Contextual Studies 1

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

96 Hours

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, Objectives, 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 the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject embraces a theoretical and practical study of the harmonic, melodic, rhythmic and formal structures and processes of Contemporary Music. Components include Languages of Music, Harmonic Devices, Rhythmic Devices and Piano Class for Contemporary Music Performance: Improvisation students and audio/studio techniques for Interactive Composition students.

Upon completing this subject students should be able to:

• Understand through examination of selected current repertoire how western tonal music is constructed;
• Apply their knowledge of the internal workings of selected, relevant repertoire to their performances and/or compositions;
• Connect the understanding of the internal workings of music to the aural comprehension of it;
• Transcribe, identify and perform selected melodies, rhythms and harmonic structures;
• Identify and perform selected rhythmic patterns;
• Perform selected polyrhythms;
• Reproduce selected material of the student’s instrument (CMP:I).
• Understand keyboard technique (CMP:I);
• Play and develop pieces playing chords and melodic lines (CMP:I)
• Play various chords, scales and selected pieces (CMP:I);
• Accompany various standards (CMP:I);
• Understand comping techniques and voice leading (CMP:I);
• Understanding of the use of music technology in music composition (IC);

(50% weighting) LANGUAGES OF MUSIC: FORMAL - one written examination and completion of set tasks on subject material presented in lectures. CONTINUOUS - attendance, preparation and overall commitment as demonstrated by tasks and activities embracing all areas studied.

(40% weighting) HARMONIC & RHYTHMIC DEVICES: FORMAL - viva voce exam of material studied during the semester. CONTINUOUS - attendance, preparation and overall commitment as demonstrated by tasks and activities embracing all areas studied.

(10% weighting) J&I PIANO TUTORIAL: FORMAL - performance on piano of various assigned tasks developed during the semester. CONTINUOUS - attendance, preparation and overall commitment as demonstrated by tasks and activities embracing all areas studied.

(10% weighting) IC MUSIC TECHNOLOGY: FORMAL - exam or project demonstrating skill acquisition of the various audio and electronic sound manipulation techniques explored during the semester. CONTINUOUS - attendance, preparation and overall commitment as demonstrated by tasks and activities embracing all areas studied.

Hurdle Requirements:

• Students must obtain a pass in the Languages of Music assessment to be eligible for a pass in this subject.
• Students must attend 80% of all scheduled classes and attempt all elements of assessment to be eligible for a pass in this subject.

Late submission:Unless an extension has been granted, for essays/assignments submitted after the due date, the mark a student is awarded for their work will be reduced by 10% for each day the work is late. Using electronic submission means work may be submitted on any day. Unless an extension has been granted, assignments submitted later than 5 working days (or 1 week if due on a weekend) after the due date will not be marked, and will receive no marks.

Prescribed texts for this subject will be assigned when necessary.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completing this subject students will:

• Exhibit extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of their discipline including relevant professional knowledge, skills, discipline and ethics as they relate to the practising musician and composer;
• Have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline;
• Have reached a high level of achievement in creative artistic practice, problem solving and communication;
• Be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning;
• Have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems.