Course coordinator
Mr Patrick Murphy
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
Development of skills in instrumental conducting including baton technique, music leadership skills, rehearsal methods, score reading & preparation.
Thisﾠcourse 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 secondary school instrumental ensembles. Class members will form an orchestral ensemble and experience conducting accessible repertoire. Students 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 these 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 staff
Tutor
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique, Portfolio | Score Preparation Portfolio | 30% |
1/09/2025 5:00 pm |
| Performance, Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection | Gesture fundamentals & Etudes | 30% |
12/09/2025 5:00 pm
Video recording and conducting self-evaluation |
| Performance, Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection | Rehearsal Practicum | 40% |
10/11/2025 - 21/11/2025 |
Assessment details
Score Preparation Portfolio
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique, Portfolio
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
1/09/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03
Task description
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:
1. 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).
2. 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.
3. Using the chosen repertoire, develop a series of five rehearsal plans each of 20-30 minutes in duration, including warm-ups, rehearsal strategies and other considerations. Template options will be provided in class.
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
To be submitted via BlackBoard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply 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.
Gesture fundamentals & Etudes
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Performance, Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
12/09/2025 5:00 pm
Video recording and conducting self-evaluation
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04, L05
Task description
Task Description: You are to demonstrate the gestural fundamentals and etudes as progressively covered in class. You will also complete conducting self-evaluation with links to research literature (500 words).
Submission: You are required to upload a video recording (with audio as necessary) and your conducting self-evaluation to the submission points in Blackboard.
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
All submissions to be uploaded to BlackBoard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply 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.
Rehearsal Practicum
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Performance, Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
10/11/2025 - 21/11/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05
Task description
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 criteria as provided in class materials.
Students will be allocated to a small group and will be required to form the ensemble which will be conducted.
Submission: The rehearsal will take place in-person in the exam period. Self-evaluation to be submitted online via Blackboard.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies for the self evaluation, 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.
The rehearsal 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
All submissions to be uploaded to BlackBoard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply 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.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Marks | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 1 |
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) | 2 - 2 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work does not satisfy the requirements of this course. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 3 - 3 |
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) | 4 - 4 |
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) | 5 - 5 |
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) | 6 - 6 |
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) | 7 - 7 |
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. |
Additional course grading information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Each criteria will be marked accordingly and a grade for each criteria can be selected from 1- to 7+.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in this course.
The Rehearsal Practicum is not appropriate to be re-assessed. Assessment is based on students participation and engagement with learning activities undertaken throughout the specified weeks. Without this progressive interaction with their peers, this assessment requirement cannot be completed, nor can it be rescheduled within the window available for supplementary assessments.
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.
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. ﾠCarefulﾠ analysis of such recordings will likely increase a student's conducting capabilities and therefore improve 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 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Workshop |
Week 1 Course Introduction & Gesture Fundamentals Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Workshop |
Week 2 Cues, Fermatas & Expressivity Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Workshop |
Week 3 Conducting lab: Bring your baton & instrument to class Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Workshop |
Week 4 Score Preparation & Interpretation Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Workshop |
Week 5 Planning Effective Rehearsals Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Workshop |
Week 6 Conducting lab: Bring your baton & instrument to class Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Workshop |
Week 7 Compound Time, Asymmetric Meter & Conducting Decisions Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Workshop |
Week 9 Repertoire Selection & Ensemble Leadership Learning outcomes: L03 |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Workshop |
Week 10 Conducting lab: Bring your baton & instrument to class Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Workshop |
Week 11 Conducting lab: Bring your baton & instrument to class Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Workshop |
Week 12 Conducting lab: Bring your baton & instrument to class Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Workshop |
Week 13 Conducting lab: Bring your baton & instrument to class 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
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