African Music and Dance

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

120 hours

Not available to BMus students

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

This subject is designed to impart skills and knowledge central to music making processes in various West African cultures. Integrating practical and academic study the subject will focus on understanding the musical complexities of West African music and dance both in its sociocultural context and through hands-on participation at weekly rehearsals and supporting lectures, culminating in an end of semester performance. It will investigate structural components and procedures common to many African music forms and explore their application to particular pieces. It will provide simple and practical methodologies for mastering the rhythmic complexities in West African music.

On completion of this subject, students should have gained:

• the skills to perform West African percussion music and dance to a competent standard;
• an understanding of the context of West African music and dance;
• an understanding of polyrhythm, polymetre, syncopation, off-beat patterning and other structural components in African music;
• an understanding of the relationship between dance movement and music patterning;
• competency as ensemble musicians; and
• an ability to identify and understand the broad and diverse cultural references of the relevant repertoire.

• Weekly preparation of parts, individual and/or sectional practice and active contribution to all rehearsals, classes and performances as directed (50%)
• Two 15 minute listening tests worth 10% each: Weeks 6 and 10 (20%)
• Two 500 word written assignments worth 10% each: Weeks 4 and 8 (20%)
• One 15 minute short answer and multiple choice written test: Week 12 (10%)
• 100% weekly punctual and full attendance at all rehearsals and performances as directed is expected: Less than 80% attendance will result in a Fail (Hurdle Requirement)

Readings will be available online through the LMS before the commencement of the semester.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• apply teamwork skills in rehearsal/performance groups
• manage multitasking;
• demonstrate a command of rhythmic complexity;
• demonstrate skills in cooperation, communication and negotiation that allow for effective working in ensembles; and
• demonstrate a capacity to think critically and independently.