Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- 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
Lecturer
Professor Rob McWilliams
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.
Prepare a score effectively.
LO2.
Direct a small instrumental ensemble confidently. Use non-verbal communication and techniques to effectively convey musical ideas. Address an ensemble using concise, collaborative language to achieve performance goals through enhanced player listening and evaluation. Gain an understanding of a conductor's work by participating as a player in an ensemble.
LO3.
Self-assess conducting gesture, non-verbal communication, and rehearsal strategies through the use of video as a self-evaluation tool.
LO4.
Better understand the issues of acquisition and choice of suitable ensemble repertoire for school use.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance, Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection | Gesture fundamentals & Etudes #1 | 20% |
Video upload of Conducting Etudes #1, Items 1-13 29/08/2024 8:00 am In class assessment of Conducting Etudes #1 Item 14 29/08/2024 5:00 pm Etudes #1 Video Self-Evaluation 5/09/2024 8:00 am |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique, Portfolio | Score Preparation Portfolio | 25% |
2/09/2024 5:00 pm |
| Performance, Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection | Gesture fundamentals & Etudes #2 | 30% |
Video upload of Conducting Etudes #2, Items 1-11 3/10/2024 8:00 am In class assessment of Conducting Etudes #2 Item 12 3/10/2024 5:00 pm Etudes #2 Video Self-Evaluation 10/10/2024 8:00 am |
| Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection | Rehearsal Practicum | 25% |
Practicums will occur in class on 10/10; 17/10; 24/10 as assigned 24/10/2024 5:00 pm Practicum Self-Evaluations 1/11/2024 5:00 pm |
Assessment details
Gesture fundamentals & Etudes #1
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Performance, Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Video upload of Conducting Etudes #1, Items 1-13 29/08/2024 8:00 am
In class assessment of Conducting Etudes #1 Item 14 29/08/2024 5:00 pm
Etudes #1 Video Self-Evaluation 5/09/2024 8:00 am
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03
Task description
Each student will demonstrate the gestural fundamentals and exercises as progressively covered in class. Each student will conduct the exercises on the provided worksheet and submit the following by indicated due date:
- Conducting Etudes #1 Items 1-13 individually recorded video with provided sound files as needed to be submitted by 8:00 am on 29/8/2024
- Conducting Etudes #1 Item 14 recorded in class 29/8/2024
- Conducting Etudes #1 Self-Evaluation due for submission by 8:00 am 5/9/2024
Submission guidelines
All submissions to be uploaded to BlackBoard
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 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.
Score Preparation Portfolio
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique, Portfolio
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
2/09/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04
Task description
To be submitted online via Blackboard
Choose a piece of ensemble repertoire from the wind band or orchestra options provided and prepare a portfolio of score study / preparation materials to include the following as explained in class and on the appropriate pro-forma sheet as appropriate: Orientation Worksheet, Overview Chart, and Interpretive Outcomes (500 wds) as outlined and explained in class.
Submission guidelines
To be submitted via BlackBoard
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 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 #2
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Performance, Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
Video upload of Conducting Etudes #2, Items 1-11 3/10/2024 8:00 am
In class assessment of Conducting Etudes #2 Item 12 3/10/2024 5:00 pm
Etudes #2 Video Self-Evaluation 10/10/2024 8:00 am
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03
Task description
Each student will demonstrate the gestural fundamentals and exercises as progressively covered in class. Each student will conduct the exercises on the provided Etudes #2 worksheet and submit the following by indicated due date:
- Conducting Etudes #2 Items 1-11 individually recorded video with provided sound files as needed to be submitted by 8:00 am on 3/10/2024
- Conducting Etudes #2 Item 12 recorded in class 3/10/2024
- Conducting Etudes #2 Self-Evaluation due for submission by 8:00 am 10/10/2024
Submission guidelines
All submissions to be uploaded to BlackBoard
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 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
- Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
Practicums will occur in class on 10/10; 17/10; 24/10 as assigned 24/10/2024 5:00 pm
Practicum Self-Evaluations 1/11/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04
Task description
To direct a rehearsal of an allocated ensemble work as determined in class. The student needs 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. Each student will complete a self-evaluation on their rehearsal using criteria as provided in class materials.
Self-evaluation to be submitted online via BlackBoard.
Submission guidelines
All submission via BlackBoard
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this 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 does not satisfy even the basic requirements of this course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work does not satisfy the requirements of this course. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - |
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) | 50 - |
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) | 65 - |
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) | 75 - |
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) | 85 - |
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.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in this course.
Supplementary assessment is not available for the Rehearsal Practicum
Additional assessment information
Assessments will use the appropriate rubrics as provided. Each criteria will be marked accordingly and a grade for each criteria can be selected from 1- to 7+.
This course evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Lecture |
Introduction and Participation Lectures Lectures will be given to support all learning activities. Students must participate in the class ensemble. Principal or second instruments will be played, depending on the needs of the ensemble Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Practical |
Score preparation Scores must be prepared independently, using guidelines discussed in class Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
|
Practical |
Rehearsal Practicum Direct a rehearsal of a section of an allocated score. Learning outcomes: L02 |
|
Practical |
Conducting Etudes #2 Each student will prepare the assigned conducting exercises and Etudes #2 and demonstrate them with the class ensemble Learning outcomes: L03 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Practical |
Conducting fundamentals & Etudes #1 Each student will prepare the assigned conducting exercises and Etudes #1 and demonstrate them with the class ensemble Learning outcomes: L03 |
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 - 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