MUS 391A/B : Classical Ensembles 3

Creative Arts and Industries

2024 Semester One (1243) / Semester Two (1245) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

The development of performance skills through ensemble work including chamber music, string orchestra, wind orchestra, flute choir, contemporary ensembles and other combinations.

Course Requirements

To complete this course students must enrol first in MUS 391A and then 391B, or MUS 391

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 3: Knowledge and Practice
Capability 4: Critical Thinking
Capability 8: Ethics and Professionalism
Graduate Profile: Bachelor of Music

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Perform at a technical and artistic level consistent with the minimum pass requirements of the School’s Criteria for Assessing Performance. (Capability 3.2)
  2. Demonstrate evolving confidence in their technique as a means to convey musical meaning. (Capability 8.1)
  3. Understand the physical demands of the instrument and implement appropriate health strategies. (Capability 4.1)
  4. Show evidence of an evolving understanding of style and idea. (Capability 3.1)
  5. Engage in thinking about practice routines and strategies. (Capability 8.1)
  6. Be autonomous musicians and thinkers, confident in their own individual artistic voice and purpose, and in their technical and intellectual abilities (Capability 8.2)
  7. Develop insights into performance practice conventions and associated musical parameters associated with the instruments. (Capability 3.1)
  8. Demonstrate basic organisation and time management skills. (Capability 8.1)
  9. Commit to intensive self-demands in order to achieve goals. (Capability 8.1)
  10. Be aware of and promote personal responsibility and self-discipline. (Capability 8.2)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Formative Assessment A Individual Coursework
Coursework Assessment A 25% Individual Coursework
Practical Exam A 25% Individual Coursework
Formative Assessment B Individual Coursework
Coursework Assessment B 25% Individual Coursework
Practical Exam B 25% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Formative Assessment A
Coursework Assessment A
Practical Exam A
Formative Assessment B
Coursework Assessment B
Practical Exam B
Students must gain at least 50% on the Practical Exam and both 391A and 391B must have a combined mark of at least 50% in order to pass the course. If a student is unable to present themselves for their musical assessment due to illness or other serious situation, they should contact their teacher and the Convenor of Classical Performance immediately. They will need to provide a medical certificate, ideally from University Student Health. This should be submitted by hand to the School of Music Office, or by email to music-admin@auckland.ac.nz.

Assignments are to be submitted, according to submission type specified on CANVAS, by the due date. In the event of illness or other circumstances which prevent the completion of an assignment, please contact the course coordinator with evidence as appropriate, prior to the due date. Late assignments that do not have an approved extension will be penalized 10% for each day or part thereof. No assignment will be accepted after that assignment has been returned to students.

Teaching & Learning Methods

This course provides students with opportunities to enrich their ensemble performance skills outside of their individual lessons. A range of modules is offered (some restricted to specific instruments), including orchestra, wind octet, chamber choir, chamber music which provide students with rich opportunities to develop skills and acquire knowledge. Students undertake one specialised module. Entry to some modules is by audition. The specific list of study topics offered each semester is published on CANVAS.

Workload Expectations

This A/B course is delivered over two semesters worth 15 points in total.

The student workload for this course is approximately 75 hours per semester.


For this course, the hours are divided between: 

Group tuition with associated tutorials 

Rehearsals and workshops

Score preparation and study 

Personal practice


The exact requirements for each module vary; please refer to the relevant instrumental/vocal schedule/syllabus on Canvas for further guidelines and advice.

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Campus Experience

Attendance is required at scheduled activities including studio lessons and performance classes to complete components of the course.

The course will include live online events including rehearsals and workshops.

Attendance on campus is required for the practical assessment.

The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly.

Some components of the course may be conducted online depending on the instrument/voice.

Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

  • Musical scores are available at the U of A library, online or though music publishers.
  • Audio and video recordings are available at the U of A library.
  • Other Materials or Software - The School of Music has access to the Naxos streaming databases and IPA source (for vocal students).
  • Canvas is used to update students on syllabi, assessment criteria, ensemble and examination schedules. Please check your Canvas announcements frequently.

Health & Safety

Appropriate attire is required for all performances and workshops. Please consult with your unit coordinator if you are unsure.
HEALTH AND SAFETY STATEMENT
Warming up properly is essential; It is important that you warm up sufficiently before lessons/performance classes/workshops/rehearsals/performances. Your studio teacher will guide you through the warm up process.
Please inform your studio teacher of any injury or health related circumstances that are relevant to your playing/singing. If you develop a new injury, or if an old injury surfaces during the course, let your teacher know and seek medical advice.
Please take care of mental, physical and social wellbeing. If you need support or/and advice or need to raise a concern please speak with your studio teacher, unit coordinator, Director of Undergraduate Studies (School of Music) or University Counsellor ph. 09 923 7681.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.
Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.
Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Other Information

Students must make themselves available for assessment during the official University examination period.
As well as performing works with accompaniment, students may choose to perform an unaccompanied work. Performers are expected to understand how to behave in a concert situation, and are advised to treat the examination as they would a professional engagement.
Students are not required to perform from memory unless this is an expectation in the context of their specific instrument/voice. For further information, please refer to the individual instrument/voice syllabus.

Owing to the nature of music teaching and learning, consistent attendance is essential at all lectures, tutorials and studio lessons. All planned prolonged absences (such as overseas competitions, family events, masterclasses) must be pre-approved by the Head of School. If approval is given, all Course Coordinators, Tutors and other teachers must be informed of your absence in advance. Unplanned absences relating to illness, bereavement, or other emergencies can only be excused with appropriate evidence from the University doctor, counsellor or other official source. It is students’ personal responsibility to make up all work missed. Catch-up classes in studio lessons may not be available.

Studio Lesson Cancellation Policy
Students are required to give their teacher 24 hours notice of lesson cancellation. Where this notice is given, a new time will be arranged with the teacher. If less than 24 hours notice is given without extenuating circumstances, the lesson will be forfeited. It is at the teacher’s discretion as to whether the lesson is made up in this situation.
Multiple absences will require a medical certificate or documentation.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed for potential plagiarism or other forms of academic misconduct, using computerised detection mechanisms.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and your assessment is fair, and not compromised. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the University Website for information about how to proceed.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course students may be asked to submit coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.

Published on 01/11/2023 10:22 a.m.