| Course Outline
Year 1 Semester 1
APM101 Contemporary Music Theory 1
(EFTSL 0.125)
(Subject Cost $1500)
The purpose of Contemporary Music Theory 1 is to develop
knowledge of the principles and notational practices in western
music with a focus on contemporary popular music. This involves
a study of western music theory and practice that will provide a
foundation for the creation of original contemporary music. This
subject requires the student to develop music keyboard technique
in order to facilitate the practical application of concepts. The
subject will provide an introduction to the requirements of
degree level study including essay writing, self-directed study,
independent practice and the development of a music folio.
APM102 Introduction to Music Computer Technology
(EFTSL 0.125)
(Subject Cost $1500)
The purpose of Introduction to Computer Technology is to provide
an introduction to the use of computer technology in the creation
of contemporary music. The subject will provide an historical
overview of the development and application of computer
technology in contemporary music, an evaluation of the artistic
use of computer technology and the practical application of
computer technology for music production and publication.
This subject will focus on the development of computer-based
skills for music production and publishing. This will include an
evaluation of computer platforms and software application. The
development of practical skills will be through the creation of
music works on a computer.
The subject will provide an introduction to the requirements of
degree level study in music-based technology.
APM103 Contemporary Popular Music 1
(EFTSL 0.125)
(Subject Cost $1500)
Contemporary Popular Music 1 is the first in a sequence of
six subjects that aim to develop knowledge of contemporary
popular music styles, instrumental technique, creativity and a
musical repertoire applied in performance. The subject provides a
thorough grounding in the application of theory, the development
of technical routines and musicianship. In this subject the stylistic
focus of ensemble work is contemporary popular music.
The
development of ensemble skills will be informed by an exploration
of the major developments of popular music and its associated
performance culture in the Australian context. Ensemble studies
will require students to develop performance skills through
collaboration in group practice and performance.
The development of solo performance skills is through an
individual program of one-to-one instruction on a principal
instrument or voice. The solo performance part of this subject
aims to encourage the student to pursue their individual stylistic
interests and to integrate contemporary popular styles’ studies
in ensemble work. The focus will be on the development of
instrumental technique, self-expression, originality and repertoire.
The subject will provide an introduction to the requirements
of degree level study in music that involves personal practice
time, critical review and self directed learning. There will be an
emphasis on self-reflection and collegiate learning in ensemble
performance work.
APM104 Music and Culture
(EFTSL 0.125)
(Subject Cost $1500)
The purpose of this subject is to examine the functions of
music across a range of societies. The study will be informed by
anthropological and sociological theory in order to identify and
analyse the relationships between music and culture.
The subject will provide an introduction to the concept of culture
and examine the ways in which music may represent the culture
of groups and individuals within and across different societies.
This examination will be undertaken through an analysis of case
studies and through a deconstruction of the relationship between
music and culture of different societies. The examination will
include an investigation and an interpretation of musical sound,
aesthetics and performance. Through this examination the student
will develop insight into the ways in which music is an agent of
multiple and complex functions in society. The subject will provide
an introduction to research methods, academic essay writing
conventions and techniques for the oral presentation of research
findings.
Year 1 Semester 2
APM105 Contemporary Music Theory 2
(EFTSL 0.125)
(Subject Cost $1500)
The purpose of Contemporary Music Theory 2 is to develop
knowledge of the principles and notational practices in
contemporary music including jazz and popular music. This
subject builds on the concepts developed in Contemporary Music
Theory 1. This involves a study of contemporary music theory and
practices that will provide a foundation for the creation of original
music. The subject requires the student to extend music keyboard
facility, further develop notational accuracy and to develop a
knowledge of notational practices for jazz music. This subject
includes an historical study of the development of harmonic
practices in western music including jazz and popular music.
The subject will continue the development of an ability to critically
analyse and evaluate structures in music and the relationship
between standard forms and broader notions of musical structure.
The subject will include research into and analysis of harmonic
development in western music alongside the development of
keyboard skills and the production of a music folio.
APM106 Live Sound and Studio Recording
(EFTSL 0.125)
(Subject Cost $1500)
The purpose of Live Sound and Studio Recording is to examine
approaches to live sound reinforcement and to explore recording
techniques and processes in a recording studio environment.
The subject will provide an historical overview of the development
and application of audio recording technology, a study of acoustic
concepts, an evaluation of audio reinforcement and studio tools,
an evaluation of artistic processes used in a studio environment,
and this application of technology.
The subject will focus on the development of audio recording
skills in a studio environment using digital and analogue skills
technology in the context of an evaluation of the tools, creative
techniques and innovative approaches to audio recording. The
development of practical skills will include the application of live
sound reinforcement and recording equipment in the production
of music.
