MUSPMACT 1111 - Popular Music Ensemble 1A

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014

This course develops effective strategies for the preparation and performance of music in a variety of live and studio settings. Performance Forum/Studio Culture sees students work in teams to develop methodologies that merge computer and audio technology with traditional rehearsal and performance practices, employing any combination of instruments, synthesizers, laptops, production software, mixers and control surfaces. Improvisation workshop applies instruction in chord/scale relationships students in order to solo over original and standard repertoire.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MUSPMACT 1111
    Course Popular Music Ensemble 1A
    Coordinating Unit Elder Conservatorium of Music
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Restrictions Available to BMus students only
    Course Description This course develops effective strategies for the preparation and performance of music in a variety of live and studio settings. Performance Forum/Studio Culture sees students work in teams to develop methodologies that merge computer and audio technology with traditional rehearsal and performance practices, employing any combination of instruments, synthesizers, laptops, production software, mixers and control surfaces. Improvisation workshop applies instruction in chord/scale relationships students in order to solo over original and standard repertoire.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Luke Harrald

    Name Phone Email Office
    Coordinator Dr Luke Harrald 83133402 luke.harrald@adelaide.edu.au Schulz 11.10
    Staff Dr Peter Dowdall 83132270 peter.dowdall@adelaide.edu.au Schulz 11.09
    Derek Pascoe - derek.pascoe@adelaide.edu.au -
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On the successful completion of this course, students will develop:

    1) The ability to perform and interpret the compositions of others;
    2) Musicianship through ensemble performance;
    3) A thorough understanding of the roles, responsibilities, stages and activities in a recording project; and
    4) The capacity to critically evaluate their performances and to communicate performing instructions and technical requirements to others.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 2
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1, 2, 4
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 1, 2, 3, 4
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 3
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 2, 4
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    • Class handouts and materials placed on MyUni.
    • Each week students will be required to bring their instruments, or other technology they require to realise their group work.
    Recommended Resources
    Reading
    Stevens, J. (1985) Search & Reflect. Community Music Ltd, London.

    Cardew, C. ed. (1974) Scratch Music. MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

    Crook, H. (2002) How to Improvise. Advance Music, Rottenburg.

    Bailey, D. (1980) Musical Improvisation: its nature and practice in music. Prentice Hall, New Jersey.

    Bergonzi, J. (1992) Vol. 1 Melodic Structures. Advance Music, Rottenburg.

    Music Resources Guide
    The Music Resources Guide contains quick links to key music databases for scholarly research and online listening. It also contains links to websites of publicly available online scores, collected editions, and professional associations. Here too you can find a regularly updated list of new books, scores, CDs and DVDs available in the Elder Music Library: http://libguides.adelaide.edu.au/music

    Library

    The Music Library located in the Hartley building is an excellent source for music, literature and recordings: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/library/branch/eml/
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The course structure and content is delivered through a range of classes and materials. Class delivery modes are primarily practical workshops, incorporating an improvisation and studio class. The classes in this course use a format where students are presented with theoretical and/ or practical content during each workshop. The theoretical content creates a topic framework that students will expand through practical application. Students will also be expected to further expand the topics presented through using out-of-class resources, and by rehearsing in their own time. These activities will compliment, reinforce and extend the concepts and practical skills explored in class.

    The classes provide students with theoretical explanations and practical skills in studio culture, improvisation, and the preparation of creative work for live performance.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Workshops 12 x 2 hours per week
    = 24 hours per semester

    Wokshops 12 x 1 hours per week
    = 12 hours per semester

    Reading 12 x 3 hours per week
    = 36 hours per semester

    Rehearsal 12 x 4 hours per week
    = 48 hours per semester

    Self initiated learning & creative practice 12 x 3 hours per week = 36 hours per semester

    = 156 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary
    The course structure and content will examine the areas below through weekly theoretical and/or practical demonstrations and exploration. The following list is provided as a guide, and may change depending on needs arising through the semester. Further detail regarding weekly content can be found on MyUni.

    Studio (2 hours)
    Week 1 – Introduction to course, assign groups for semester and set a cover & group composition task.
    Week 2 – Rehearsal -In small groups, students will develop a cover & original for performance in week 6.
    Week 3 – Rehearsal - Cover song should be completed and performed for lecturer.
    Week 4 – MEGA FORUM – special presentation for all Conservatorium Students on hearing loss.
    Week 5 – Rehearsal – students continue rehearsing their cover and original composition for week 6.
    Week 6 – CLASS PERFORMANCE & LIVE RECORDING - In groups, students will perform their
    cover and original composition for their peers & be recorded live.
    MID SEMESTER BREAK
    Week 7 – Individual Composition Task – each member of the group will present a composition to the
    group and develop it for performance to the class in week 12 & for the Recital.
    Week 8 – GUEST ARTIST PRESENTATION
    Week 9 – Rehearse and develop individual compositions.
    Week 10 – Rehearse and develop individual compositions.
    Week 11 – Rehearse and develop individual compositions.
    Week 12 – CLASS PERFORMANCE

    Improvisation Workshop (1 hour)
    Activities in the improvisation workshop will reinforce student’s work in the Studio. Activities will bolster and promote student’s creativity, and aural skills in group improvisation.

