The fifth of the sequential music performance courses supports students in planning for their final project in MUSI3302 (Music Performance 6), as well as furthering their technical vocal/instrumental skills. In this course students will plan a major artistic research project through musicological and artistic research methods, concert/recording session management and planning, and ensemble direction. Students will participate in one-to-one sessions with vocal/instrumental teachers, ensemble rehearsals, seminars, and other practical and academic contexts.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. demonstrate an advanced understanding of terminology, characteristics of style, and historical concepts as they relate to musical works;
2. demonstrate an advanced level of technical proficiency, and a mature and nuanced understanding of the emotional content in musical works;
3. work independently and collaboratively to develop expertise in understanding the craft of musical performance and its presentation to an audience; and
4. critically analyse material and aesthetical elements of music, demonstrating an ability to provide feedback and pose research questions in both written and verbal formats.

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.

Examination Material or equipment

Students may be required to provide copies of scores, repertoire lists, and personal devices for playback of backing tracks/transcriptions. Full details will be provided on Canvas, in seminars/tutorials, and directly from one-to-one tutors.

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	One-to-one lessons, meet your ensemble, instrumental/vocal seminar, intro to the course/assessment overview (tutorial)
2	One-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsal, instrumental/vocal seminar, tutorial
3	One-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsal, instrumental/vocal seminar, tutorial
4	One-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsal, instrumental/vocal seminar, tutorial	Technical Work Plan submission (Part of Assessment 3)
5	One-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsal, instrumental/vocal seminar, Concert Practice
6	One-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsal, instrumental/vocal seminar, Concert Practice	Assessment 1: Project Funding Proposal Assessment
7	One-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsal, instrumental/vocal seminar, Concert Practice
8	One-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsal, instrumental/vocal seminar, Concert Practice
9	One-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsal, instrumental/vocal seminar, Concert Practice
10	One-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsal, instrumental/vocal seminar, Concert Practice
11	One-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsal, instrumental/vocal seminar, Concert Practice
12	One-to-one lessons, ensemble performances, instrumental/vocal seminar, Concert Practice	Assessment 2: ensemble performance

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
Project Funding Proposal: Articulating Artistic Identity and Vision - 20%	20 %	29/08/2025	1,2,3,4
Ensemble Performance & Participation Assessment - 20%	20 %	*	1, 2, 3, 4
Solo Performance Folio - 60%	60 %	*	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 ‘Wattle’ 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, seminars, and one-to-one lessons is necessary for the successful fulfilment of learning outcomes and completion of this course.

Assessment Task 1

Project Funding Proposal: Articulating Artistic Identity and Vision - 20%

In this assessment, you will prepare a professional project funding proposal that outlines an original, creative performance project. The proposal must clearly articulate your artistic vision, repertoire choices, contextual and stylistic frameworks, and the broader social or cultural impact of your work. 

The task builds your capacity to: 

• Define your artistic identity 
• Communicate a compelling artistic rationale 
• Demonstrate your knowledge of repertoire, style, and context 
• Plan a performance project that reflects technical and interpretive maturity 
• Advocate effectively for your artistic practice in professional funding settings 

 

Submission Requirements: 

• Written/online grant proposal
• Supporting documentation (details to be provided in class)
• Verbal Presentation: 5-minute pitch of your proposal + Q&A

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	C	P	N
Clarity and Vision	Proposal communicates a compelling, insightful, and well-articulated artistic vision	Vision is mostly clear, relevant, and logically presented	Artistic rationale is evident but may be simplistic or underdeveloped	Vision is weak or lacks cohesion	Vision is unclear or unjustified
Stylistic and Contextual Insight	Sophisticated understanding of repertoire, style, and historical/artistic context	Clear and sound understanding of context and stylistic relevance	Basic awareness of repertoire and context with limited depth	Minimal reference to stylistic or historical aspects	No meaningful understanding of context or style
Technical and Interpretive Maturity	Project reflects strong technical insight and well-articulated expressive goals	Demonstrates clear technical awareness with some artistic intent	Technically viable but lacks depth or nuance	Technical and artistic intentions are underdeveloped	Project lacks coherence or musical feasibility
Critical Thinking and Self-Reflection	Strong analysis and meaningful self-reflection across written and oral components	Evidence of reflective and critical engagement in most areas	Limited depth in analysis or reflection	Minimal or surface-level reflection	No evidence of critical engagement or reflection
Professional Communication	Highly polished, persuasive, and professionally formatted across all elements	Mostly well-structured and clear with minor lapses	Functional communication with some fluency issues	Clarity or structure is inconsistent	Disorganised or unprofessional presentation

Assessment Task 2

Ensemble Performance & Participation Assessment - 20%

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 attend 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 expected

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 contribution
Criteria	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

Assessment Task 3

Solo Performance Folio - 60%

The Solo Performance Folio comprises three components, each contributing to your development as a skilled and expressive solo performer. All components are equally weighted and are assessed against unified criteria that reflect advanced performance expectations.

