Outline

Overview

Students engage in regular chamber music rehearsals and work towards live performances of the highest standard, learning from their peers as well as expert practitioners. Chamber music repertoire is studied with either a new ensemble or a continuing ensemble. Students are assigned a Principal Tutor who will assist with the selection of appropriate works and coach the group throughout the semester. Musical, technical and communication skills are developed intensively.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Performance
Credit points	3
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Timothy Kantor, timothy.kantor@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Daniel Yeadon, daniel.yeadon@sydney.edu.au
	Kevin Hunt, kevin.hunt@sydney.edu.au
	James Kortum, james.kortum@sydney.edu.au
	Narelle Yeo, narelle.yeo@sydney.edu.au
	Clemens Leske, clemens.leske@sydney.edu.au
	Anke Ryan, anke.ryan@sydney.edu.au
	Brad Lucas, bradley.lucas@sydney.edu.au
	Kathryn Roberts Parker, kathryn.roberts-parker@sydney.edu.au
	Ole Bohn, ole.bohn@sydney.edu.au
	Kevin Man, kevin.man@sydney.edu.au
	Timothy Kantor, timothy.kantor@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Final performance exam Final performance exam	40%	Formal exam period	-	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Tutor assessment Tutor assessment	40%	Ongoing	-	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Online assignment Phrase map with score annotations	10%	Week 05 Due date: 05 Sep 2025 at 23:59	One movement of assigned work	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Performance workshop Collaborative/practical modules	10%	Week 07	-	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Tutor assessment: Groups are required to have 6 tutorials throughout the semester with their assigned tutor. Students will be given a mark and graded on their musical preparation as well as their general organisation and attitude.
Chamber performance workshop: In Week 10. Groups perform 10 minutes of repertoire and give constructive feedback to their peers.
Final performance exam: a group performance of a selection of music prepared during the semester. Tutors will help their groups to choose the exact repertoire. A panel of two or more staff members will assess each group’s performance and the exams may be open to the public.
Online assignment: One movement of assigned work. Phrase map with score annotations

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

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

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Comprehensive and outstanding technical control and musical integrity in relation to developmental expectations. Musical individuality consistently projected to create a persuasive personal representation of the work. Performance flair indicative of soloist standard. A mark of 95 or above indicates extraordinary technical virtuosity and musical artistry.
Distinction	75 - 84	Excellent technical, musical and stylistic achievement. Consistently coherent and expressive performance. Some personal interpretation of the work suggesting soloist potential.
Credit	65 - 74	Confident technique with evidence of solid musicality and some stylistic achievement. Occasional lapses indicative of unresolved technical, artistic and/or stylistic issues. Projects potential for further development.
Pass	50 - 64	Satisfactory level of preparation and musical engagement. Some inconsistencies in musicianship, style and/or technique. Musical imagination and overall performance sense developing though some insecurity in this area.
Fail	0 - 49	Unsatisfactory technical achievement and/or unsatisfactory level of musical and artistic engagement. Limitations may be of such a scale and consistency as to call into 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	Demonstrates high level of initiative in research and reading; sophisticated critical analysis of evidence; high level engagement with theoretical issues, innovative use of reading/research material and impressive command of underlying debates and assumptions; properly documented and written with style, originality and precision.
Distinction	75 - 84	Demonstrates initiative in research and wide, appropriate reading; complex understanding of question and ability to critically review material in relation to underlying assumptions and values; analyses material in relation to empirical and theoretical contexts; properly documented; clear, well-developed structure and argument with some signs of literary style.
Credit	65 - 74	Evidence of broader understanding than pass level; offers synthesis with some critical evaluation of material; coherent argument using a range of relevant evidence; some evidence of independent thought, good referencing. A high credit (70-74) shows some evidence of ability to problematise and think conceptually.
Pass	50 - 64	Written work meets basic requirements in terms of reading/research; relevant material; tendency to descriptive summary rather than critical argument; makes a reasonable attempt to avoid paraphrasing; reasonably coherent structure; often has weaknesses in particular areas, especially in terms of narrow or underdeveloped treatment of question; acceptable documentation.
Fail	0 - 49	Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: Unacceptable paraphrasing; irrelevance of content; poor spelling; poor presentation; grammar or structure so sloppy it cannot be understood; failure to demonstrate understanding of content; insufficient or overlong word length.

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.

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
Multiple weeks	6 x 1 hour tutorials with assigned tutor	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 01	Orientation meeting	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Chamber music skills session and Q and A session	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Collaborative performance workshop	Workshop (1 hr)
Weekly	Chamber music group rehearsal	Rehearsal (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned. The Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 90%.

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 3 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 60-75 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

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. play several chamber works in detail and/or demonstrate enhanced improvisation skills
LO2. demonstrate enhanced musical knowledge
LO3. demonstrate enhanced technical and musical skills in a practical situation
LO4. demonstrate improved listening skills
LO5. work as part of a cooperative team
LO6. demonstrate leadership and communication skills

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.

Groups are usually organised and announced by the beginning of week 3, tutors by the end of week 3. As a significant number of students enrol and un-enrol in chamber music up until the end of week 2, it is impossible to finalise groups before that point in the semester. Every effort will be made to schedule performance workshops and exams as early as possible in the semester. It is the responsibility of chamber music students to make contact with their tutors and to arrange regular tutorials. If there are any communication or scheduling issues with tutors please feel free to contact the general unit coordinator Timothy Kantor.

Additional information

All information relating to the chamber music course is contained in a document on the Canvas Chamber Music home page. It is essential that you read the document when you enrol in your next unit.

ORIENTATION MEETING on Monday 4th August at 9am. Venue: Recital Hall East. Compulsory for CHMB1301 (Chamber Music 1) students, all other students welcome.

SIGN-UP: Every student must sign up by Week 1 by using the 'Sign-up Form' link on the Canvas Chamber Music home page. Signing up is a separate process from enrolling.

GROUP and TUTOR CONFIRMATION by Week 4

LECTURE on Monday 11th August at 9am: ‘Craft of Chamber Music’. Venue: Verbrugghen Hall. Compulsory for CHMB1301 students, all others are encouraged to attend.

REHEARSALS and TUTORIALS take place between Weeks 2 and STUVAC

PERFORMANCE WORKSHOPS in Week 7, unless otherwise noted

PERFORMANCE EXAMS in STUVAC or the formal exam period, unless otherwise noted

Every effort is made to form new groups by the end of Week 2 and to announce tutors by the end of Week 3. As many students enrol and un-enrol in chamber music up until the end of Week 2 it is impossible to finalise new groups before then. After the end of Week 2 a period of consultation is required to find suitable tutors for all the groups.

Tutor issues:

If your tutor falls ill, or if you are having trouble meeting up with your tutor then please contact the general unit coordinator Timothy Kantor as soon as possible – do not leave it until week 12! In this situation a new or additional tutor can be arranged for you.

Extra performance workshops:

If you would like to have the experience of performing in more than one chamber performance workshop, please inform Timothy Kantor. Extra PWs can be arranged on demand.

PW and exam dates:

During this upcoming semester the detailed schedules will be released earlier to allow students to rearrange their external commitments if necessary. If you have an exact time request, please contact Timothy Kantor.

Chamber buddy issues:

If you have problems with lazy or incommunicative chamber buddies please inform your divisional chamber coordinator or the general unit coordinator Timothy Kantor. The same applies if you feel there is a mismatch in standards or commitment between members of a group – please make contact with Timothy Kantor as soon as possible.

Group organisation:

The chamber music course relies on students to organise regular rehearsals and tutorials during most weeks in the semester. Please attend the Craft of Chamber Music Lecture for additional guidance, and volunteer to play in SCM Lunchbreak concerts and external concerts if you are seeking additional structure.

Work, health and safety

Follow Covid-19 safety guidelines.

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ENSE5330: Graduate Chamber Music 1

Semester 2, 2025 [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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links