Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Music School
Study of basic techniques of Western tonal music & integrated writing, analysis, keyboard & aural skills components.
Students with advanced knowledge of music theory are encouraged to complete the Music Theory Test administered by the UQ School of Music. Successful completion may result in an exemption from MUSC1600. For more information or to arrange the test, please contact the School of Music.
This course comprises two components: Harmony & Keyboard Musicianshipﾠand Aural & Practical Musicianship.
Harmony & Keyboard:ﾠstudy of basic techniques of Western tonal music: intervallic and triadic relationships in four-part writing, seventh chords, figured bass, harmonic and non-harmonic tones. The course involvesﾠdevelopment of analyticalﾠskills as well asﾠkeyboard-based and written applications.
Aural & Practical: comprehensive and inclusive introduction to aural musicianship with emphasis on diatony, pentatony and simple harmony including intervals and triads.ﾠSight singing, part work and rhythmic development are core components of the course.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Senior Music or MUSC1060.
Course contact
Course staff
Tutor
Mr Anthony Young
Dr Josephine Jin
Ms Patrice Connelly
Miss Jacinta Wang
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
ﾠ ﾠ The aural skills and practical musicianshipﾠcomponent of MUSC1600 is designed to: ﾠ
- Foster skills in active music making
- Develop skills in aural analysis of musical works
- Develop aural musicianship skills in memory work, individual part work, dictation and identification of musical elements/structures
ﾠ
The harmony and keyboard musicianshipﾠcomponent of MUSC1600 is designed to:
- Develop an understanding of the fundamentals of diatonic harmony.
- Develop musicianship skills through written exercises.
- Understand thoroughly the nature of triads, harmonic and non-harmonic tones.
- Develop proficiency in writing and analysingﾠharmonic SATB textures.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance, Practical/ Demonstration |
Aural Practical Task 1
|
15% |
4/09/2025 5:00 pm |
| Practical/ Demonstration, Tutorial/ Problem Set | Written and Keyboard Assignments | 50% |
Assignment One - Due at 5PM 12/09/2025 Assignment Two - Due in Class Time 20/10/2025 - 24/10/2025 Assignment Three - Due at 5PM 14/11/2025 |
| Practical/ Demonstration, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Aural Practical Task 2
|
15% |
16/10/2025 5:00 pm |
| Quiz |
Aural Dictation Test
|
20% |
30/10/2025 7:00 pm
During class time in week 13. |
Assessment details
Aural Practical Task 1
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Performance, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
4/09/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Students will be required to:
- Perform a given 4 bar simple time rhythm while keeping beat and pulse.
- Sing Doh pentatonic, Major and Natural minor scales in tune with ostinato.
- Sing and play one of the given canons at the keyboard.
- Sing a different canon in a group of three with one voice on a part.
- Sing a piece of repertoire from the course while accompanying yourself at the keyboard. Chords in right hand, bass line in left hand.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Assessment should be submitted according to the instructions provided in class and on the Blackboard site for this course.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Your extension application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time, with appropriate evidence.
While your extension request is being considered, you should work towards completing and submitting your assessment as soon as possible.
A late penalty will be applied if you don't submit your assessment on time or if you don't have a valid reason for an extension.
If an extension is approved, it is your responsibility to contact the course coordinator and arrange a new time for this in person assessment.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Written and Keyboard Assignments
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral, Written
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
Assignment One - Due at 5PM 12/09/2025
Assignment Two - Due in Class Time 20/10/2025 - 24/10/2025
Assignment Three - Due at 5PM 14/11/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L07, L08, L09, L10, L11
Task description
A sequence of assignments on written (harmony) and keyboard-based material that are covered in the weekly musicianship keyboard lab classes. Information and task sheets for each Assignment will be made available on Blackboard and discussed in class prior to the submission date.
Assignment One will require both Keyboard and Written (Harmony) responses on material covered in Weeks 1-6. Weighting: 15% of the final grade.
Assignment Two will require responses at the keyboard only, on material covered in Weeks 7-11, held in-person in the musicianship keyboard classroom. Weighting: 15% of the final grade.
Assignment Three will require written Written (Harmony) responses only on material covered in Weeks 7-11 and Week 13. Weighting: 20% of the final grade.
Each assignment will be available for download and completion within a certain timeframe to be advised by course staff, with announcements on the Blackboard site for this course.
Assignments One and Three will be assessed on the following criteria:
1. Established Knowledge: assumed competence in all previously covered specific elements and general principles of music theory and notation [Assignment 3 only].
2. Overall fluency: competence in general ability to use music theory and notation conventions to convey accurate information.
3. Topic-specific knowledge and application: ability to understand, use and write specific elements of music theory and notation.