APM107 Contemporary Popular Music 2
(EFTSL 0.125)
(Subject Cost $1500)
Contemporary Popular Music 2 is the second in a sequence
of six subjects that aim to develop the technical and creative
skills in music performance. The subject aims to advance the
standard of solo and group performance and will require
students to demonstrate conceptual, technical and interpretative
development. The program of repertoire material will include
technical exercises.
In this subject the stylistic focus of ensemble work is western
contemporary popular music within the Australian context.
This subject builds on the skills and repertoire developed in the
previous subject. The development of ensemble skills will be
informed through an exploration of the major developments of
popular music and its associated performance culture within
Australia. Ensemble studies will require students to develop
performance skills through collaboration in group practice and
performance. The development of solo performance skills is
through an individual program of one-to-one instruction on a
principal instrument or voice. Solo performance will encourage
the student to pursue their individual stylistic interests and to
integrate contemporary popular music styles studied in ensemble.
The focus will be on the development of instrumental technique,
self-expression, originality and repertoire.
APM108 Australian Music and Culture
(EFTSL 0.125)
(Subject Cost $1500)
The purpose of this subject is to examine the socio-political
contexts within which music is created, produced, promoted,
performed and consumed in Australia. The subject will make
distinctions between broad Australian contemporary popular music
and culture and smaller contemporary subcultures in Australian
society. The subject will include an examination of the role of the
mass media, the Internet, global music corporations, corporate
marketing in contemporary western popular culture.
This subject builds on the knowledge and concepts developed in
Music and Culture and applies this knowledge to the Australian
context. The student will investigate the social, historical,
economic and political factors that contribute to the development
of Australia’s contemporary music and culture. There will be an
examination of the interrelations between music and culture in
Australia and the development of distinctive Australian music and
cultural identities.
Year 2 Semester 1
APM201 Arranging Principles 1
(EFTSL 0.125)
(Subject Cost $1500)
The purpose of Arranging Principles 1 is to develop knowledge of
the principles of arranging and the practice of independent part
writing in western contemporary music. This study will build on
the knowledge developed in previous subjects and will provide the
student with a foundation for developing the ability to compose
original music using western notational conventions. The study
of Independent part writing will focus on the development of 2, 3
and part arrangements. This will include an historical analysis of
music forms and structures. The student will develop short extracts
and perform them vocally and instrumentally.
Arranging concepts includes a study of the application of
instruments and scoring techniques. The student will be required
to develop short arrangements for up to four instruments in
a contemporary style of their choice. This subject includes an
historical study of the development of notational practices in
western music and an historical analysis of form in western music.
The subject will further develop the ability to critically analyse and
evaluate the theoretical structures in music and the relationship
between form and structure.
APM202 Technology in Music Performance
(EFTSL 0.125)
(Subject Cost $1500)
Technology in Music Performance is the third in a sequence of six
subjects. The purpose is to explore the application of technological
tools in music performance. In this subject the student will
investigate music technology in the context of technology as
a creative tool in music performance. The subject will provide
an historical overview of the development and application of
technology in electronic music performance, a critical evaluation
of the artistic use of music technology, an examination of methods
and technological issues in relation to the performance of
interactive music.
In this subject the student will analyse the historical application
of technology in music performance, examine and evaluate
technological tools for automation and interaction in music
performance, present improvised performances using technology
as a compositional tool.
Assessments will require the development and presentation
of an interactive technology based music performance. The
subject encourages students to be creative in their utilisation of
technological tools in a music performance setting.
The study in this subject will build on the knowledge developed in
previous subjects and will provide the student with a forum for the
further development in the application of technology. The subject
will require independent research into the historical application of
technology as a creative music tool. Independent practice will be
required in the development of an interactive performance.
APM203 World Music 1
(EFTSL 0.125)
(Subject Cost $1500)
World Music 1 is the third in a sequence of six subjects that aim to
develop the technical and creative skills in music performance.
In this subject the stylistic focus of ensemble work is world music
traditions as practiced in Australia. Practitioners of selected
local world music traditions (e.g. Greek, Spanish, Celtic, Romany,
Jewish) will be invited to be teachers in the program. At least two
genres of world music will be selected for this subject.
Ensemble skills will be developed through an exploration of world
music traditions in Australia and their associated performance
cultures. Ensemble work will require the student to develop vocal
and percussion skills (or other instrumental skills appropriate to
the world music traditions selected) and the student will extend
ensemble techniques through collaboration in group practice and
performance.
