Outline

Overview

In this unit students continue their previous study of one Chinese instrument in both small group and ensemble settings. They are encouraged to build on technical capacity developed in their first semester's study, and to perform a wider range of pieces. They will also engage with a range of recordings and live performances of Chinese music to further develop their understandings of traditional and contemporary Chinese music, and of how Chinese musical instruments have featured in a variety of musical contexts.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Performance
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	PERF2604
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Nicholas Ng, nicholas.ng@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Nicholas Ng, nicholas.ng@sydney.edu.au
Practitioner(s)	Ray Lin, ray.lin@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Li Chloe Chung, chloe.chung@sydney.edu.au
	Ousiyu Luo, ousiyu.luo@sydney.edu.au
	wenrui Zhao, wenrui.zhao@sydney.edu.au
	Angela Jing FENG, angelajing.feng@sydney.edu.au
	Yichu Huang, yichu.huang@sydney.edu.au
	Carina Li, ying.li2@sydney.edu.au
	Jinqi Guo, jinqi.guo@sydney.edu.au
	Mingyu Jin, mingyu.jin@sydney.edu.au
	Zixi Song, zixi.song@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz	4 x Canvas quizzes based on readings 4 x Canvas quizzes based on lecture content	20%	Multiple weeks	10-15 mins per quiz	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Reflective response A reflective response in the form of a short article or video on the lecture content, instrumental/vocal tutorials and the showcase/concert (draft due Week 6 and final version due Week 13)	10%	Multiple weeks	250-300 words or 1-2 minute video	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Study of and ensemble performance on a traditional Chinese instrument Progress in learning one traditional Chinese instrument	50%	Ongoing	N/A	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Teacher Mark Early Feedback Canvas Quiz	0%	Week 03 Due date: 21 Aug 2026 at 23:59	5-10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Practical assessment Students attend a short individual practical assessment.	20%	Week 13	10 minutes	AI prohibited
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

For more information, please refer to the Assessment pages in Canvas.

All assessment tasks must be attempted. Failure to submit or attend any assessment task will normally result in an Absent Fail (AF) or failure of the unit.

If a task is specified as a hurdle requirement, you must obtain a minimum mark of 50% in that task to pass the unit, even if your overall mark is higher.

Assessment criteria

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

Fail: (Below 50%) Work not of an acceptable standard.

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 program.

Pass: (50%-64%) Work of acceptable standard.

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.

Credit: (65%-74%) Highly competent work demonstrating potential for higher study.

Confident technique with evidence of solid musicality and some stylistic achievement. Occasional lapses are indicative of unresolved technical, artistic and/or stylistic issues. Projects potential for further development.

Distinction: (75%-84%) Work of superior standard.

Excellent technical, musical and stylistic achievement. Consistently coherent and expressive performance. Some personal interpretation of the work suggests soloist potential.

High Distinction: (85%-100%) Work of exceptional standard.

Comprehensive and outstanding technical control and musical integrity in relation to developmental expectations. Musical individuality is consistently projected to create a persuasive personal representation of the work. Performance flair is indicative of soloist standard. A mark of 95 or above indicates extraordinary technical virtuosity and musical artistry.

For more information, please refer to the Assessment rubrics in Canvas.

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:

Late penalties for the quizzes and participation tasks are applied per day. Students may apply for special consideration for additional time in the case of extenuating circumstances.

