Outline

Overview

The Music Specialist Projects form a capstone pre-professional unit for all undergraduate music students who are not doing Honours or in the Music Education programs. You will be working in small groups across musical disciplines in a project that provides a holistic experience of professional and creative musicianship. This project may include performing, recording, distribution, ensemble management, leadership, composing, creating, audience development, pedagogy and other competencies of a professional musician.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Performance
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	SCMP4601
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jeremy Rose, jeremy.rose@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Damien Ricketson, damien.ricketson@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Jeremy Rose, jeremy.rose@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
Contribution	Team Contribution and Self-Evaluation Team contribution and self-evaluation survey	10%	Formal exam period	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Industry Pitch Group industry pitch of approved project.	20%	Multiple weeks	10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Individual contribution Supervisor mark for individual contribution to project	20%	Ongoing	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Project Outcome Final project outcome delivery as approved by Supervisory team.	50%	Week 10 Due date: 19 Oct 2025 at 23:59	As approved by Supervisory team	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Project outcome: this is the final outcome (performance, recording, concert, video etc) which has been approved and worked on throughout the year. It must adhere to the official project plan and updates approved by the supervisory team.
Industry Pitch: a mock industry pitch presentation to replicate the presentation/promotion of this project at an “industry sales event”.
Participation: Mark awarded by Project Group Supervisor for work completed throughout the semester. Ongoing and consistent work throughout the whole semester is encouraged. This will be determined by advisor observation and documented evidence such as meeting minutes, agreements and other materials such as group discussions on Canvas. The “Team Contribution and Self-Evaluation” assessment task for team contribution may be part of this evaluation.
Team Contribution and Self-Evaluation: Evaluation of your own performance and that of your other team members and how they contributed to the overall project. Also a reflective statement on how your musical discipline interacted with others, and whether you have identified any strengths or weaknesses within your own discipline. Improvements to be made for the second semester of the project and how they will be achieved.

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	Supervisions for each group with project supervisor	Tutorial (1 hr)
Weekly	Lectures will address a selection of topics relevant to completing project outcome, industry pitch and transitioning to professional community.	Lecture (1 hr)
Weekly	Regular group meetings in which project groups work on delivering their project outcome.	Project (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%.

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.

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. Depth of disciplinary expertise: Draw upon your disciplinary expertise to contribute to a collaborative outcome. Demonstrate a high level of pre-professional musicianship, including self-directed artistic and research outcomes. Deliver a professional level outcome relevant to their project which may be an element of future professional practice.
LO2. Critical thinking and problem solving: Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving in project conception, design and development. Demonstrate a high level of ability in designing, monitoring, delivering and evaluating a creative project.
LO3. Oral and written communication: Articulate a project vision to an audience in both oral and written form. Communicate effectively within a group to identify roles and responsibilities
LO4. Information and digital literacy: Demonstrate information and digital literacy in identifying appropriate resources, tools and platforms to develop and disseminate a project.
LO5. Inventiveness: Generate an original creative outcome within appropriate boundaries.
LO6. Cultural Competence: Demonstrate engagement in culturally aware practice in project design and management of group dynamics.
LO7. Interdisciplinary effectiveness: Demonstrate a high level of collaboration and effective teamwork with colleagues from across disciplines. Collaborate across musical disciplines and specialisations to create a complete whole where each discipline has made an equal contribution.
LO8. An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity: Deliver a project that reflects individual and group creative expression that is professionally and ethically responsive to challenges as they emerge.
LO9. Influence: Engage others in a process, idea or vision to deliver an external-facing outcome to the community.

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.

Changes in response to feedback include: (1) removal of reflection statement in favour of greater individual contribution tutor mark; (2) changing 'industry pitch' to in-class rather than external day-long session during stuvac; (3) modifying lecture schedule to be standard hour but throughout the year; (4) greater involvement of teaching team and guests in lecturers for greater diversity of teaching perspectives.

Additional information

Music Specialist Creative Project 1 & 2 is a year-long commitment comprising SCMP4601 (semester 1) and SCMP4602 (semester 2).

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

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

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

SCMP4602: Music Specialist Creative Project 2

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

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