UWA Handbook 2025

Unit Overview

Description

This is the final unit in the sequence of the Practical Studies units as part of the Music General Studies major and builds on MUSC2741 Practical Studies C.

For composers the emphasis is on establishment of a personal style and fluency in compositional writing, synthesising techniques and conceptual knowledge gained in previous units by applying idiomatic instrumental writing into a diverse portfolio of compositions, and applying common compositional techniques found in composers' works from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. These skills are developed through composition exercises based on examples from the repertoire.

For performers the emphasis is upon development of instrumental technique and performance skills culminating in a performance of a mixed program of chosen repertoire.

This unit is the final unit in the sequence, but may permit students to transition to MUSC2451 Principal Studies 3 within the Music Specialist Studies major.

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 1	UWA (Perth)	Face to face
Semester 2	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Details for undergraduate courses

• Level 3 core unit in the Music General Studies major sequence

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate an advanced technique according to composition or instrumental specialisation; (2) composers: (a) explain and apply an advanced understanding of the conventions of music notation for pitch, rhythm, dynamics, articulation, as well ensemble scoring; (b) demonstrate advanced fundamental compositional techniques for the development of more advanced musical material; (c) demonstrate an advanced understanding of acoustic instruments, their capabilities and limitations; and (d) apply knowledge and awareness of repertoire and historical approaches to composition appropriate to an advanced level; and (3) performers: (a) demonstrate complete control of intonation, rhythm, accuracy, articulation, tonal quality; (b) demonstrate advanced use of phrasing, dynamic control and advanced expression through performance of more demanding technical work and solo repertoire; (c) demonstrate a diverse knowledge and application of performance skills through presenting a range of relevant repertoire including advanced technical work, studies, etudes and vocal/instrumental repertoire appropriate to tertiary Level 3 performance studies.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) composition stream: a portfolio; OR performance stream: a solo repertoire examination

and (2) composition stream: workshop participation and experimental performance; OR performance stream: online component including readings and tests. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the composition stream: a portfolio; OR performance stream: a solo repertoire examination component.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Ashley Smith and Dr James Ledger

Unit rules

Prerequisites

MUSC2741 Practical Studies C
and Enrolment in MJD-MSTGM Music General Studies and

MUSC2341 Music and Practices of Listening
or MUSC2342 Music in Action

Co-requisites

MUSC2592 Music Large Ensemble 4

Incompatibility

MUSC1341 Principal Studies 1 MUSC1342 Principal Studies 2 MUSC2541 Principal Studies 3 MUSC2542 Principal Studies 4 MUSC3541 Principal Studies 5 MUSC3542 Principal Studies 6

Contact hours

composition: workshops, seminars and one-to-one instruction: 36 hours per semester (up to 4 hours per week)
performance: individual/group lessons: 6 hours per semester