Ensemble 2.1

Subject 758-224 (2008)

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

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
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

Semester 2, - 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: Small ensemble - 15 hours per semester, Large ensemble - 12 hours per semester.
Total Time Commitment: Students are expected to undertake self-directed study, including group rehearsals, of the equivalent of the supervised time. This should include regular periods of listening to recorded musics relevant to the area of study. Total 54 hours per semester, including 27 hours of self-directed study.
Prerequisites: Ensemble 1.2
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:

Small ensembles normally consist of two or more players performing works designed to be played unconducted. Students are encouraged to investigate repertoire which allows for a balance between old and new music and a spread of instruments/voices within ensembles which goes beyond the traditional notion of chamber music. It is expected that ensembles rehearse regularly outside the formal supervised times.

In the case of composition students, this subject involves participation in directing/conducting a variety of ensembles.

Various large ensembles are arranged yearly depending on the student cohort and specific departmental and cross-departmental instrumental and vocal make up.

Assessment: Continuous: Preparation and commitment as demonstrated by performance tasks an/or a regularly updated journal of activities embracing all areas studied (40%) - Hurdle requirement 80% attendance.Formal: One small ensemble performance of approximately 20 minutes duration (60%). Hurdle requirement - participation in Large Ensemble.
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Practical Composition Stream
Upon completion of this subject students should be able to:

  • have the ability to connect research into repertoire to actual composition and performance, and the development of creative skills across a wide spectrum of music;
  • be cognisant of and sympathetic to a broad range of musics and associated composition skills;
  • develop communication skills in order to both understand all aspects of composition practice, and develop an understanding of life experience as a musician in the 21st century;
  • develop an appreciation of solo and group composition, current (public) performance practice and the extra-musical aspects necessary for success in the presentation of a live event;
  • develop the necessary skills to combat performance anxiety and other elements which hinder the successful composition of music;
  • develop an appreciation and understanding of the individualistic nature of composition;
  • engage in constructive critical debate.

Improvisation Stream
Upon completion of this subject students should be able to:

  • the ability to connect research into repertoire to actual performance, and the development of creative skills of interpretation across a wide spectrum of music;
  • to be cognisant of and sympathetic to a broad range of musics and associated performance skills;
  • develop communication skills in order to both understand all aspects of performance practice, and develop an understanding of life experience as a performer in the 21st century;
  • development of an appreciation of solo and group performance, current (public) performance practice and the extra-musical aspects necessary for success in the profession;
  • development of the necessary skills to combat performance anxiety and other elements which hinder the successful performance of music;
  • development of an appreciation and understanding of the individualistic nature of performance;
  • to engage in constructive critical debate.
Related Course(s): Bachelor Of Music Performance (Guitar) (VCA)
Bachelor Of Music Performance (Improvisation) (VCA)
Bachelor Of Music Performance (Keyboard) (VCA)
Bachelor Of Music Performance (Voice) (VCA)
Bachelor Of Music Performance(Orchestral Instruments) (VCA)
Bachelor of Music Performance - Practical Composition-(VCA)

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