Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This practical unit draws together students from different levels of musical experience at pre-tertiary level, and consolidates essential musicianship and technical skills to underpin the input of music to electronic hardware and software via traditional (piano) keyboard. Whether students are experienced keyboard players or beginners, they will develop basic keyboard proficiency in a contemporary music idiom, and begin to develop skills in keyboard improvisation. Because each student will commence at a different level of proficiency, a personalised creative contract will form the basis of both instruction and examination of this keyboard component.
The unit also allows students to develop skills in elements of technical performance skills such as the assembly of various elements of technology for music performance (e.g. microphones, amplifiers, speakers, other electronic components, hardware, software).
This unit prepares students for the next unit in the sequence, MUSC2455 Performance Skills 2.
The corequisite unit MUSC1591 Music Large Ensemble 1 will typically be as a member of the Symphonic Chorus in order to develop awareness and experience in how the human voice can be applied in large ensembles and acoustic circumstances.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode Not available in 2025 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 1 core unit in the Music major sequence
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate fundamental control of hands and accurate playing of melodies, bass lines, and chords upon the piano keyboard; (2) apply knowledge of traditional and contemporary harmonies to the execution of chords upon the piano keyboard; (3) execute proficiency in simple improvisation; (4) demonstrate proficiency in installing, setting up and operating electronic music hardware; and (5) demonstrate awareness of biomechanical/performance health concepts.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) keyboard exam; (2) technology tests; and (3) online readings, tests, and reflective practice journal. 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 keyboard exam component.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Chris Tonkin
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- successful audition comprising an interview AND either a composition portfolio (any style
or genre, and either written
or sound)
OR a musical performance on the instrument/voice of their choice - Co-requisites
- MUSC1591 Music Large Ensemble 1 AND enrolled in Bachelor of Music degree
- Incompatibility
- MUSC1401 Practical Studies 1 MUSC1741 Practical Studies A MUSC1341 Principal Studies 1
- Contact hours
- individual/group lessons: 12 hours per semester
- Texts
Students are strongly encouraged to procure a simple 61-note electronic (piano) keyboard, digital piano, or piano
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.