One-to-One Teacher's Report & Technical Work Folio (20%)

Submission: Technical Work Plan (due end of Week 4 via Canvas), plus a folio of recorded technical work (due end of week 11 via Canvas) approved by your one-to-one teacher.

Your tutor will assess your technical skills and exercises based on your development over the semester and the standard of your technical recordings.

Your Technical Work Plan should outline individualised goals and activities, drawing from the technical guidelines for your instrument (see Canvas).

Areas of assessment may include:

• Instrument-specific technique (e.g. rudiments, etudes, scales, arpeggios)
• Sight reading
• Technical accuracy, control, tone, and musicality

Concert Practice Performance (20%)

Submission: In-person 10-minute performance before a jury and peers (Week 5 - 12)

You will present a short program of solo and/or ensemble works that reflect your current musical and technical development.

This is a developmental assessment intended to support feedback and readiness for your final jury performance.

Jury Repertoire Performance Exam (20%)

Submission: In-person, max 15-minute live performance before a faculty jury (end of semester)

This is a formal, closed exam in which you will present selected works from a prepared repertoire list. The jury will choose several contrasting pieces to be performed. The repertoire must be prepared in consultation with your one-to-one tutor and align with your instrument's repertoire guidelines (see Canvas).

 

Rubric

Technical Report Criteria	HD	D	C	P	N
Technical Proficiency	Demonstrates advanced technical fluency and control across all assigned tasks	High level of accuracy and fluency with occasional minor issues	Mostly accurate with developing fluency and consistency	Basic technical control; inconsistent or incomplete preparation	Technical skill is underdeveloped or work is incomplete
Musicality in Technical Work	Highly expressive and musically sensitive approach to technical exercises	Expressive approach with stylistic awareness	Generally musical but may lack nuance	Limited musicality or dynamic control	Lacks musical intent or inappropriate stylistic delivery
Preparation and Submission	Work submitted is complete, well-prepared, and clearly aligned with the Technical Work Plan	Mostly complete and meets expectations with minor lapses	Submitted with some inconsistencies or missing elements	Work partially completed or lacks detail	Work is incomplete or missing
Participation and Engagement	Demonstrates consistent lesson attendance, initiative, and responsiveness to feedback	Regular attendance and good responsiveness	Generally engaged; accepts feedback with some follow-through	Irregular participation or limited feedback implementation	Poor attendance or engagement
Concert Practice Criteria	HD	D	C	P	N
Technical Development	Secure and refined technique with strong expressive control	Generally consistent and accurate technique	Developing fluency with some errors	Basic control; inconsistent execution	Underprepared or technically limited
Stylistic, Interpretive, and Improvisational Awareness	Clear stylistic direction with mature interpretive decisions	Good style with some expressive development	Some style present; developing interpretation	Limited style or expressive focus	No clear style or interpretation evident
Repertoire Appropriateness and Progress	Repertoire is well chosen, suitably challenging, and shows strong developmental progress	Suitable and moderately challenging with good progress	Suitable with developing progress	Basic progress with limited repertoire ambition	Inappropriate or insufficiently prepared repertoire
Performance Communication	Confident, engaging, and communicative performance delivery	Mostly confident with minor lapses	Some audience connection and awareness	Tentative or limited engagement	Disconnected or unprofessional delivery
Jury Exam Criteria	HD	D	C	P	N
Technique/Technicality	Demonstrates advanced control across all technical demands of the repertoire	Strong technical performance with minor flaws	Mostly accurate with some technical instability	Basic control with frequent issues	Serious technical limitations that hinder performance
Musicality	Expressive, stylistically refined and imaginative interpretation/improvisation	Strong expressive engagement with clear style	Musically convincing but lacks depth or nuance	Limited musical expression or stylistic clarity	Performance lacks musicality or is stylistically inappropriate
Repertoire	Repertoire is highly suitable, well-contrasted, and deeply informed by historical/cultural understanding	Appropriate repertoire with some personal interpretation and challenge	Repertoire choice is suitable but lacks variety or depth	Limited variety or understanding of repertoire context	Repertoire is inappropriate or underprepared
Preparation and Presentation	Well-prepared with confident stage presence, memorisation (where appropriate), and professional delivery	Mostly well-prepared with good communication and presentation	Preparation is evident but presentation lacks polish or confidence	Inconsistent preparation and uncertain delivery	Unprepared or unprofessional presentation

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 (see individual assessment descriptions for details):

• Late submission of live performance assessments are 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 of written and presentation assessments are 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