Applied Physiology for Musicians

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2014:

120 hours

None

None

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

Students will develop a body of knowledge that includes basic principles of physiology, anatomy and somatic learning (Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement Classes), which are applicable to performing and teaching music performance. Students will receive thorough training in theoretical concepts and practical applications of human movement studies pertinent to a wide range of physiological concerns, ranging from both instrument-specific and general postural issues, to repetitive strain injury (RSI) prevention. Through understanding the underlying causes and the effects of habitual postural patterns, participants are challenged to consider new ways of thinking about the physical side of performing and teaching music performance.

On completion of the subject, students should be able to:

• Understand the broad principles of physiology and anatomy that are applicable to music performance and music performance teaching
• Demonstrate a theoretical understanding of the physiological concerns facing performers and music educators
• Critically reflect on the root causes of physiological problems, and the effects these have upon the practice of performing and teaching music performance
• Demonstrate cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and provide practical solutions for physiological concerns facing performers and music educators
• Demonstrate cognitive and observational skills to evaluate, analyse and theorise about movement patterns in relation to cause and effect and function and quality

Contribution to class discussion and lectures (10%); a critical appraisal (1000 words) due in week 6 of the semester (20%); a class presentation/demonstration on the topic of the critical appraisal of 20 minutes. duration (20%); an essay (2000 words) due the last week of semester (50%),
100% attendance is expected, less than 80% will result in a fail in the subject.

Readings will be available online through the LMS prior to the commencement of the subject.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• demonstrate skills in cooperation, observation and communication;
• demonstrate the capacity for critical and independent thought and reflection;
• demonstrate skills in evaluative thinking, and in the application of theoretical criteria to practical outcomes;
• demonstrate analytical skills in the context of human movement.