Outline

Overview

The unit of study provides a grounding and background in history, analysis and technical skills in coducting. It provides the essential building blocks for the study and technical development of conducting and will help set a student on a path of enquiry that can continue and further develop according to the student's own aspirations.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	It is recommended that students have undertaken the Undergrad Conducting elective at SCM, or equivalent audition. Other recommended prior learning includes: advanced proficiency at a musical instrument; prior experience performing in conducted ensembles; some prior experience in conducting, including teachers who conduct student groups; excellent aural skills and score reading skills are mandatory.
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Stephen Mould, stephen.mould@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Stephen Mould, stephen.mould@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Small continuous assessment	Ongoing class participaton and discussion Participation	10%	Ongoing	Ongoing
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Analysis of conducted performances or rehearsals Oral presentation	30%	Week 12 Due date: 19 May 2020 at 10:00 Closing date: 19 May 2020	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Practical conducting exam with pianos Simulated performance	60%	Week 13 Due date: 26 May 2020 at 10:00 Closing date: 26 May 2020	15- 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Analysis of conducted performances or rehearsals: The student will select video examples of conducted performances (URL’s to YouTube and other platforms will be provided as a basis for selection) or a selection thereof and analyse the conducting style, technique, demenour, communication skills of the conductor.
Practical conducting exam with pianos: Students will be assigned a selection of excerpts from the repertoire list to conduct in a performance-like manner with two pianos, possibly with additional instrumental involvement from the student cohort, where appropriate.
Ongoing class participaton and discussion: Teacher assessment based on active participation and in class discussions, and demonstrating an understanding of the concepts presented, also based upon the skills developed in the interactions in the practical conducting activities with 2 pianos.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Fail: (Below 50%) Work not of 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 programme.

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 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 suggesting 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 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.

Oral presentations will be assessed against the following criteria:

Content

Shows evidence of broad research, taking into account a variety of sources

Clear argument, supported by relevant reasons and evidence 

Shows evidence of critical thinking about the topic, including:

Considers alternative views  
Where appropriate, questions assumptions implicit in the literature  
Draws meaningful connections between facts and / or concepts

Uses terminology accurately and appropriately  

Presentation

Is clearly expressed 

Is interesting and engages other students  

Makes appropriate use of examples and presentation methods relevant to the material presented (e.g. presentation software, handouts, recordings where relevant)  

Covers the topic effectively in the available time  

For more information see guide to grades.

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 Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Introduction and discussion of students' prior experience in conducting, reasons for taking the unit; 2. Outline of semester along with establishing broad goals and an introduction to study materials	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	1. A general history of the development of the conductor is given; 2. Discussion of conducted ensembles, with particular reference to the symphony orchestra and its development since the nineteenth century; 3. Discussion of the opera house as an institution and how the conductor interfaces with complex structures and environments.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	1. A consideration of great conductors of the past; 2. Presentation of audio-visual material that capture a wide selection of conductors and conducting styles; 3. Assignments given for end of semester presentations, along with lists of possible resources and background material.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	1. Practical aspects of conducting; 2. Group discussion about the experienced and perceptions of the cohort; 3. Conducting as experienced from the standpoint of the conductor, the orchestral player, the audience member.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	1. How the conductor approaches a score - a selection of examples taken from the orchestral literature; 2. Ways of marking a score; 3. The differences between rehearsal and performance mode.	Online class (3 hr)
Week 06	The grammar of conducting - basic techniques and strategies introduced in a practical session.	Online class (3 hr)
Week 07	Discussion of the conducted canon - in symphonic, operatic and choral music.	Online class (3 hr)
Week 08	Practical session with two pianos, along with possible instrumental involvement from the enrolled cohort.	Online class (3 hr)
Week 09	Practical session with two pianos, along with possible instrumental involvement from the enrolled cohort.	Online class (3 hr)
Week 11	1. Practical session with two pianos, along with possible instrumental involvement from the enrolled cohort; 2. Review of the semester and discussion of exams.	Online class (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

As per the Sydney Conservatorium of Music resolutions, http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/conservatorium/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml (Item 11.3): 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.

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. understand the role of the conductor through musical history
LO2. ability to define and pursue conductorial roles within the students' own practice
LO3. understand how conductors modify their strategies for different genres - orchestral, choral, operatic, wind etc
LO4. understand how the role of the conductor may change and develop in diverse environments
LO5. acquire an awareness of the major conducting styles and school over the last 150 years.

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.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas.

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

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

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

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PERF5630: Introduction to Conducting

Semester 1, 2020 [Normal day] - Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

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

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links