CQUniversity Unit Profile
MUSC13413 Multi-Instrument Fundamentals and Ensemble Direction 1
Multi-Instrument Fundamentals and Ensemble Direction 1
All details in this unit profile for MUSC13413 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

The effective delivery of an instrumental music curriculum is contingent on the knowledge and ability of the teacher in two associated areas: multi-instrument instruction and conducting technique. Through foundational studies of multi-instrument and conducting techniques, you will have the opportunity to develop the pedagogical skills and concepts required to deliver successful group instrumental music instruction and ensemble direction for beginning students. In this unit, you will be required to undertake a second instrument study in an area of your choice from the woodwind, brass or percussion families of instruments, performing repertoire and exercises relative to the beginner level. Additionally, you will develop ensemble directing skills and conducting techniques for beginner ensembles.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

For entry into this unit, you must have completed 36 credit points in this course.

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 - 2022

Mackay
Online

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).

Class and Assessment Overview

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

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Practical Assessment
Weighting: 40%
2. Practical Assessment
Weighting: 40%
3. Reflective Practice Assignment
Weighting: 20%

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.

Previous Student Feedback

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 Personal Communication / Unit Evaluation

Feedback

Excellent resources and access

Recommendation

Continue to provide access to the comprehensive Music Professor platform for multi instrument studies, complimented by Q&A sessions with staff.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Perform beginning student repertoire on an instrument that is not your primary instrument of study from the woodwind, brass or percussion instrument families
  2. Demonstrate practical conducting techniques required for the musical direction of a beginning ensemble
  3. Explain the technical challenges of your chosen instrument of study and pedagogical methods for the successful development of beginner students.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
1 - Practical Assessment - 40%
2 - Practical Assessment - 40%
3 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 20%

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 - Practical Assessment - 40%
2 - Practical Assessment - 40%
3 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 20%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Jason Smyth-Tomkins Unit Coordinator
j.smyth-tomkins@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 07 Mar 2022

Module/Topic

Introduction to the lesson platform.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 14 Mar 2022

Module/Topic

Multi Instrument: Study of your chosen instrument, progressing through the online lesson content at your own pace.

Conducting: Module 1 (The Basics)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 21 Mar 2022

Module/Topic

Multi Instrument: Study of your chosen instrument, progressing through the online lesson content at your own pace.

Conducting: Module 1 (The Basics)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 28 Mar 2022

Module/Topic

Multi Instrument: Study of your chosen instrument, progressing through the online lesson content at your own pace.

Conducting: Module 2 (Laban Theory of Movement)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 04 Apr 2022

Module/Topic

Multi Instrument: Study of your chosen instrument, progressing through the online lesson content at your own pace.

Conducting: Module 2 (Laban Theory of Movement)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 11 Apr 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 18 Apr 2022

Module/Topic

Multi Instrument: Study of your chosen instrument, progressing through the online lesson content at your own pace.

Conducting: Module 2 (Laban Theory of Movement)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 25 Apr 2022

Module/Topic

Multi Instrument: Study of your chosen instrument, progressing through the online lesson content at your own pace.


Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Conducting Technique Assessment Due: Week 7 Friday (29 Apr 2022) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 8 Begin Date: 02 May 2022

Module/Topic

Multi Instrument: Study of your chosen instrument, progressing through the online lesson content at your own pace.


Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 09 May 2022

Module/Topic

Multi Instrument: Study of your chosen instrument, progressing through the online lesson content at your own pace.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 16 May 2022

Module/Topic

Multi Instrument: Study of your chosen instrument, progressing through the online lesson content at your own pace.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 23 May 2022

Module/Topic

Multi Instrument: Study of your chosen instrument, progressing through the online lesson content at your own pace.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 30 May 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

2nd Instrument Study Due: Week 12 Friday (3 June 2022) 11:45 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 06 Jun 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Reflective Journal Due: Review/Exam Week Friday (10 June 2022) 11:45 pm AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 13 Jun 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

This unit provides a structured approach to learning a new instrument. A group method textbook is required for the study of your chosen instrument. The most commonly used and recommended texts are Tradition of Excellence (Kjos Publications) or Essential Elements (Hal Leonard). All students require access to a conducting baton and your chosen instrument for this unit. Instruments are not provided by the university.

Assessment Tasks

1 Practical Assessment

Assessment Title
Conducting Technique Assessment

Task Description

In this task you will be required to submit a video, demonstrating fundamental conducting techniques, relative to the direction of a beginner - intermediate ensemble.

