Unit outline_

CPNO3606: Collaborative Piano 6 (Extended)

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Sydney

Students will continue to develop finely tuned ensemble skills for pianists who intend to pursue a career as a collaborative artist /pianist and who wish to specialize in collaborative work with both instrumentalists and vocalists.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Performance
Credit points 12
Prerequisites
? 
CPNO3605
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Theresa Leung, theresa.leung@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) David Miller, david.miller@sydney.edu.au
David Howie, david.howie@sydney.edu.au
Phillip Shovk, phillip.shovk@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test Recital
End of Semester Recital
45% Multiple weeks 40 minutes AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Contribution Written Reviews on Collaborative Piano Repertoire
Written reviews on repertoire heard in Instrumental and Vocal PWs.
10% Multiple weeks 200+ words per week. AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test Playing for Vocal and/or Instrumental Lessons and Classes.
Playing for Vocal and/or Instrumental Lessons and Classes.
10% Ongoing Weekly, 2 hours per week. AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test Studio Class- Collaborative Piano
Participation in Collaborative Piano Class
7.5% Ongoing 1 hour per week AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test Studio lessons
Weekly lesson with Collaborative Piano faculty.
20% Ongoing Weekly, 1 hour per week AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test PW. Performance Workshop- Collaborative Piano
Participation in Performance Workshop
7.5% Weekly Weekly, 1 hour per week. AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5

Assessment summary

The assessment will be ongoing and will constantly evaluate the level of preparation.

Assessment criteria

The following assessment criteria are used for the Recital assessment in this unit of study:

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

A stylistic interpretation of works performed, demonstrating comprehensive awareness of the presented genres and composers' styles. Outstanding technical proficiency, with the ability to utilise technique to achieve the desired colours and sound qualities appropriate to the works. The performance will demonstrate excellent collaborative skills, including in relation to rhythm, sound, and texture. The student will exhibit an outstanding understanding of, and sensitivity to, the qualities and nuances of the collaborating instruments or vocal parts. In vocal/piano works, a successful interpretation based on the text with sensitivity to vocal diction will be displayed.  The student will show evidence of an individual voice and personal representation of the works. A mark of 95 or above indicates extraordinary musical artistry and profound musical voice for this Course and Level.

Distinction

75 - 84

Confident presentation of works, with evidence of musical and stylistic understanding. Technical mastery sufficiently achieved. Room for more development in the areas of sound quality appropriate to the style. Demonstration of solid collaborative skills and a clear understanding of the collaborating instrumental and/or vocal parts, with room for a more nuanced approach. In vocal/piano works, an interpretation based on the text will be evident, with some sensitivity towards vocal diction. Some personal interpretation of the work demonstrated. 

Credit

65 - 74

Evidence of solid musicality and technical proficiency, with some stylistic achievement. Occasional lapses indicative of unresolved technical, artistic and/or stylistic issues.  Collaborative skills not fully developed at this stage, with lapses in ensemble and little understanding of collaborating instrumental/vocal parts. In vocal/piano works, a basic understanding of the text and vocal diction. Potential for further development.

Pass

50 - 64

Satisfactory level of preparation and musical engagement. Understanding of musical style and genre is limited, with inconsistencies in technical proficiency and limited demonstration of collaborative skills, understanding of collaborating instruments/voices and song texts.

Fail

0 - 49

Unsatisfactory technical achievement and/or unsatisfactory level of musical and artistic engagement. Unsatisfactory demonstration of collaborative skills. Limitations may be of such a scale and consistency as to call in to question the student’s future direction in the programme.

 

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

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Outstanding engagement with subject matter. Evidence of a strong individual voice, supported well by strong musical evidence. Precise, fluent and convincing writing style.

Distinction

75 - 84

Excellent engagement with subject matter. Evidence of individual voice, supported by musical evidence. Writing style is clear.

Credit

65 - 74

Good engagement with subject matter. Some evidence of individual voice and/or musical evidence. Writing style is clear but may be limited in fluency.

Pass

50 - 64

Sufficient engagement with subject matter. Limited evidence of personal voice and/or musical evidence. Writing style is unclear. 

Fail

0 - 49

Inadequate engagement with subject matter. No evidence of individual voice and/or musical evidence. Writing style is unclear and insufficient.

 

The following assessment criteria are used for the Studio and Class Participation assessment in this unit of study:

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Outstanding preparedness for lesson/class. Student always demonstrated sound knowledge and serious application of principals studied. Outstanding engagement in class/lesson, including active contribution to discussions. Proactive approach to their studies, with evidence of own further study and research. Leadership qualities reliably evidenced both in discussion and in musical interpretation.

Distinction

75 - 84

Excellent preparedness for lesson/class with a serious application of principals studied. Excellent engagement in class/lesson, including in discussions. Evidence of some individual study and research. Leadership qualities often exhibited in discussions and/or musical interpretation.

Credit

65 - 74

Well prepared for lesson/class, with attempts at application of principals studied. Some engagement in class/lesson, including discussions. Some evidence of individual study and research. Limited exhibition of leadership qualities in discussion and/or musical interpretation.

Pass

50 - 64

Satisfactory level of preparation and musical engagement in lesson/class. Limited engagement in lesson/class discussion with little or no exhibition of leadership skills.  Limited evidence of individual study. 

Fail

0 - 49

Unsatisfactory standard of preparation and musical engagement for lesson/class. Little/no engagement in discussion or evidence of leadership skills. Little/no evidence of individual study.

 

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 Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including 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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

As assessment is evaluated around aspects of participation, it is not possible to give late penalties.

Academic integrity

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

Our website 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 Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) 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 Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 simple extension.  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’t 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 special consideration or special arrangements.

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

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education 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 reflects the University’s 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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Weekly Practical (studio) tuition. One-to-one tuition (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Studio Class- Collaborative Piano Practical (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Playing for Vocal and/or Instrumental Lessons/ Classes. Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Attendance at Instrumental/Vocal PWs (as audience member) to increase knowledge of Collaborative Piano repertoire. Practical (1.5 hr) LO2 LO3
Collaborative Piano Performance Workshop (PW) Practical (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

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 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

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.

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

  • LO1. demonstrate an understanding of a variety of styles and genres in the Collaborative Piano repertoire through intensive study of a large range of works.
  • LO2. improve and develop a nuanced approach to pianistic technique, appropriate to the Collaborative Piano literature.
  • LO3. demonstrate a heightened awareness of the collaborative skills required to play with instrumentalists and singers.
  • LO4. perform as a Collaborative Pianist in both vocal and instrumental studios and/or classes under the guidance of staff members of those Units.
  • LO5. improve and develop performance skills through the performance of a wide range of repertoire in various concert settings.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney 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’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

This Unit hasn't been offered for many years, so curriculum was updated including learning outcomes, learning activities and assessments, so that it maintains consistency from CPNO3605.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney 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 online glossary.