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	Lecture 1 — The Sinophone Concept & Chinese Music Beyond China	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Tutorial 1 - Group lesson on your chosen instrument (one-to-one by special arrangement)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Lecture 2 — Chinese Music in Australia: Histories & Communities	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Tutorial 2 - Group lesson on your chosen instrument (one-to-one by special arrangement)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Lecture 3 — Sinophone Performance, Ritual & Everyday Sound (Australia Focus)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Tutorial 3 - Group lesson on your chosen instrument (one-to-one by special arrangement)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Lecture 4 — Fieldwork, Reflection & Student-Led Sinophone Observations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Tutorial 4 - Group lesson on your chosen instrument (one-to-one by special arrangement)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Tutti Rehearsal 1 - Full ensemble rehearsal with conductor (see Canvas for details)	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	Tutorial 5 - Group lesson on your chosen instrument (one-to-one by special arrangement)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Tutti Rehearsal 2 - Full ensemble rehearsal with conductor (see Canvas for details)	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	Tutorial 6 - Group lesson on your chosen instrument (one-to-one by special arrangement)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Tutti Rehearsal 3 - Full ensemble rehearsal with conductor (see Canvas for details)	Practical (1 hr)
Week 07	Tutorial 7 - Group lesson on your chosen instrument (one-to-one by special arrangement)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Tutti Rehearsal 4 - Full ensemble rehearsal with conductor (see Canvas for details)	Practical (1 hr)
Week 08	Tutorial 8 - Group lesson on your chosen instrument (one-to-one by special arrangement)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Tutti Rehearsal 5 - Full ensemble rehearsal with conductor (see Canvas for details)	Practical (1 hr)
Week 09	Tutorial 9 - Group lesson on your chosen instrument (one-to-one by special arrangement)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Tutti Rehearsal 5 - Full ensemble rehearsal with conductor (see Canvas for details)	Practical (2 hr)
Week 11	Tutti Rehearsal 6 - Full ensemble rehearsal with conductor (see Canvas for details)	Practical (2 hr)
Week 11	Tutorial 11 - Group lesson on your chosen instrument (one-to-one by special arrangement)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Tutti Rehearsal 6 - Full ensemble rehearsal with conductor (see Canvas for details)	Practical (2 hr)
Week 12	Tutorial 12 - Group lesson on your chosen instrument (one-to-one by special arrangement)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Showcase/Concert	Practical (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

In order to pass this unit, all students must attend the following:

4 x lectures (Weeks 1-4)
11 tutorials of group instrumental lessons (Weeks 1-12)
8 tutti rehearsals (Weeks 5-12)
final concert/show case (Week 13)
practical exam (Week 13)

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%.

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

In addition to the rule above, 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 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Beng, T. S., & Rao, N. Y. (2016). Introduction—emergent Sino-soundscapes: musical pasts, transnationalism and multiple identities. Ethnomusicology Forum, 25(1), 4–13. http://www.jstor.org/stable/44164047

Lau, F. (2008). Music in China: Experiencing music, expressing culture (pp. 141-162). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Ng, N., Liu, L., & Ingram, C. (2024). Chinese Music Performance in Australia. In A. Harris & C. Bracknell (Eds.), The Cambridge Companion to Music in Australia (pp. 261–279). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108991209.018

Ng, N. (2013). “Sounds Chinese”: Musical meetings with China in contemporary Australia. In N. Ng (Ed.), Encounters: Musical meetings between Australia and China (pp. 92–110). Toowong: Australian Academic Press.

Tsai, T.-H. (2016). From Cantonese religious procession to Australian cultural heritage: The changing Chinese face of Bendigo's Easter Parade. Ethnomusicology Forum, 25(1), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/17411912.2016.1151814

Wang, Z.-T. (2014, January 6). Chinese music in Victoria, Australia between 1949 and 1995. Sonic Gallery. https://sonicgallery.org/2014/01/06/epapyrus-1-chinese-music-in-victoria-australia-between-1949-and-1995-2/

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 improved musical performance skills in Chinese instrumental music
LO2. Demonstrate greater knowledge of the regional diversity of Chinese music, and particularly instrumental music of the Han majority
LO3. Demonstrate enhanced awareness of musical diversity
LO4. Demonstrate and articulate additional experience and skills in understanding selected Chinese instrumental works and their interpretation
LO5. Prepare for and perform in a showcase or concert of Chinese instrumental pieces as a member of at least one ensemble

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.

All content and assessment dates for this unit have been updated. The basic components, unit focus and the assessments are mostly unchanged apart from the Presentation which has been removed. In its place is a set of 4 quizzes based on the lecture content, and a a reflective response. Following Semester 1 feedback, the overall weighting for the quizzes has been reduced from 30% to 20%.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas

Work, health and safety

https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/health-wellbeing.html#contacts

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

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

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PERF2605: Chinese Music Ensemble 2

Semester 2, 2026 [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

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links