Outline

Overview

So how do musicians achieve and maintain their health This unit of study explores the science of music health and wellbeing through investigation of health promotion, a range of health issues (including mental health) and by giving students practical examples of how to incorporate healthy lifestyle and strategies into their everyday life. It includes a detailed exploration of age-old and millennium debates in the scholarly and practice-based fields of music and health. Topics include: mindfulness; music psychology; Alexander Technique/Yoga/Tai Chi; performance science; growth mindset programs; music therapy; mental health; work-place safety; physiotherapy.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Analysis, History and Cultural Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jennifer Rowley, jennifer.rowley@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
Written work	Research method design and written report with viva defence 2000 words	50%	STUVAC Due date: 16 Nov 2025 at 23:59	Unsecured assessment. AI allowed	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	EFT 10 question in class online quiz	10%	Week 03 Due date: 20 Aug 2025 at 23:59	15 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Poster presentation with oral defence Q&A A poster presentation	40%	Week 09	Unsecured assessment. AI allowed	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Please note that for any text-based assessed work submitted through Turnitin such as essays or other assignments, you must not include your name or any other identifying information on your assignment. You may only include your Student Number. This is to ensure that you are assessed fairly and without bias (as much as is possible).

Assessment criteria

Description of assessment: You will develop a way to implement MHW in an existing cohort. You will develop your written method and prepare your materials to conduct your project. You will prepare a written research proposal for your project.

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 per the Sydney Conservatorium of Music resolutions, http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/conservatorium/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml (Item 11): (1) It is expected that unless an application for Special Consideration has been approved, students will submit all assessment for a unit of study on the due date specified. If the assessment is completed or submitted within the period of extension, no academic penalty will be applied to that piece of assessment. (2) If an extension is either not sought, not granted or is granted but work is submitted after the extended due date, the late submission of assessment will result in an academic penalty as follows: (a) For work submitted after the deadline but up to three calendar days late, a penalty of 10 per cent of the possible marks awarded for the assignment will apply. (b) For work submitted after 3 days and less than one week after the deadline, a penalty of 15 per cent of the possible marks awarded for the assignment will apply. (c) For work submitted more than one week late but less than two weeks after the deadline, a penalty of 20 per cent of the possible marks awarded for the assignment will apply. (d) Work submitted more than two weeks after deadline will not be assessed (Fail).

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
Week 01	Introduction to Music Health and Wellbeing: A holistic view on musician's health	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Health of Music Students: research from Conservatoires	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Hearing Health	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Alexander Technique	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Breathing and mindfulness	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Speech Pathology and vocal health	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Musculoskeletal Health for the Rising Musician - performance-related musculoskeletal health and fitness. Music performance posture and biomechanics Healthy Instrumental Set-Up: From an anatomical/biomechanical perspective). Injury Prevention Instrument-specific exercise programs to reduce injury risk	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Sydney Music, Mind, and Body Lab	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Poster Presentation Session	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Music Therapy	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Preparing for MHW in musical performance: what would you tell your future self?	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Beyond habit and skill: yoga/pilates to attain peak performance	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

As per the Sydney Conservatorium of Music resolutions, http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/conservatorium/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml(Item 12):

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 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Veronika Schoeb MHA, P. T., & Amélie Zosso BSc, P. T. (2012). " You Cannot Perform Music Without Taking Care of Your Body": A Qualitative Study on Musicians' Representation of Body and Health. Medical problems of performing artists, 27(3), 129.

Clark, T., & Lisboa, T. (2013). Training for sustained performance: Moving toward long-term musician development. Medical problems of performing artists, 28(3), 159-168.

Ginsborg, J., Kreutz, G., Thomas, M., & Williamon, A. (2009). Healthy behaviours in music and non-music performance students. Health Education, 109(3), 242-258.

Kreutz, G., Ginsborg, J., & Williamon, A. (2008). Music students' health problems and health-promoting behaviours. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 23(1), 3.

Lee, S. H., Carey, S., Dubey, R., & Matz, R. (2012). Intervention program in college instrumental musicians, with kinematics analysis of cello and flute playing: a combined program of yogic breathing and muscle strengthening-flexibility exercises. Medical problems of performing artists, 27(2), 85.

MacDonald, R., Kreutz, G., & Mitchell, L. (2012). Music, health, and wellbeing. Oxford University Press.

Panebianco-Warrens, C. R., Fletcher, L., & Kreutz, G. (2015). Health-promoting behaviors in South African music students: A replication study. Psychology of Music, 43(6), 779-792.

Williamon, A., Wasley, D., Burt-Perkins, R., Ginsborg, J., & Hildebrandt, W. (2009). Profiling musicians’ health, wellbeing, and performance. In A. Williamon, S. Pretty, & R. Buck (Eds.), Proceedings of the international symposium on performance science. Association of European Conservatoires (AEC).

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 broad understanding of music, health and wellbeing studies in music
LO2. Critique and write about research literature
LO3. Describe research design and evaluate research outcomes
LO4. Discuss research with others
LO5. Facilitate the exchange of ideas between musicians and researchers

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.

Participation in this unit of study permits the University to use your learning analytics for the purpose of improving your learning. This includes data from the CANVAS website, and the results of the Unit of Study Survey conducted at the end of the semester

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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

Early feedback task

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MUSC1604: Music, Health and Wellbeing

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links