MUSTHEAT 2003 - Music Theatre Musicianship 2A

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2024

This course aims to develop an understanding of the means and context of musical theatre throughout its history. Examining music's development from theoretical, historical, practical and conceptual viewpoints, the course explores the variety of paths and practices through which music theatre grew from the late 19th and early 20th century to the modern day. Extending from Contemporary Musicianship 1B, exploration of notational, harmonic, rhythmic and formal concepts is continued, with greater emphasis placed on analysis of music theatre repertoire and how this relates to performance. While equipping students with a knowledge of notated practice, the course also enables students to appreciate music theatre in its wider historical and cultural context and explores some of the continuities that extend beyond the chronological frame.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MUSTHEAT 2003
    Course Music Theatre Musicianship 2A
    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
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites MUSPOP 1004
    Restrictions Available to BMusTheatre students only
    Assessment History essay (30%), Mid-semester theory test (10%), Theory tests (2x20%), Exam (aural and theory) (20%))
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Mr George Torbay

    Course Timetable

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

    INTERMEDIATE SCHEDULE:
    Week 1 Friday, 1 March 2024 Musicianship Course Introduction/Revision/RLP
    Week 2 Friday, 8 March 2024 Recap Theory/Aural Fundamentals
    Week 3 Friday, 15 March 2024 Time Signature Recognition (RR: pp21-26)
    Week 4 Friday, 22 March 2024 Scale Degrees/Sight Singing (RR: pp49-52)
    Week 5 Friday, 29 March 2024 NO LECTURE: GOOD FRIDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY
    Week 6 Friday, 5 April 2024  Assessment: Quiz (30%)
    MID-SEMESTER BREAK
    Week 7 Friday, 26 April 2024 Sibelius Workshop
    Week 8 Friday, 3 May 2024 Diatonic & Non-diatonic Harmony
    Week 9 Friday, 10 May 2024 Enharmonics/Transposition
    Week 10 Friday, 17 May 2024 Score Reading/Orchestration
    Week 11 Friday, 24 May 2024 Final Revision
    Week 12 Friday, 31 May 2024 Assessment: Exam (30%) 
    ADVANCED SCHEDULE:
    Week 1 Friday, 1 March 2024 Musicianship Course Introduction/Revision/RLP
    Week 2 Friday, 8 March 2024 Extended/Altered Harmony
    Week 3 Friday, 15 March 2024 Consonance/Dissonance (RR: pp92-93, 123-125)
    Week 4  Friday, 22 March 2024 Advanced Composition Techniques
    Week 5 Friday, 29 March 2024 NO LECTURE: GOOD FRIDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY
    Week 6 Friday, 5 April 2024 Assessment: Quiz (30%)
    MID-SEMESTER BREAK
    Week 7 Friday, 26 April 2024 Advanced Sibelius Workshop
    Week 8 Friday, 3 May 2024 Musical Form and Style (RR: p258)
    Week 9 Friday, 10 May 2024 Rhythm Section Charts
    Week 10 Friday, 17 May 2024 Revival Arrangement Listening Workshop
    Week 11 Friday, 24 May 2024 Final Revision
    Week 12 Friday, 31 May 2024 Assessment: Exam (30%)


  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
    1 Demonstrate fundamental knowledge in music theory and music literacy, and fundamental skills in aural acuity and
    musicianship;
    2 Compare performance practices in musical theatre contexts;
    3 Contextualise performance styles in music theatre in the period from 1900;
    4 Integrate music theory skills into practice for a supported craft-based approach to singing;
    5 Demonstrate recognition of a wide variety of composers, musical, styles and time periods from recorded examples;
    6 Anticipate the ways in which compositional techniques can inform dramatic intent
    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)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1, 3, 5, 6

