Overview
In this unit you will be introduced to foundational aspects of the language of modern music as derived from both the western art-music tradition and contemporary popular music styles. You will study music theory elements covering introductory aspects of pitch, rhythm, pulse, tempo, articulation and expression. You will apply this knowledge in a range of activities applicable to this study.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2017
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Students
More lessons during production period.
On-campus students will have access to lessons and assistance during the intensive production period.
Students were provided with lessons during production periods as required.
- Complete music writing tasks using the basic rudiments of music relating to pitch, rhythm, keys, scales and chords as derived from the western art-music tradition and contemporary popular music styles at an introductory level
- Apply your knowledge of the basic rudiments of music relating to pitch, rhythm, keys, scales and chords to various introductory level music writing assignments
- Apply your knowledge of the basic rudiments of music relating to pitch, rhythm, keys, scales and chords to various introductory level aural-related tasks
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 10% | |||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 10% | |||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 10% | |||
| 4 - In-class Test(s) - 25% | |||
| 5 - In-class Test(s) - 45% | |||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||
| 5 - Team Work | |||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 10% | ||||||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 10% | ||||||||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 10% | ||||||||||
| 4 - In-class Test(s) - 25% | ||||||||||
| 5 - In-class Test(s) - 45% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
p.mckenzie@cqu.edu.au
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It is strongly encouraged (if possible) to purchase a monthly subscription for the music software Sibelius. This is a cost effective method of securing a quality music notation program for the unit assessment.
If you have any questions, please contact the Unit Coordinator, Peter McKenzie
http://www.avid.com/sibelius/how-to-buy
1 Written Assessment
Due Date: Monday 20th March 2017, 11.30 pm
Weighting: 10%
The purpose of these music theory worksheets is to build your music theory skills through creative music-writing activities. You will need to complete these tasks using music notation software on your computer. The finished product should be uploaded as a PDF file.
Music notation software:
You can use any of the following software packages:
- Finale Notepad (free download available here). This is the recommended software.
- Sibelius. If you have already purchased this software and have a license to use this on your computer, you may use this software.
Presentation:
This worksheet is to be saved as a PDF file and submitted online through the course website. Details about electronic submission are available on the website.
Task:
Create 6 original 16-bar rhythm patterns using each of the following time-signatures:
- simple duple
- simple triple
- simple quadruple
- compound duple
- compound triple
- compound quadruple
Each rhythm pattern must include examples of:
- rests
- dotted notes
- triplets or duplets
- semiquavers
Assessment criteria
All assessment criteria are equally weighted:
- Accurate completion of each rhythm pattern.
- Inclusion of all musical requirements.
Week 3 Monday (20 Mar 2017) 11:30 pm AEST
Moodle
Assessment criteria
All assessment criteria are equally weighted:
- Accurate completion of each rhythm pattern.
- Inclusion of all musical requirements.
- Apply your knowledge of the basic rudiments of music relating to pitch, rhythm, keys, scales and chords to various introductory level music writing assignments
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Technology Competence
2 Written Assessment
Due Date: Monday 1st May 2017, 11.30 pm
Weighting: 10%
The purpose of these music theory worksheets is to build your music theory skills through creative music-writing activities. You will need to complete these tasks using music notation software on your computer. The finished product should be uploaded as a PDF file.
Music notation software:
You can use any of the following software packages:
- Finale Notepad (free download available here). This is the recommended software.
- Sibelius. If you have already purchased this software and have a license to use this on your computer, you may use this software.
Presentation:
This worksheet is to be saved as a PDF file and submitted online through the course website. Details about electronic submission are available on the website.
Task:
- Create a lead sheet of one of your vocal or instrumental repertoire songs. The lead sheet consists of vocal line/melody, words and chords. It should also include all repeats, tempo markings, title, composer, lyricist.
- Transpose this song up a tone.
- Transpose this song down a tone.
- Present all 3 lead sheets as PDF files for assessment.
- Also upload a scanned copy of the original song from your vocal repertoire.
Week 8 Monday (1 May 2017) 11:30 pm AEST
Moodle
Assessment criteria
All assessment criteria are equally weighted:
- Accurate completion of each lead sheet.
- Inclusion of all musical requirements.
- Apply your knowledge of the basic rudiments of music relating to pitch, rhythm, keys, scales and chords to various introductory level music writing assignments
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Technology Competence
3 Written Assessment
Due Date: Monday 22nd May 2017, 11.30 pm
The purpose of these music theory worksheets is to build your music theory skills through creative music-writing activities. You will need to complete these tasks using music notation software on your computer. The finished product should be uploaded as a PDF file.
Music notation software:
You can use any of the following software packages:
- Finale Notepad (free download available here). This is the recommended software.
- Sibelius. If you have already purchased this software and have a license to use this on your computer, you may use this software.
Presentation:
This worksheet is to be saved as a PDF file document and submitted online through the course website. Details about electronic submission are available on the website.
Task:
1. You will be provided with a 16 bar chord progression
2. The rhythm will also be provided for you to use
3. You must add notes to the provided rhythms in order to create the melody
4. When choosing the notes, you must use chord tones (in any order or combination) that align with the provided chord progression
Week 11 Monday (22 May 2017) 11:30 pm AEST
Moodle
Assessment criteria
All assessment criteria are equally weighted:
- Accurate completion of the piece.
- Correct usage of chord tones relating to the given progression.
- Degree of creativity in composing the melody.
- Apply your knowledge of the basic rudiments of music relating to pitch, rhythm, keys, scales and chords to various introductory level music writing assignments
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Technology Competence
4 In-class Test(s)
For Mackay and Distance (Albury/Wagga Wagga/Bathurst).
Students will engage in a series practical/aural musicianship assessment tasks.
Week 12 Monday (29 May 2017) 5:00 pm AEST
Moodle
All assessment criteria are equally weighted: 25%
- Accurate completion of all musical tasks.
- Inclusion of all musical requirements.
- Apply your knowledge of the basic rudiments of music relating to pitch, rhythm, keys, scales and chords to various introductory level aural-related tasks
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
5 In-class Test(s)
Music theory test (45%)
This test will consist of music theory questions relating to the work covered in the topics of the course.
MKY & DISTANCE (Albury/Wagga Wagga/Bathurst): Class test schedules will be posted on the Moodle course website.
Distance students may sit their class tests (Assessment item 5- Music theory exam) on campus (either Mackay or Albury/Wagga/Bathurst) or may nominate an exam invigilator in their local location. Please see the Moodle site for guidelines pertaining to the examination procedures.
Review/Exam Week Friday (9 June 2017) 5:00 pm AEST
Moodle
Accurate completion of all music theory tasks.
- Complete music writing tasks using the basic rudiments of music relating to pitch, rhythm, keys, scales and chords as derived from the western art-music tradition and contemporary popular music styles at an introductory level
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
