Orchestral Conducting

Subject 740-503 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008. Search for this in the current handbook Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 9:00am - 4:00pm on each day of classes, plus 1:00 - 4:00pm on Assessment Day.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability
Subject Overview:

This subject covers topics such as: baton grammar; score preparation; rehearsal technique; and principles of orchestral conducting. Comparisons will be made ofvarious recorded performances, and performance practice of all periods will be researched. An ensemble will be available for students to conduct, to ensure that the practical application of the study is understood.

Assessment: Attendance and participation in all aspects of the class, and a folio of work associated with performance practice including a summary of the main features considered when preparing the works required (40%); a practical test, rehearsing and performing three orchestral excerpts (60%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:

A reading pack with relevant musical examples will be made available prior to the first class.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject, students should be able to rehearse and conduct a short ensemble work for orchestral instruments, and evaluate and prepare scores for orchestras of varying abilities.

Students should also have developed:

  • An understanding of the essential concepts of style and interpretation;
  • The ability to apply and extend this knowledge.
Related Course(s): Master of Music Studies by Coursework

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