The Research Process For Musicians (RHD)

Subject MUSI90191 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Semester 1, Southbank - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 29-Feb-2016 to 29-May-2016
Assessment Period End 24-Jun-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 11-Mar-2016
Census Date 31-Mar-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 06-May-2016

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 25-Jul-2016 to 23-Oct-2016
Assessment Period End 18-Nov-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 05-Aug-2016
Census Date 31-Aug-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 23-Sep-2016


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

Faculty of VCA and MCM
VCA and MCM Research Office
Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
Royal Pde
Parkville Campus

Enquiries
Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352) or 9035 9175
Email: vcamcm-research@unimelb.edu.au
Web: mcm.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject provides research higher degree students in performance and composition with the tools and skills necessary to devise and conduct research in music at postgraduate level. Through seminars, group discussions and peer review sessions students will engage with the key principles of research and academic writing, and integrate them into their artistic practice.

Students will be supported in defining and focusing their research questions, developing a critical summary of the literature, constructing an adequate conceptual framework, designing a methodology, adhering to and meeting deadlines, and presenting their work persuasively, both in oral and written form. The main outcome will be a full research project that could potentially serve as the basis for either confirmation of candidature or conversion from Masters to PhD document.

Learning Outcomes:

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:
  • Three written assignments equivalent to 3,000 words submitted throughout semester: 30%
  • A written project proposal of 5,000 words due at the end of semester: 40%
  • A 10 minute oral presentation on the project delivered in the second half of semester: 20%
  • Attendance and participation: 10%
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • 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 Course(s): Master of Music (Music Performance)

Download PDF version.