The Research Process for Musicians

Subject MUSI40064 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 1, Southbank - 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, Southbank - 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 1, Parkville - 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, Parkville - 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: One 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: 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 will impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Dr Melanie Plesch

Contact

Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
VCA and Music Student Centre

Email: vcam-info@unimelb.edu.au
Tel: +61 3 136 352
Fax: +61 3 8344 5258
Web: www.conservatorium.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject provides performers and composers with the skills necessary to devise and complete successful research projects in the area of music at postgraduate level. It addresses both the theoretical and practical aspects involved in the research process in the creative arts.
An overview of the major questions addressed by music scholars and the underlying assumptions of different types of music research will be provided. Students will gain the ability to identify possible research topics in music and develop an awareness of the relationship between theory and method and how they come together in actual musical scholarship.
Practical skills will be developed through workshop activities, group discussions, peer-reviewing sessions and written assignments. Topics covered include library use and literature search, research evaluation strategies, handling and managing of research data, writing skills, time management, and academic presentation skills.
Students will develop a complete research proposal, including research questions, literature review, theoretical and methodological framework and time schedule.
Objectives: On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  • Devise and develop a successful research proposal within their field;
  • Frame their creative work or performance into research questions and conceptual frameworks;
  • Engage critically with the relevant scholarly literature;
  • Position their creative work or performance practice within the current state of research;
  • Communicate effectively about their compositional or performing practices within the conventions of academic language;
  • Reflect critically on their own work;
  • Work constructively yet rigorously with peers
Assessment: Four written assignments of 500 words each, to be submitted in weeks 3, 6, 8 and 10 (20%); a 20-minute oral presentation on the project to be given in the second half of semester (25%); a written proposal of 2,000 words addressing all the relevant criteria, due end of semester (45%); attendance and participation (10%).
Prescribed Texts: A reading pack will be available for purchase from the Bookroom before the start of semester.
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 have developed:
  • Critical thinking and analytical skills;
  • Ability to seek out, organise and evaluate relevant information;
  • Time management skills;
  • Advanced communication skills, both oral and written;
  • Collaborative skills;
  • Capacity for independent, self-reflective and critical enquiry
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Composition
Performance

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