MUSPOP 1100 - Contemporary Music in Practice 1

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2024

Building on rehearsal and performance techniques developed through Song Writing and Performance 1A and 1B, this course enables students to develop strategies for the preparation and performance of live original music in a more formal performance setting. A major emphasis of this course is on self and peer evaluation, where students present original work, and it is subjected to discussion in a supportive environment to enable students to develop critical thinking skills, and insight into the evaluation of creative work. Guest presentations by Music Industry professionals expose students to new developments in the industry, and insight into their creative practice, and students are encouraged to engage actively in the local industry through undertaking off-campus performance critiques. Performance Forums will comprise of guest lectures by industry identities, master-classes, and student performances.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MUSPOP 1100
    Course Contemporary Music in Practice 1
    Coordinating Unit Elder Conservatorium of Music
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites MUSPOP 1201
    Corequisites MUSPOP 1202
    Incompatible MUSPMACT 1111, MUSPMACT 1112
    Restrictions Available to BMus, BMedia (Pop Music Major), DipMus students only
    Course Description Building on rehearsal and performance techniques developed through Song Writing and Performance 1A and 1B, this course enables students to develop strategies for the preparation and performance of live original music in a more formal performance setting. A major emphasis of this course is on self and peer evaluation, where students present original work, and it is subjected to discussion in a supportive environment to enable students to develop critical thinking skills, and insight into the evaluation of creative work. Guest presentations by Music Industry professionals expose students to new developments in the industry, and insight into their creative practice, and students are encouraged to engage actively in the local industry through undertaking off-campus performance critiques. Performance Forums will comprise of guest lectures by industry identities, master-classes, and student performances.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Luke Harrald

    Teaching Staff:

    Dr Luke Harrald & Mr Grayson Rotumah

    Contact details available via MyUni.
    Course Timetable

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

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

    1 Musicianship through ensemble performance
    2 Critical understanding of own and others’ musical performances in relation to the standards required for professional endeavour
    3 Skills in performance etiquette, audience communication and interaction
    4 The ability to analyse and articulate concepts applied in the student’s own compositions
    5 The ability to analyse and articulate concepts applied in the student’s own compositions
    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, 2, 3, 4

    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.

    1, 2

    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, 3, 4, 5

    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.

    1, 2, 3

    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.

    5

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    .

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    .

    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, 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 performances.
    Recommended Resources
    Library

    The Music Collection is located on Level 1 South within the Barr Smith Library, and is an excellent source for music, literature and recordings: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/library/collections/music-collection
    Online Learning
    Learning materials and assessment will be placed on MyUni. Usage of MyUni will include Announcements, Digital readings, External web-links and Recordings student performances to enable students to critically reflect on both their own performances and their peers.

    Students will contribute to a discussion board.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The Performance Forum provides at least one performance opportunity per semester. This forum will expose students to performance practice in both formal and informal settings.

    Students will be scheduled in Week 1 for their performances and are expected to meet the deadlines set by the co-ordinator.

    Works composed with an accompaniment must be played with accompaniment.

    Students are also expected to make critical comments about performances of peers at the Forum, and be involved in written peer assessment.

    Forum may occasionally combine with other specialisations within the Conservatorium in Elder Hall or Scott Theatre for visiting lecturers and other special performances. Dates to be advised.
    Workload

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

    WORKLOAD TOTAL HOURS
    1 x 3 hour performance forum per week 36 hours per semester
    5 hours rehearsal per week 60 hours per semester
    3 hours assignment preparation per week 36 hours per semester
    2 hours research per week 24 hours per semester
    TOTAL = 156 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary
    Utilising a “just in time” teaching model, tutors will remain responsive to student needs as they arise through the semester and to developments and opportunities in the local music industry, including the engagement of guest artists.

    Students will undertake performances through the semester.

    Students will also attend and critique performances of their own choice out in the local music industry in order to encourage student autonomy and engagement with the local industry.
    Specific Course Requirements
    Rehearsal Spaces
    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 online booking system: https://elder.bookedscheduler.com/

    Sound Levels & Hearing Protection
    This course may require using spaces where a dB meter has been installed. If you exceed the set dB limit for the space, the lights will flash. 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.  In order to minimise risk in noise-prone situations, the Conservatorium makes both reusable gel ear-plugs and disposable foam ear-plugs available to students and staff free of charge at all times. Students and staff are also urged to consider purchase of customised personal hearing protection.

    For more information regarding sound levels, hearing and hearing loss please refer both to the full content of the O'Brien Report and to the excellent publication by Canadian audiologist/academic Marshall Chasin, entitled Hear the Music: Hearing Loss Prevention for Musicians both available here: https://arts.adelaide.edu.au/music/health-safety-and-wellbeing

    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
    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Peer Assessment & Participation Summative 20% 1, 2, 3, 4
    Self Reflection Summative 15%  2, 3, 4
    Concert Attendance & Critiquing Summative 25% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
    Forum Performance Formative and Summative 40% 1, 2, 3, 4
    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 80% 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 should be discussed with the relevant staff member and approved prior to taking the leave.
    Assessment Detail
    Peer Assessment & Participation (20%) - Each week, students will participate in Peer Assessments. This will involve both verbal feedback and discussion with the groups performing each week, and written feedback. A discussion board will also be populated with videos of student performances for discussion and feedback on MyUni. Students will be expected to contribute to the discussion board a minimum of five times during semester.

    Self Reflection (15%) - tutors will record a video of each band’s performance. These videos will be posted to MyUni for students to view, and students will write a critique of the performance of approximately 300 words. The commentary should briefly discuss the band’s set of songs as a whole, before critiquing the realisation of the student’s individual composition; ie. Each band member will submit individual critiques of each individual work; this is not a group assignment.

    Concert Attendance & Critiquing (25%) - Students will attend two performances of their choosing out in local industry and write short, print media style 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.

    Forum Performance (40%) - Students will be assessed on the delivery of one class performance of their work, held during the teaching period. Central to this assessment is the proficiency of their performance, including elements such as accuracy, interpretation, presentation and audience engagement.
    Submission
    All written materials will be submitted online via MyUni.

    Performances will take place in-class. Note that due to scheduling and practicalities, extensions for performance assessments are not possible.
    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.