The results achieved will constitute an overall assessment of the assignment and individual questions will not carry specific grade values. Please also check the rubric that will be available through the Blackboard Grade Centre.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Assignment Two
This assignment is on keyboard-based material covered in class in weeks 7–11 only. An information and task sheet will be made available on Blackboard and discussed in class prior to this assessment. This assignment requires responses at the keyboard only, held in-person in the musicianship keyboard classroom.
This assignment will be assessed according to the following criteria:
- Established knowledge: assumed competence in all previously covered specific elements and general principles.
- Overall Fluency: competence in general ability to use keyboard format to convey accurate responses.
- Topic specific knowledge and application: Ability to understand, use and play specific elements of music theory and notation.
The results achieved will constitute an overall assessment of the assignment and individual questions will not carry specific grade values. Please also check the rubric that will be available through the Blackboard Grade Centre.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Assignment One: Submit your written (harmony) responses as a single PDF file and submit your keyboard responses as a single video file.
Assignment Two: In person during tutorial time.
Assignment Three: Submit your written (harmony) responses as a single PDF file (no keyboard questions for Assignment 2).
Submitted through the Blackboard site for this course (see the Assessment folder for more details).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Your extension application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time, with appropriate evidence.
While your extension request is being considered, you should work towards completing and submitting your assessment as soon as possible.
A late penalty will be applied if you don't submit your assessment on time or if you don't have a valid reason for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Aural Practical Task 2
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
16/10/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L07, L08, L09, L10, L11
Task description
Students will be required to:
- Perform a given 4 bar compound time rhythm while keeping beat and pulse.
- Sing all pentatonic and diatonic scales in tune from the same starting note while performing an ostinato.
- Sing and play one of the given canons at the keyboard.
- Sing another canon in a group of three with one voice per part.
- Sing a piece of repertoire from the course accompanying oneself at the keyboard with triads in the right hand and bass notes in the left hand.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Assessment should be submitted according to the instructions provided in class and on the Blackboard site for this course.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Your extension application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time, with appropriate evidence.
While your extension request is being considered, you should work towards completing and submitting your assessment as soon as possible.
A late penalty will be applied if you don't submit your assessment on time or if you don't have a valid reason for an extension.
If an extension is approved, it is your responsibility to contact the course coordinator and arrange a new time for this in person assessment.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Aural Dictation Test
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
30/10/2025 7:00 pm
During class time in week 13.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
- Rhythmic Dictation in simple time
- Rhythmic dictation in compound time
- Interval dictation
- Melodic dictation in minor
- Two-part melodic dictation in major
- Harmonic dictation
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Assessment will take place during class.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Your extension application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time, with appropriate evidence.
While your extension request is being considered, you should work towards completing and submitting your assessment as soon as possible.
A late penalty will be applied if you don't submit your assessment on time or if you don't have a valid reason for an extension.
If an extension is approved, it is your responsibility to contact the course coordinator and arrange a new time for this in person assessment.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work is grossly deficient and does not satisfy basic requirements of the course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work does not satisfy basic requirements of the course. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Work shows an overall inadequate grasp of specific course content and skills as required in assessment. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work demonstrates an adequate grasp of fundamental concepts and skills as required in assessment activities, although it also shows significant room for improvement in fluency and accuracy. Understanding of concepts, while evident, lacks sophistication. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work demonstrates a commendable understanding of main concepts, and acquired skills are used appropriately in contextual tasks. There is still room for improvement in a number of areas. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work demonstrates insight into deeper aspects of the subject and proficiency in all associated skills which are integrated fully in writing and performance and other tasks. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work demonstrates an exceptional understanding and a high level of proficiency in all aspects of the subject and an imaginative flair in writing and aural tasks. |
Additional course grading information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
