor: Kristin McGeeVenue: LT1J&C Ensemble rehearsals (Thursday 10am-12pm or other)Classical ensembles Masterclass 1 (Thursday 10am-12pm)
10	Seminar (Thursday 9-10am) Collaboration in Live Music Performance vs. Recorded Works.Tutor: Scott SaundersVenue: LT1Ensemble rehearsals (Thursday 10am-12pm)Some ensembles will arrange an alternative weekly time with their tutor
11	Seminar (Thursday 9-10am)Hearing about the Composer & Ensemble Relationship.Tutor: Jodie BlackshawVenue: LT1Ensemble rehearsals (Thursday 10am-12pm)Some ensembles will arrange an alternative weekly time with their tutor
12	Seminar (Thursday 9-10am)Finalising the Collaborative Music ProjectTutor: Anna McDonaldVenue: LT1Ensemble performances, various times.	2.Individual Critical Reflection on Collaboration and Creativity due 29-05-2026 (1,800 words)3.Final Group Collaboration Projects (10-15 minutes)Wednesday 27th May: J & C Ensembles, 7-9pm, BBRThursday 28th May 10-12, Classical Ensembles public concert 10am-12pmThursday 28th May evening: ANU Orchestra, ANU Jazz Orchestra

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	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Collaborative Project Proposal and Presentation [5 minutes]	20 %	26/03/2026	10/04/2026	1,2,3
Individual Critical Reflection on Collaboration and Creativity (1,800 words)	30 %	29/05/2026	*	1,2,3,4
Final Group Collaboration Project (10-15 minutes)	50 %	02/06/2026	*	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

This is a practice-based course that involves active engagement in workshops, rehearsals, and peer-learning activities. Students are expected to attend scheduled classes and contribute to practical and collaborative work, as these activities are central to developing skills, receiving feedback, and achieving the course learning outcomes.

Assessment Task 1

Collaborative Project Proposal and Presentation [5 minutes]

1. Collaborative Project Proposal and Presentation (LOs 1,2,3)

This formative assessment requires students to develop and present a proposal for their collaborative creative project. The individual presentation must outline the project’s main concepts and ideas, its goals, and timeline for completion. Students will engage with relevant collaborative examples, conceptual frameworks, or historical practices to justify their creative direction. 

This task supports students in selecting strategies to contribute a creative role or multiple roles in a collaborative project (LO1), apply creativity and innovation towards the final performance or recording (LO2) and navigate collaborative complexities and challenges: technical, artistic and interpersonal. (LO3). 

Assessment criteria:

·     Clarity and coherence of the proposed creative project, including aims, scope, and timeline.

·     Demonstrated engagement with relevant collaborative examples, conceptual frameworks, or historical practices to justify the project’s creative direction.

·     Evidence of creativity and innovation in the proposed approach, roles, and intended outcomes.

·     Awareness of collaborative processes and challenges, including technical, artistic, and interpersonal considerations.

Assessment Task 2

Individual Critical Reflection on Collaboration and Creativity (1,800 words)

Individual Critical Reflection on Collaboration and Creativity (LOs 1,2,3,4)

This reflection allows students to individually document and critically assess their contribution to the collaborative process. Students evaluate their experiences of working in diverse teams, taking on multiple roles, and navigating interpersonal dynamics (LO1), while also exploring how their ideas contribute to the creativity and innovation of the final product (LO2). The task promotes honest analysis of conflict, compromise and resilience within group settings (LO 3) and requires students to integrate theoretical perspectives introduced during the course (LO4). This assessment fosters personal growth, deepens artistic self-awareness, and supports the development of transferable collaborative skill.

Assessment criteria:

·     Critical reflection on individual contribution, roles undertaken, and experiences of working collaboratively in diverse group contexts.

·     Analysis of how individual ideas and actions contributed to creativity and innovation within the collaborative project.

·     Depth of reflection on collaboration-related challenges, including conflict, compromise, resilience, and interpersonal dynamics.

·     Ideas are expressed in a coherent writing style, demonstrating appropriate grammar and consistency of stylistic elements (such as the use of capital letters, italics, inverted commas, and verb tenses).

·    At least three references, which integrate relevant theoretical perspectives and seminar resources to support critical reflection, should be included. References, whether from class discussions/workshops, recordings/videos or academic sources are correctly cited in Chicago style. 

Assessment Task 3

Final Group Collaboration Project (10-15 minutes)

Final Group Collaboration Project (LOs 1,2,3,4)

The capstone assessment, this project requires students to apply their musical, interpersonal, and organisation skills in a high-stakes, group-based creative task. Whether delivered through a final performance or as a set of recorded works, the project demonstrates students' ability to collaborate across stylistic, technical, and interpersonal differences (LO1), while developing an original, innovative creative outcome (LO2). It requires students to navigate creative tensions and logistical challenges in real time (LO3), testing their adaptability and group resilience. The final work also embodies their engagement with critical theories and perspectives discussed in the course (LO4), showcasing both process and outcome in a coherent, reflexive framework.

Assessment criteria:

• Demonstration of developing technical proficiency in practice/rehearsal/composition/recording habits (from ensemble director's report)

• Evidence of developing stylistically/culturally appropriate performance practice or developing creative expression (from ensemble director's report)

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across stylistic, technical, and interpersonal differences within a group context (from ensemble director's report)

• Quality, originality, and coherence of the final creative outcome, whether performance-based or recorded (from ensemble director's report)

• Evidence of adaptability, problem-solving, and resilience in navigating creative, logistical, and interpersonal challenges (from ensemble director's report)

• Demonstrated engagement with critical ideas and perspectives from the course, reflected in both process and final outcome (from ensemble director's report).

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 not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• 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

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