Outline

Overview

This unit of study offers an introduction to the basic principles of teaching and learning bowed instruments. Topics covered include the principles of movement, posture and set-up, bow hold, bow strokes, left hand development and coordination, psychology and motivation, and curriculum. The emphasis is on pedagogical practice and method and the development of foundational instrumental and interpretative skills. Students are expected to research some main teaching methods, literature and pedagogical repertoire relevant to topics covered.

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	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Goetz Richter, goetz.richter@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Interactive oral	Viva voce exam spoken response to practical questions	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 12 Jun 2026 at 23:59	12 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Early Feedback Task - Rubric Engagement/participation rubric #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 03	N/A	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Pedagogy Test #1 (Foundational Understanding) Written in-class quiz on Canvas	20%	Week 05	30mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Pedagogy Test # 2 (Technical Topics) Canvas Quiz, completed in class	20%	Week 09	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Pedagogy Test #3 Canvas quiz on curriculum, performance preparation and topics covered in the last weeks of semester	20%	Week 13	30 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Three in semester tests focussing on performance pedagogy, musical or instrumental development. Focus areas are
- theoretical and developmental principles (material covered in weeks 1-4) (Test 1)
- Left and right hand development, technical topics (weeks 5- 9)(Text 2)
- Curriculum, artistry and performance, memory, performance preparation (weeks 9-12) (Test 3)
Viva voce exam: A ten-minute interview-exam (viva voce) will present questions on the material covered in the semester. In person in room 2087.

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:

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.

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:

In accordance with University policy

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 and foundations: The study of musical performance, pedagogical principles, the fundamentals of development and didactic work	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Introduction and foundations: The study of musical performance, pedagogical principles, the fundamentals of development and didactic work	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Artistic performance through movement, intentionality and character, body and instrument, time and energy, mental and physical processes, phenomenology of playing, technique as embodied thinking	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Artistic performance through movement, intentionality and character, body and instrument, time and energy, mental and physical processes, phenomenology of playing, technique as embodied thinking	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Setting up. The dynamic view of posture and movement. Movement revisited, body and mind - implications for pedagogy.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Setting up. The dynamic view of posture and movement. Movement revisited, body and mind - implications for pedagogy.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	The left hand. The asymmetry of string playing. Fundamental nature of timing, Setting up- and developing left hand foundation, Balanced movement, timing and rhythm, sound and tactile sense	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	The left hand. The asymmetry of string playing. Fundamental nature of timing, Setting up- and developing left hand foundation, Balanced movement, timing and rhythm, sound and tactile sense	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Intonation	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Intonation	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	The String Player's Voice: The right arm and hand. The role of the bow hand, setting up and developing bowing and tone. The central nature of tone	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	The String Player's Voice: The right arm and hand. The role of the bow hand, setting up and developing bowing and tone. The central nature of tone	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Bow strokes and bowing technique. Developing bowing and tone	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Bow strokes and bowing technique. Developing bowing and tone	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Performance: psychology, motivation and artistry. Preparing for public performance. A return to fundamentals.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Performance: psychology, motivation and artistry. Preparing for public performance. A return to fundamentals.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Practice: foundations, methods of learning and practice, progress and effectiveness	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Practice: foundations, methods of learning and practice, progress and effectiveness	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Curriculum: pedagogical materials and their sequencing. (General and Applied Technical Materials)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Curriculum: pedagogical materials and their sequencing. (General and Applied Technical Materials)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Curriculum: pedagogical materials and their sequencing.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Curriculum: pedagogical materials and their sequencing.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Institutions and programs: building string programs, group classes and programs, the role of parents, collaboration and working with colleagues.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Institutions and programs: building string programs, group classes and programs, the role of parents, collaboration and working with colleagues.	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected ot attend all classes to pass this 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 3 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 60-75 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

As oultined on Canvas site for the weeks of semester

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 major foundational musical, developmental and technical principles relevant to their instrument
LO2. demonstrate some theoretical and practical ability to develop a coherent teaching methodology based on principles of proximate development and balance, and know how to apply such foundational pedagogical knowledge in practice
LO3. develop the framework of a useful resource base for their own teaching practice
LO4. demonstrate abilities and attitudes promoting life-long learning and ongoing pedagogical development through critical engagement with pedagogical literature, careful observation of practice and consistent clear reflection.

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.

Student feedback has not suggested any changes to the Unit. No changes have been made.

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

STRG3012: Pedagogy Strings 1

Semester 1, 2026 [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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links