This course taken by nearly all students studying music at ANU, regardless of degree program. It runs in first semester each year. It offers students a range of experiences in the area of music practice.  Music performance, both solo and ensemble, is a central component of the course for most students, and this is taught through a mixture of individual and class-based lessons.  But the course also offers a variety of other practice-based learning opportunities: aural skills, composition, choral studies, music technology, world music performance, keyboard skills.

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

1. demonstrate skills and knowledge of several of the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques of a wide range of musics, including aural, keyboard, performance, composition and music technology skills.
2. apply relevant skills and knowledge to produce and realise musical works, performances, improvisations and other forms of creative expression;
3. interpret and present musical ideas and concepts in several practical and creative modes suited to a range of audiences, informed by inquiry and scholarship;

Each module counts for 1/3 of the final assessment.  Indicative assessment for each module:

• intensive individual instrumental/vocal study: solo recital and/or technical examination, plus teacher's evaluation
• instrumental/vocal study and practical workshop: solo or group performance and/or technical examination, plus teacher's evaluation
• ensemble performance: individual learning contract, typically involving the contribution to an ensemble for up to two hours per week resulting in an assessed performance.
• aural (foundation): three in-class tests
• jazz aural and improvisation: three in-class tests.
• choral studies: individual learning contract, typically involving the contribution to an ensemble for up to two hours per week resulting in an assessed performance.
• music technology: six fortnightly exercises
• Keyboard skills: three in-class tests.
• composition: weekly exercises submitted in an end-of-semester folio

Each assessment evaluates all three of the learning outcomes of the course (skills and knowledge; realization; interpretation). 

As a guide, contact time for each of the three modules in the course will be 1 to 1.5 hours per week, with additional time for independent study/practice.  Students understand that music is a time-based activity, and the practice, rehearsal and performance of music, either solo or as a group, can be time-consuming.  It is possible to complete the course with a total study time (contact and independent study/practice) of ten hours per week, but depending on the intensity of the performance stream chosen, more practice time may be required.

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Admission to intensive instrumental/vocal study is subject to audition.  Typically, a minimum standard of AMEB Grade 8 is expected.

Admission to instrumental/vocal study and practical workshop is subject to audition.  Typically, a minimum standard of AMEB Grade 5 is expected.