Outline

Overview

The Collaborative Piano Principal Study Course is designed for students who wish to work towards a professional career as a Collaborative Pianist. The Course is an intensive, career-driven program where students undertake study in instrumental and vocal collaborative repertoire, including Art Song, Opera, Instrumental Sonatas, Instrumental Concerti, Large Ensemble playing and Chamber Music. Students will also be required to play for weekly Voice Studio Lessons, study Vocal Diction, undertake weekly written performance reviews, play for Instrumental Studio Lessons and participate in Performance Workshops and Studio Classes.

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
Tutor(s)	Eun-Jung Byun, eunjung.byun@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Theresa Leung, theresa.leung@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Live Performance Assessment Assessment determined by performance in students' end-of-semester recital, as well as performances in assigned Instrumental/Vocal Unit recitals and concerts.	40%	Multiple weeks	40 min recital plus other performances.	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
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:
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:
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:
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:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Early Feedback task- engagement mark Early Feedback task- engagement mark	0%	Week 03	N/A	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	Interactive Oral on Collaborative Repertoire Student will engage in an interactive oral discussion on performance repertoire with Collaborative Piano staff.	5%	Week 13	20 mins	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
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:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Hurdle Tasks:

In order to pass this Course, students are required to obtain the following minimum marks in these assessments:

Studio Lesson: 75%

Live Performance Assessment: 65%

Interactive Oral: 50%

Assessment criteria

The following assessment criteria are used for the Performance 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, their historical contexts, and composers' styles in performance decisions. 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. An excellent level of cultural and ethical awareness has been achieved through collaborative considerations in the performance. 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, stylistic, and contextual understanding demonstrated in performance decisions. 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. A high level of cultural and ethical awareness has been demonstrated through collaborative considerations in the performance. 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 and contextual understanding of the works demonstrated in performance decisions. 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. A satisfactory level of cultural and ethical awareness has been exercised through some collaborative considerations in the performance. 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. An acceptable level of cultural and ethical awareness has been shown through minor collaborative considerations in the performance.
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 the Interactive Oral and Written Work in this unit of study:

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Outstanding engagement with subject matter and reflection on collaborative piano research practices. Evidence of a strong individual voice, supported well by strong musical evidence that demonstrates an exceptional level of contextual understanding of styles, history and analysis. Precise, fluent and convincing writing or speaking style. Deep cultural and ethical awareness in artistic practice expressed.
Distinction	75 - 84	Excellent engagement with subject matter and reflection on collaborative piano research practices. Evidence of individual voice, supported by musical evidence that demonstrates a high level of contextual understanding of styles, history and analysis. Precise, fluent and convincing writing or speaking style. Developed cultural and ethical awareness in artistic practice expressed.
Credit	65 - 74	Good engagement with subject matter and some reflection on collaborative piano research practices. Some evidence of individual voice and/or musical evidence with contextual understanding of musical styles, history and analysis addressed. Writing or speaking style is clear but may be limited in fluency. Cultural and/or ethical awareness expressed.
Pass	50 - 64	Sufficient engagement with subject matter and attempt to reflect on collaborative piano research practices. Limited evidence of personal voice and/or musical evidence with a sound level of contextual understanding of musical styles, history and/or analysis addressed. Writing or speaking style is unclear. A satisfactory attempt has been made to demonstrate cultural and/or ethical awareness.
Fail	0 - 49	Inadequate engagement with subject matter and no reflection on collaborative piano research practices. No evidence of individual voice and/or musical evidence. Writing or speaking style is unclear and insufficient. No attempt made to demonstrate contextual understanding, cultural and/or ethical awareness.

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.

Learning support

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Weekly	Practical (studio) tuition.	One-on-one music lesson (13 hr)
	Studio Class- Collaborative Piano	Practical (12 hr)
	Playing for Vocal and/or Instrumental Lessons/ Classes.	Practical (24 hr)
	Attendance at Instrumental/Vocal PWs (as audience member) to increase knowledge of Collaborative Piano repertoire.	Practical (18 hr)
	Collaborative Piano Performance Workshop (PW)	Practical (12 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Full (100 per cent) and punctual attendance is a requirement in all activities where students have a role as active participants in the class or activity. Active participation includes situations where the student's contribution is to perform, rehearse, or direct rehearsals in a small or large ensemble, or to give seminar and tutorial papers or presentations or undertake assessment tasks. Active participation also includes all one-to-one studio teaching and supervision. Except in cases of illness or misadventure, failure to attend activities or classes where a student is an active participant will be seen as failure to meet the requirements of the unit of study.

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

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

This Unit will provide intensive study of Collaborative Piano skills and repertoire, with increased opportunities for student performance, opportunities for student collegiality within the cohort, and opportunities for connections with the Instrumental and Vocal Units. Updates to AI allowances, secure/unsecure assessments, and Live Performance Assessment requirements made.

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CPNO3606: Collaborative Piano 6 (Extended)

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links