The above descriptors provide general indications as to performance overall; students are directed to the assignment criteria and rubrics, as well as formative feedback for more specific information on their performance in assessable work.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Students are required to achieve a passing grade in both the Harmony & Keyboard Musicianship component and the Aural Studies & Practical Musicianship component of the course in order to pass the course overall.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Students require access to a keyboard for this course. ﾠStudents are able to utilise keyboards in the keyboard lab during library hours when classes are not running. Students should bring their own headphones to classes in the keyboard musicianship lab, but please note that Bluetooth is not enabled on the lab keyboards. Students should also consider purchasing a keyboard for off-site use if they do not already have reliable access to a piano or other keyboard. A 5-octave (61-key) range is the minimum practical range. Students should note that keyboards will continue to be used in subsequent courses in this sequence and are a useful asset in general.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 12 |
Tutorial |
Optional Supplementary Tutorials In addition to the two-hour aural musicianship class and the two-hour harmony & keyboard class, there will be a one-hour optional supplementary tutorials running in weeks 1-12. This series of tutorials will emphasise two areas: music theory and keyboard skills. The tutorials are aimed at students with little prior knowledge in music theory or with minimal or no keyboard skills. The focus will mainly be on music rudiments in the first part of semester, with a gradually increasing emphasis on keyboard-based skills as the semester progresses. The Supplementary Tutorials will be optional for all students enrolled in MUSC1600, with students free to take as many of the tutorials as they wish. Supplementary Tutorial Topics: Rudiments: fundamentals of Western music notation, pitch and metre conventions, scales, intervals and triads and their inversions, melody writing, introductory two-part counterpoint, introduction to SATB format, stock chord progressions in SATB format, cadences, passing 6/4 chords. Keyboard Skills: Scales (hands together and separately), intervals and triads and their inversions, playing melodies (hands separately), two-part exercises (treble and bass clefs), stock chord progressions in keyboard format (e.g., I6, ii6, V, I in major keys), passing 6/4 chords, playing from memory and from notation (e.g., short two-part pieces). Learning outcomes: L07, L08, L09 |
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Harmony & Keyboard Class - Course Introduction Course Introduction
Learning outcomes: L07, L08 |
Practical |
Practical Aural Skills Class - Basic Rhythms in Simple Time
Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Harmony & Keyboard Class - Review of Intervals, Triads and their Inversions Review of Intervals, Triads and their Inversions:
Learning outcomes: L08, L09 |
Practical |
Practical Aural Skills Class - Rhythmic Dictation
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Harmony & Keyboard Class - Principles of chord progressions in four-part SATB format
Learning outcomes: L07, L08, L09 |
Practical |
Practical Aural Skills Class - simple 2 part rhythmic dictation
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Harmony & Keyboard Class - Cadences, chord patterns.
Learning outcomes: L07, L09, L10, L11 |
Practical |
Practical Aural Skills Class - Rhythmic reading in simple time with ties (1)
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Harmony & Keyboard Class - Cadences, chordal patterns using first inversion
Learning outcomes: L07, L09, L10 |
Practical |
Practical Aural Skills Class - Rhythmic dictation in simple time with ties (continued)
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Harmony & Keyboard Class - Harmonisations using root position and first inversion chords in SATB and Keyboard formats
Learning outcomes: L07, L09, L11 |
Practical |
Practical Aural Skills Class - Rhythmic Sight Reading
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Harmony & Keyboard Class - Dominant 7th chord
Learning outcomes: L07, L09, L10, L11 |
Practical |
Practical Aural Skills Class - Rhythmic reading in compound time
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Harmony & Keyboard Class - harmonising a bass or soprano melody
Learning outcomes: L07, L09, L10, L11 |
Practical |
Practical Aural Skills Class - Rhythmic Dictation in Compound time
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Harmony & Keyboard Class - Figured Bass exercises Further examples of figured bass melodies and their harmonisation. Learning outcomes: L07, L08, L09, L10 |
Practical |
Practical Aural Skills Class
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Harmony & Keyboard Class - Non-chord tones
Learning outcomes: L07, L08, L09, L10, L11 |
Practical |
Practical Aural Skills Class
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Harmony & Keyboard Class - In person keyboard test In person keyboard test during class time. Learning outcomes: L09, L10 |
Practical |
Practical Aural Skills Class
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Tutorial |
Harmony & Keyboard Class - Review and Practice
Learning outcomes: L07, L08, L09, L10, L11 |
Practical |
Practical Aural Skills Class
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Additional learning activity information
Students are expected to attend all weekly classes for keyboard & harmony and for practical aural musicianship. Classes introduce new topics in musicianship through theoretical background and practical applications in activities such as keyboard tasks, singing and rhythmic exercises.
Additional one-hour classes will be scheduled from Week 1 to Week 12 in the musicianship keyboard lab. These classes are optional and they are for students who need to review the basics of music theory and notation and/or who have little or no prior experience with a keyboard. Topics will include pitch, rhythm, intervals, triads, major and minor scales. All topics will include keyboard exercises.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:
- School of Music site
- Health and Wellbeing for Musicians
Course guidelines
Return of Assessment
Assessment items that have been marked will be made available to students on Blackboard as soon as the marking and grading process is complete. Students should check all marked assessment items immediately and consult with the lecturer should there be any concerns.
Please note: Students are advised to retain records of all assessment items until graduation.
Communication:
The primary means of communication between the staff of MUSC1600 and students enrolled in the course is by email, utilising the UQ student email system only. It is, therefore, imperative that students in this course regularly check their student email account. Failure to read important notifications about the course as may occur from time to time will not be regarded as a valid reason for failing to comply with course requirements.