Lecturer
Dr Rachel Howley
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Music School
Development of skills in instrumental conducting including baton technique, music leadership skills, rehearsal methods, score reading & preparation.
This advanced Level 3 course offers students practical experience conducting an instrumental group. The primary objective of the course is to give students the basic background needed to direct secondary school instrumental ensembles. Class members will form an orchestral ensemble ﾠand experience conductingﾠaccessible repertoire.ﾠStudents will also be given guidance in instrumental conducting techniques, basic score preparation and choice of repertoire for pre-tertiary use. Rehearsal techniques will be analysed, and suggestive secondary-school teaching techniques will be discussed as they relate to conducting an instrumental ensemble.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MUSC2060
Course contact
Course coordinator
Dr Rachel Howley
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course offers students practical experience as a conductor of an instrumental group. The primary objective of the course is to give students the basic background needed to direct school instrumental ensembles. Students will also be given guidance in basic score preparation and choice of repertoire for pre-tertiary use.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate core conducting technique with increasing fluency.
LO2.
Analyse and prepare scores for efficient rehearsal.
LO3.
Understand and apply strategies to lead effective rehearsals.
LO4.
Use reflective tools to improve conducting clarity and rehearsal effectiveness.
LO5.
Develop expressive, responsive gestures for a variety of musical styles.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/ Demonstration | Gesture fundamentals & Etudes | 30% |
10/04/2026 5:00 pm |
| Portfolio | Rehearsal Techniques & Score Preparation | 30% |
8/05/2026 5:00 pm |
| Practical/ Demonstration | Rehearsal Practicum | 40% |
8/06/2026 - 19/06/2026 |
Assessment details
Gesture fundamentals & Etudes
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
10/04/2026 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04, L05
Task description
You are to demonstrate the gestural fundamentals and etudes as they have been progressively covered in class. You will also complete conducting a self-evaluation with links to research literature (500 words).
Submission guidelines
You are required to upload a video recording (with audio as necessary) in Blackboard and your conducting self-evaluation to the submission points via TurnItIn.
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.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
Rehearsal Techniques & Score Preparation
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Portfolio
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
8/05/2026 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
You are to demonstrate an understanding of rehearsal techniques and preparation through rehearsal observations, rehearsal planning and score preparation. To complete this task, you will be required to:
- Observe three large ensemble rehearsals of your choice (each with a different ensemble director) and reflect on what you observe, linking to current rehearsal technique literature (800 words).
- Choose a piece of ensemble repertoire from the wind band or orchestra options provided and prepare and mark the score, demonstrating your understanding of musical elements, structure and interpretative requirements.
- Using the chosen repertoire, develop a series of three rehearsal plans, each of approximately 20 minutes in duration, including rehearsal activities (including a warm-up), rehearsal objectives and resources required. These rehearsal plans should demonstrate an understanding of the musical concepts and ensemble challenges associated with the chosen repertoire. Template options will be provided in class.
Submission guidelines
Submitted via Blackboard
- Your reflections on three rehearsal observations
- Your marked score
- Three rehearsal plans related to your chosen score
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.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
Rehearsal Practicum
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
8/06/2026 - 19/06/2026
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
You will be required to direct a 15min rehearsal of an allocated ensemble work as determined in class. The ensemble will be made up of class members. You will need to demonstrate appropriate conducting techniques for leading the chosen piece, as well as understanding and application of effective rehearsal processes, as demonstrated and discussed in class.
A self-evaluation will be completed at the end of the exam using the template provided in class materials.
Submission guidelines
The rehearsal will take place in person in the exam period. Self-evaluation to be submitted online via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply 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 | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work does not satisfy even the basic�requirements of this course. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work does not satisfy the requirements of this course. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Indicates a superficial approach to the basic elements of the assessed task. Criteria are not adequately demonstrated. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Indicates a satisfactory level of work, which addresses all the criteria at a basic level. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Indicates a sound level of work, competently addressing all criteria. Conducting elements will demonstrate integration of criteria with confidence, and competent understanding of the communication, through gesture, of the essence of the music. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Indicates a high standard of work, showing well-developed skills in all the criteria.Conducting elements will demonstrate integration of criteria in a particularly distinguished way for the communication, through gesture, of the essence of the music. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Indicates an outstanding standard of work, showing very high level skills in all the criteria. Conducting elements will demonstrate integration of criteria to show a very high level of understanding and enthusiasm for the communication, through gesture, of the essence of the music.� |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in this course.
Rehearsal Practicum is not eligible for supplementary assessment
Additional assessment information
Assessments will use the appropriate rubric as shown. Each criteria will marked accordingly and a grade for each criteria can be selected from 1- to 7+.
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Baton | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
Once the instrumentation of the course ensemble is known, repertoire will be chosen by the lecturer. Suitable learning resources will then be suggested during the lecture series as well as via Blackboard.ﾠ
Video recording of student conducting sessions that are not part of those required for formal assessmentﾠis highly beneficialﾠand recommended. ﾠCarefulﾠanalysis of such recordings will likely increase a student's conducting capabilities and therefore awarded grades for the course.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (23 Feb - 01 Mar) |
Workshop |
Course Introduction & Gesture Fundamentals Course Introduction Posture Preparatory gestures Gesture concepts Basic beat pattern Baton grip Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 2 (02 Mar - 08 Mar) |
Workshop |
Cues, Fermatas & Expressivity Cues Fermatas Dynamics Articulation Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05 |
Week 3 (09 Mar - 15 Mar) |
Practical |
Conducting lab Gesture Fundamentals Exercises Note: All class members will play an instrument in the class ensemble Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05 |
Week 4 (16 Mar - 22 Mar) |
Workshop |
Score Preparation & Interpretation Score study Score analysis Score interpretation Score preparation Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Week 5 (23 Mar - 29 Mar) |
Workshop |
Planning Effective Rehearsals Rehearsal planning Rehearsal strategies Communication & feedback Musical priorities Warm-ups Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
Week 6 (30 Mar - 05 Apr) |
Practical |
Conducting Lab Gesture Fundamentals Exercises Note: All class members will play an instrument in the class ensemble Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05 |
Week 7 (13 Apr - 19 Apr) |
Workshop |
Repertoire Selection & Ensemble Leadership Repertoire in educational settings Repertoire selection considerations Repertoire & the Instrumental Music curriculum Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Week 8 (20 Apr - 26 Apr) |
Workshop |
Compound Time, Asymmetric Meter & Conducting Decisions Compound time Changing time signatures Asymmetric time Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
Week 9 (27 Apr - 03 May) |
Practical |
Conducting Lab Preparation for Rehearsal Practicum Note: All class members will play an instrument in the class ensemble Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 10 (04 May - 10 May) |
Not Timetabled |
Project Week |
Week 11 (11 May - 17 May) |
Practical |
Conducting Lab Preparation for Rehearsal Practicum Note: All class members will play an instrument in the class ensemble Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 12 (18 May - 24 May) |
Practical |
Conducting Lab Preparation for Rehearsal Practicum Note: All class members will play an instrument in the class ensemble Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 13 (25 May - 31 May) |
Practical |
Conducting Lab Preparation for Rehearsal Practicum Note: All class members will play an instrument in the class ensemble Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
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
- AI for Assessment Guide
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.