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    2, 4, 6

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    1, 2, 4

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    2, 3, 5, 6

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    3, 5

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    2, 3
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Franceschina, John. Music Theory Through Musical Theatre: Putting It Together. Oxford University Press, 2015
    Recommended Resources
    NOTES:
    • While there are no prerequisites for the course (and the early weeks are designed to fill most gaps in fundamental knowledge) a
    baseline of familiarity with the following is crucial; you should be able to read all notes using treble and bass clefs, identify
    major key signatures, and understand the definitions and effects of accidentals and dynamics. Any shortcomings in these areas
    must be addressed in your own time, and as early as possible. You are encouraged the enlist the services of a private tutor if
    necessary (as there are no separate tutorials).
    • See the above schedule for any additional required readings (RR); you should ensure you have read each excerpt before the
    relevant lecture. Your Repertoire Listening Project preparation is intended to be in lieu of much of this expectation.
    Online Learning
    All tutorials will be delieverd in person, but virtual particpation is acceptable.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Musicianship is a two-year course that serves several purposes for the training musical theatre performer:
    • Strengthening your general music theory knowledge;
    • Equipping you with the technical language required to communicate effectively with music directors and accompanists;
    • Applying music theory concepts to specific music theatre examples;
    • Refining your understanding of the way compositional techniques contribute to a song’s dramatic intent;
    • Honing your practical theory and aural skills to make you a well-rounded, self-sufficient musician in the industry.
    MUSTHEAT 1003 will focus on securing the fundamentals of musicianship to allow easier application in the future.

    All classes are delivered in tutorial style pratical application.
    Workload

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

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

    1 x 90 minute tutorial

    In addition to the listed contact hours per week, It is anticipated that students would spend 4-6 hours per week in reviewing material, exercises, learning listening examples, preparing assignments and undertaking required readings.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Students are expected to maintain 100% attendance at all classes. See below for penalties.

    Independent Study and Review
    Students must study and review all exercises, listening examples and other material assigned by their lecturer and arrive for each session fully prepared.

    Class Activity
    All classes are practically based skill development with a computer and a keyboard. It is essential for growth and development that there is active participation at each session.

    Out of Class Activity
    Success in musicianship demands continuous review and application of the material.
    Specific Course Requirements
    All materials will be supplied in class. No hardware or software is required.
  • 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

    Assessment Task Task Type
    (Formative or Summative)
    Weighting %
    Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Quiz
    INT: Theory
    ADV: Aural
    Summative 30% 1,2,3,4,5,6
    Extended Response
    INT: RLP Commentary
    ADV: Dissonance Essay
    Summative 40% 2, 3, 5, 6
    Course Exam (Aural and Theory) Summative 30% 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Participation:
    Active and positive participation in 100% of workshops is expected.
    Students will need to seek approval from the Head of Music Theatre for any absence. This process is clearly explained in the Music Theatre Handbook in MyUni.
    Assessment Detail
    Assessment
    Description % Weighting
    Quiz (INT: Theory, ADV: Aural) A short quiz demonstrating fundamental knowledge in music theory and music literacy, fundamental skills in aural acuity and musicianship and identifying examples from the listening lists. 30%
    Extended Response
    (INTERMEDIATE: RLP Commentary)
    You will select two (2) songs from the Semester One Repertoire Listening Project (and you will need to source
    adequate piano scores).
    Part A of the assessment is annotated scores of both songs, highlighting the location and use of a variety of melodic,
    harmonic, and rhythmic elements. You will be assessed on clarity, accuracy, and the volume of examples.
    Part B of the assessment is a written response of 800 words, discussing the similarities and differences between the
    frequency and use of those elements. You will be assessed on accuracy, attention to detail, and insight
    40%
    Extended Response
    (ADVANCED: Dissonance Essay)
    You will select one (1) MT song from any composer, time period, genre or style (and you will need to source an
    adequate piano score).
    Part A of the assessment is an annotated score, highlighting the location of the composer’s use of dissonance. Each
    example must be accompanied by some form of brief identification (e.g. short text explanation, chord symbol etc).
    Part B of the assessment is a 1000-word essay answering the question, “How has the composer’s use and treatment
    of dissonance influenced both the song’s atmosphere and the character’s dramatic intent?”
    40%
    Course Exam (Aural and Theory) Final exam demonstrating knowledge in music theory and music literacy, fundamental skills in aural acuity and musicianship and identifying examples from the listening lists. 30%
    Submission
    ALL MUSIC THEATRE ASSESSMENTS INCUR A 10% PER DAY PENALTY FOR LATE SUBMISSIONS. Extensions are only granted prior to the assessment due date.

    Late assignment policy:
    Extensions are only granted when supporting documentation can be provided and then, and only then, by arrangement with the course lecturer prior to the due date and time. Extensions will not be granted under any other circumstance. Assessed work that is submitted late (after the due date and time) will not be examined for assessment or feedback.
    In the case of illness this will require a medical certificate, and in the case of personal (non-medical) circumstances you will need a letter of support from a University Student Counsellor. For further information please refer to the following website: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/counselling_centre/
    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
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