Outline

Overview

In this unit of study, students will learn the basic conducting and rehearsal techniques needed to be able to successfully runan intermediate level school (primary or secondary) and/or community ensemble (band, orchestra and/or choir). This course is designed to offer a theoretical and practical approach focused on acquiring and developing skills in three main areas: conducting technique; score reading/study skills; and rehearsal techniques. Students will gain new skills through a breadth of repertoire studied working with a mixed/flexi ensemble made up of students within the course. Students will learn how to make an ensemble work, how to get an ensemble to play together understanding the skills of listening and watching a conductor, specifics pertaining to the pedagogy of how instruments work together and intonation tendencies of instruments, leading to creating an environment where there is a concerted goal of having the group play musically, cohesively, and with good intonation.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Performance
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Basic conducting technique, high level music reading skills
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Elizabeth Scott, elizabeth.r.scott@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Elizabeth Scott, elizabeth.r.scott@sydney.edu.au
	Brad Lucas, bradley.lucas@sydney.edu.au
	Jason Isaac, jason.isaac@sydney.edu.au
	Stephen Williams, stephen.williams@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Attendance and preparation Attendance and participation	30%	Ongoing	-	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Rehearsal observation, interview and critique Ensemble director rehearsal observation, interview and critique	20%	STUVAC Due date: 14 Nov 2025 at 23:59	2,000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Rehearsal assessment Leading a section of a school or community ensemble rehearsal, demonstrating high level preparation of scores, conducting and rehearsal techniques.	20%	Week 10 Due date: 17 Oct 2025 at 23:59	15 - 30 mins	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Conducting exam Final practical conducting exam	30%	Week 13	-	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Attendance:聽You聽will be assessed on attendance, preparation and participation during the semester.
Final exam:聽You will be required to conduct and rehearse a work of your choice from the semester and another work chosen by the examiners from the studies repertoire.
Written assignment:聽You will interview and closely observe an established and successful聽school or community conductor and write a detailed report based on your experiences observing聽them. The report should reflect聽on what you have learnt from observing their聽rehearsal techniques, perceived rehearsal strategies and methods and techniques used to create and run a successful ensemble program.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The following assessment criteria are used for聽performance work聽in this unit of study:

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Comprehensive and outstanding technical control and musical integrity in relation to developmental expectations. Musical individuality consistently projected to create a persuasive personal representation of the work. Performance flair indicative of soloist standard. A mark of 95 or above indicates extraordinary technical virtuosity and musical artistry.
Distinction	75 - 84	Excellent technical, musical and stylistic achievement. Consistently coherent and expressive performance. Some personal interpretation of the work suggesting soloist potential.聽
Credit	65 - 74	Confident technique with evidence of solid musicality and some stylistic achievement. Occasional lapses indicative of unresolved technical, artistic and/or stylistic issues. Projects potential for further development.
Pass	50 - 64	Satisfactory level of preparation and musical engagement. Some inconsistencies in musicianship, style and/or technique. Musical imagination and overall performance sense developing though some insecurity in this area.
Fail	0 - 49	Unsatisfactory technical achievement and/or unsatisfactory level of musical and artistic engagement. Limitations may be of such a scale and consistency as to call into question the student鈥檚 future direction in the programme.

The following assessment criteria are used for聽written work聽in this unit of study:

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Demonstrates high level of initiative in research and reading; sophisticated critical analysis of evidence; high level engagement with theoretical issues, innovative use of reading/research material and impressive command of underlying debates and assumptions; properly documented and written with style, originality and precision.
Distinction	75 - 84	Demonstrates initiative in research and wide, appropriate reading; complex understanding of question and ability to critically review material in relation to underlying assumptions and values; analyses material in relation to empirical and theoretical contexts; properly documented; clear, well-developed structure and argument with some signs of literary style.
Credit	65 - 74	Evidence of broader understanding than pass level; offers synthesis with some critical evaluation of material; coherent argument using a range of relevant evidence; some evidence of independent thought, good referencing. A high credit (70-74) shows some evidence of ability to problematise and think conceptually.
Pass	50 - 64	Written work meets basic requirements in terms of reading/research; relevant material; tendency to descriptive summary rather than critical argument; makes a reasonable attempt to avoid paraphrasing; reasonably coherent structure; often has weaknesses in particular areas, especially in terms of narrow or underdeveloped treatment of question; acceptable documentation.
Fail	0 - 49	Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: Unacceptable paraphrasing; irrelevance of content; poor spelling; poor presentation; grammar or structure so sloppy it cannot be understood; failure to demonstrate understanding of content; insufficient or overlong word length.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the聽Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the聽Current Students website聽for more information on AI in assessments, including聽details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website聽provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the聽Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM)聽which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the聽Current Students website聽for more information on AI in assessments, including聽details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a聽simple extension.鈥� The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can鈥檛 complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for聽special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students,聽聽includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy聽reflects the University鈥檚 commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Consolidating conducting mechanics	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
	Learning and discussing rehearsal techniques	Lecture and tutorial (12 hr)
	Score preparation and analysis	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
	Practical sessions on set repertoire	Practical (12 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance:聽The by-laws of the 爆料王 require 90% attendance at classes and other scheduled activities in each component of the unit. Students should be familiar with the Faculty Resolutions available in the SCM Handbook 2014.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate developed conducting skills, including secure baton techniques
LO2. analyse scores, which should enhance the abilities to interpret the works studied
LO3. demonstrate interpretive skills informed by in-depth score study
LO4. demonstrate an increased awareness of the characteristics of style and performance practice in relation to the works studied in class
LO5. develop an increased awareness and understanding of varied rehearsal techniques suitable for school and community ensembles at varying levels
LO6. demonstrate the basic differences between instrumental and choral rehearsal techniques.
LO7. interpret musical scores at a deeper level, and to communicate interpretative ideas and concepts to choirs and instrumental ensembles in rehearsal in an increasingly assured manner
LO8. explore culturally diverse repertoire
LO9. develop an understanding of how to build and maintain a school or community ensemble from scratch, sourcing instruments, repertoire, planning rehearsals, running rehearsals etc.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all 爆料王 graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one鈥檚 personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes since previously run

Disclaimer

Important: the 爆料王 regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an .

爆料王

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

爆料王

PERF5604: Conducting School and Community Ensembles

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links