    Week 1 – Course Introduction – Vamps, drones and aural orientation in improvisation.
    Week 2 – 4 Conceptual aspects of sound and improvisation.
    Week 5 – CLASS PERFORMANCE – demonstrate concepts from the previous weeks by performing for peers.
    MID SEMESTER BREAK
    Week 6 – 10 Practical considerations of improvisation, including click and sustain (rhythm), play and rest, dynamics, tone colour, strategy, and process. Aural considerations will also be explored including tuning, conflict, and harmony.
    Week 11 – 12 CLASS PERFORMANCE – students will demonstrate topics from previous weeks by performing for their peers in preparation for summative recording assessment.

    Specific Course Requirements
    Facilities Provisions
    This course will require that students rehearse both individually and as a part of their group. For individual practice, students may book and use any of the rehearsal rooms contained within the Conservatorium with a limit of two hours per day for any individual space as per the Conservatorium’s Rehearsal guidelines. For more specific group work, rehearsal space with a backline (Drumkit, Guitar and Bass Amplifiers and an electric piano) and PA system has been provided in Schulz B14. Bookings of this space may be made through the EMU online booking system: http://c07d705ldd6k.ad.adelaide.edu.au/bookings/index.php

    A dB meter is installed in this space. If you exceed the set dB limit for the space, the lights will flash. During normal hours (8am – 6pm), levels should not exceed the 85dB limit in order to avoid disturbing other classes and staff. This level is considered the safe working limit for venues around Australia. Students found exceeding these levels will have their booking privileges revoked for two weeks, and repeat offenders may have their booking privileges revoked for the remainder of the academic year.

    All spaces must be left in a neat and tidy state ready for the next user when you finish rehearsing.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Summative Assessment Summary
    Semester 1
    Name Type  Due % Learning Outcomes
    Attendance & Participation  Summative Ongoing assessment relating to student participation in the workshop and studio classes and performances in class in week 6 and week 12 10 1, 2, 3, 4
    Recorded Performance  Summative Week 15 45 2, 3
    Recital  Summative Week 16 45 1, 2, 4
    Formative Assessment: Classes will contain embedded formative assessment tasks that may include weekly quizzes, student presentations, in-class exercises and homework that will enable students to engage with the practical and theoretical concepts presented in order to complete their summative assessments.
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Expectation & Penalty
    As per Conservatorium policy, active and positive participation in 100% of classes is expected, any student who attends less than 100% of required classes without approved leave may result in a 5 (five) mark penalty for each unapproved absence. The penalties will be applied to the final total percentage mark for the year for the relevant component i.e. after all other assessments have been completed and calculated. Arrival after the scheduled starting time or departure before the scheduled finishing time may, at the lecturer or Co-ordinator’s discretion, be regarded as an unapproved absence.

    Leave
    The Conservatorium recognises that extenuating circumstances may occasionally affect a student’s ability to participate in a rehearsal, workshop, class, lecture, tutorial or performance. In such cases leave may, upon application using the leave form (available from the Music Office Hartley Building G05), be approved by the relevant staff member.
    Assessment Detail
    ASSESSMENT
    Semester 1
    Name Detail
    Participation & Attendance Students will be assessed on their weekly contributions to improvisation workshop and studio class. Note that as an ensemble based course, the Conservatorium’s 100% attendance policy will be enforced through this class, as attendance is vital to other students being able to complete their work.
    Recorded Performance This assessment is split into two parts. Part one relates to the studio, and involves students mixing and producing their live recordings made in class during week 7, and critiquing their performance in Week 12. Part two relates to the improvisation workshop, and involves students recording, mixing and producing their group improvisation. The recording will be accompanied by a short explanation of which techniques presented through the workshop are explored through the improvisation.
    Recital Students will be assessed on their contribution and participation in preparation for and delivery of the public recital of their work in Week 16. Central to this assessment is the role they play in the delivery of their work and that of other students, and their level of performance in the recital.
    Submission
    Assessments and Exams
    Students must be available during the identified University teaching, academic and examination periods. Students are not entitled to sit an examination or submit an assessment at another time, nor are they entitled to any other concessions if an examination or assessment conflicts with a planned vacation or special event. Results from assessments and examinations are usually sent to students via email and/or myUni.

    Late Submission
    Assignments which are submitted after the due date and time will incur a 5% penalty (from the assignment total of 100%) per day (24 hour period) for a maximum of 4 days (weekend days included). After this time the assignment will not be marked for assessment or feedback. Note – this does not apply to assessments where the assessment is conducted at a fixed time and location, such as an exam, practical test, performance or presentation.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.