MUSPMACT 2111 - Popular Music Ensemble 2A

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015

Building on rehearsal, performance and improvisation techniques developed through Popular Music Ensemble 1, this course develops more advanced strategies for the preparation and performance of live original music. Comprising of two practical workshops, Workshop 1 provides conceptual frameworks and practical skills in improvisation in order to expand student's spontaneity and creativity. Workshop 2 sees students work in small groups to prepare their own original work for live performance. A key focus of this workshop is promoting student autonomy when organising their ensembles, and encouraging students to engage with the local music industry through off-campus performances and concert reviews.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MUSPMACT 2111
    Course Popular Music Ensemble 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 Y
    Prerequisites MUSPMACT 1111, MUSPMACT 1112
    Restrictions Priority is given to music degree students but course is available to non-music students (by audition)
    Quota 28
    Course Description Building on rehearsal, performance and improvisation techniques developed through Popular Music Ensemble 1, this course develops more advanced strategies for the preparation and performance of live original music. Comprising of two practical workshops, Workshop 1 provides conceptual frameworks and practical skills in improvisation in order to expand student's spontaneity and creativity. Workshop 2 sees students work in small groups to prepare their own original work for live performance. A key focus of this workshop is promoting student autonomy when organising their ensembles, and encouraging students to engage with the local music industry through off-campus performances and concert reviews.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Luke Harrald

    Staff:

    Robyn Habel
    Phone: 83133402
    Email: robyn.habel@adelaide.edu.au
    Office: Schulz 11.09

    Derek Pascoe
    Email: derek.pascoe@adelaide.edu.au
    Office: Schulz 402
    Course Timetable

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

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

    1) The ability to interpret and perform the compositions of others;
    2) Skills in improvisation;
    3) A thorough understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and activities involved in live Contemporary Music performance; &
    4) An appreciation for and engagement with the local music industry.
    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, 3
    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. 1, 2, 3, 4
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 4
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    • Class handouts and weekly 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.


    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/ 

    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
    Online Learning
    This Course Profile, along with learning materials and assessment will be placed on MyUni – refer to http://myuni.adelaide.edu.au
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The course structure and content is delivered through a range of classes and materials. Classes are delivered as practical workshops and off campus performances. The classes 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.

    Students will be provided with theoretical explanations and practical skills in improvisation, and the preparation of creative work for live performance; including the opportunity to perform off campus.
    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
    Workshops 1 x 12 hours per week = 12 hours per semester
    Reading 3 x 12 hours per week = 36 hours per semester
    Rehearsal 4 x 12 hours per week = 48 hours per semester
    Self initiated learning & creative practice 3 x 12 hours per week = 36 hours per semester
    = 156 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary
    The course structure and content is delivered through a range of classes and materials. Classes 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.

    Workshop 1 (2 hours)

    Week 1 – Course Profile / Band designation 
    Week 2 - Band composing and rehearsing

    Week 3 – Band composing and rehearsing
    Week 4 – Band composing and rehearsing

    Week 5 – CLASS PERFORMANCE
    Week 6 – Attend Third Year Performance at UniBar
    MID SEMESTER BREAK

    Week 7 – Group Arranging / Chart Creation

    Week 8 – Band arranging and rehearsing

    Week 9 – Band arranging and rehearsing
    Week 10 – Band arranging and rehearsing

    Week 11 – CLASS PERFORMANCE
    Week 12 – Attend Third Year Performance at UniBar

    Workshop 2 (1 hour)
    Each class will cover the following topics. Each topic may span several weeks within the semester.
    - Specific Scales over specific Chords
    - Scales with added tones

    - Colour Tones

    - Playing over vamps
    Analysing Vamps

    Identifying scales that fit

    Playing with or against the Vamp

    - Applying all of the above over student’s original compositions

    - Aligning all of the above with a sense of narrative and rhythmic complexity
    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 95dB 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.
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    Through this course, students will work in small groups to prepare their original compositions for live performance. A variety of performance venues are used semester to semester, including on-site venues such as UniBar and Scott Theatre, and off-site venues such as The Wheatsheaf Hotel, The Promethean, Jive, The Crown and Sceptre and The Jade Monkey.
  • 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
    Performance Assessment 25% (objectives 1, 3), due in weeks 6 - 7 & 11 -12 (in-class)
    Concert Attendance & Critiquing 20% (objective 4), due in week 14
    Recital 30% (objectives 1, 2, 3, 4), due in week 15.
    Improvisation Skills Proficiency Exam 25% (objective 2), due in week 13

    Formative Assessment: Tutorials 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
    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 Schulz Building Level 2), be approved by the relevant staff member.
    Assessment Detail
    Performances (55% overall – split 25% During Semester / 30% Recital)
    Students will be assessed on their contribution and participation in preparation for and delivery of public recitals of their work during the semester and in week 15. Central to this assessment is the role they play in the delivery of their work and that of other students, and the quality of their performances.

    Concert Attendance & Critiquing (20%)
    Students will attend two performances of their choosing out in local industry and write short 300 – 350 word critiques of each performance in order to engage with the local industry and to think more critically about live performance, and how they might improve their own performances. Students will be encouraged to attend a variety of performances to broaden their ideas on presentation and live performance.

    Improvisation Skills Proficiency Exam (25%)
    Students will be assessed practically on skills they have learned through the workshop via solo and small group improvisations.
    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.