Your recording must demonstrate the following:

  • Demonstrate the techniques discussed in Become a Master Conductor (Module 1 and 2) including: preparation, downbeats and releases, articulation, 2, 3 and 4/4 time signatures and dynamics
  • 4/4 time | 60 - 90bpm | 8-bars of each of the following: flick (staccato), dab (tenuto), slash (accent), punch (marcato) and float (slurred) articulations
  • 8-bars of each using the dab gesture, demonstrate the following time signatures: 4/4, 2/4 and 3/4
  • Demonstrate crescendo and decrescendo (press)
  • Accurately conduct the conducting etude (PDF supplied), combining various techniques developed in this unit
  • State the name of the each gesture at the beginning of exercise.

Your recording must:

  • Have a clear view of you, facing towards the camera
  • Where necessary, use a metronome.


Assessment Due Date

Week 7 Friday (29 Apr 2022) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 9 Friday (13 May 2022)


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

  • Demonstration of appropriate stance and upper body position (torso and arms) - 10%
  • Development of baton grip and baton position - 10%
  • Clarity and accuracy of simple time conducting patterns - 25%
  • Ability to convey precise tempo - 15%
  • Effective communication of articulations - 35%
  • Effective communication of dynamics relative (baton) - 5%


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
See unit Moodle site.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate practical conducting techniques required for the musical direction of a beginning ensemble


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy

2 Practical Assessment

Assessment Title
2nd Instrument Study

Task Description

In this assessment task, through a video recorded performance you will demonstrate your understanding of beginning techniques on an instrument previously unfamiliar to you.

Using a group-method tutor book, your recording must:

  • Be 10 - 15mins in length
  • Demonstrate a variety of exercises - increasing in difficulty
  • Perform at least 1 of the solos with accompaniment
  • Perform the required one octave scales for this level (concert Bb, Eb, F, Ab and chromatic scales)
  • State the name of the piece/scale or the number of the exercise/s


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (3 June 2022) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

End of term.


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

Students will be assessed on a combination of criteria relating to the development of musical and technical skills as applied to their instrument and developmental level. The criteria for individual instruments may include the assessment of:

  • Technical accuracy
  • Fluency
  • Intonation
  • Rhythm
  • Articulation
  • Tonal quality
  • Memorisation
  • Breathing
  • Tempo
  • Dynamics.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
See unit Moodle site.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Perform beginning student repertoire on an instrument that is not your primary instrument of study from the woodwind, brass or percussion instrument families


Graduate Attributes
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy

3 Reflective Practice Assignment

Assessment Title
Reflective Journal

Task Description

In this assessment task you will compile a reflective journal of your engagement with the practical and theoretical aspects of learning a new instrument. This journal should display a reflective approach to your personal development as well as consideration of the methods and approaches required in the teaching of this instrument to a beginner student. In completing this task you must:

  • Make weekly, detailed entries to you journal
  • Refer to methods, texts, journals and performance repertoire that inform your practice and development
  • Begin the process of compiling this information from the beginning of your learning journey on your chosen instrument
  • Ensure all references to methods / texts / journals are cited appropriately
  • Your work should contain both paraphrased information and direct quotation, with appropriate in-text referencing.

Length:

1500 words

Assignment presentation:

  • Title page with your name, student number and chosen instrument
  • Must use 12 point Times New Roman font
  • Must use 1.5 spacing for the body of the assignment
  • You may use sub-headings to organise your assignment clearly
  • You may refer to Youtube clips to demonstrate aspects of your discussion and reference appropriately
  • Include in-text references
  • Include a comprehensive reference list, adhering to the CQUniversity APA Style Guide
  • All excerpts from URLs for music scores or recorded audio/video examples should include an in-text reference, and full details included in the reference list.
  • Submit Microsoft Word (.docx) documents only.

*The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.


Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Friday (10 June 2022) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

End of term.


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

  • Evidence of self directed investigation - 35%
  • Relevant discussion of future impacts on personal practice - 20%
  • Demonstrated research of links to experiences discussed - 20%
  • Accuracy of spelling and grammar - 15%
  • Accuracy of referencing method - 10%


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
See unit Moodle site.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain the technical challenges of your chosen instrument of study and pedagogical methods for the successful development of beginner students.


Graduate Attributes
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence

Academic Integrity Statement

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?