The development of solo performance skills is through an
individualised program of one-to-one instruction on a principal
instrument. Solo performance will encourage the student to
Australian Popular Music
pursue their individual stylistic interests to integrate contemporary
styles studied in ensemble and to further conceptual and technical
skills development. The focus will be on the development of
instrumental technique, self-expression, originality and repertoire.
In this subject, performance-related issues focus on the nature of
the interaction and relationship between performer and audience,
continued development of criteria for self-evaluation, continued
development of practice routines and defining music performance
goals.
The subject will continue to emphasise the requirements of degree
level study in music that involves personal practice time, critical
review and self-directed learning. There will be an emphasis on
self-reflection and collegiate learning in ensemble performance.
APM204 Creativity and Performance
(EFTSL 0.125)
(Subject Cost $1500)
The purpose of this subject is to examine creative practices and to
explore means of self-expression for creative performance. In this
subject the student will explore the concept of creativity and the
ways in which creativity and artistry is developed over time and
through self-reflection.
The student will research and analyse the conditions that foster
musical creativity, the physiological and psychological aspects of
creativity and individual learning styles. As part of the study of
creativity the student will develop a personalised plan for ongoing
creative development. This plan will involve an analysis of the
research on creativity and a critical self-assessment of creative
strengths. The analysis will provide a personal platform for
creative independence and self-direction.
In this subject the student will examine methods and tools for self expression
in a performance setting. This will include engaging
with the theatricality of performance. The student will investigate
approaches to the application of these performance tools and
integrate techniques into creative work. Utilising techniques
including awareness of space, movement, acting and design the
student will develop a sense of performance as an event.
The study of creative processes and creative performance
techniques informs the student for life and workplace
environments. The skills and knowledge in this subject can be
applied to creative problem solving, the management of diverse
groups, the encouragement of creative thinking, fostering creative
development and creative output.
Year 2 Semester 2
APM205 Arranging Principles 2 and Musical Analysis
(EFTSL 0.1)
(Subject Cost: $1200)
The purpose of Arranging Principles 2 and Musical Analysis is
to extend knowledge of arranging principles and to provide an
introduction into methods and analysis of world music. Studies
in this subject will build on the knowledge developed in previous
subjects and will provide a forum for developing compositional
craft.
Arranging principles will focus on western music styles and will
require the student to investigate the principle of arrangement
for groups of instruments within individual sections. Instruments
studied will include those used in orchestras and contemporary
popular music ensembles. The student will explore instrument
section textures and advanced instrumental techniques. The
student will be required to apply concepts and develop original
works in a style of his/her choice. Developed works will be
performed by students and/or visiting artists.
The musical analysis component will focus on a more general
approach to understanding the construction of music by making
aural comparisons of the elements of timbre, texture, scale
structures, modal and harmonic systems, rhythmical and metrical
organisation and micro- and macro-structural principles across
a variety of world music traditions. Students will explore ethnomusicological
methods of transcription and the problems of using
western notational practices to represent world music.
The subject will require self-directed study, independent practice
and the development of a music folio.
APM206 Sound Creation
(EFTSL 0.1)
(Subject Cost: $1200)
The purpose of Sound Creation is to develop technical knowledge
and practical skills of audio sampling techniques, music synthesis
and audio manipulation.
This subject will provide the student with an in depth study
of the representation, perception and creation of sounds. The
student will be required to develop a technical understanding of
the structure of waveforms through an examination of synthesis,
sampling and audio editing techniques.
The initial focus is on the sound characteristics of acoustic
instruments. This will provide a basis for the student to examine
the principles of sound, replicate sounds through synthesis and to
develop new sounds.
The subject encourages the student to be creative in their
approach to sampling techniques and the manipulation of data.
The study in this subject will extend the knowledge developed in
previous subjects and will provide the student with a forum for
the application of technology. The subject will require independent
practice of sampling and synthesis techniques, creative application
of technology and research into the technical representation of
sound.
APM207 Original Music
(EFTSL 0.1)
(Subject Cost: $1200)
Original Music is the sixth in a sequence of six subjects that aim to
develop the technical and creative skills in music performance.
In this subject ensemble work will focus on the composition,
arrangement and the performance of original repertoire and
creative performance presentations. The stylistic focus of ensemble
work is unspecified. Through negotiation and collaboration
students will determine a stylistic focus for the group. In this
subject the student will extend ensemble techniques through
collaboration in group practice and performance.
The development of solo performance skills is through an
individualised program of one-to-one instruction on a principal
instrument. Solo performance will encourage the student to pursue
their individual stylistic interests and to integrate concepts studied
in ensemble. The focus will be on the development of instrumental
technique, self-expression, originality and repertoire.
In this subject solo performances will reflect application of
extended instrumental techniques and the use of creative
improvisation.
In this subject, performance related issues continue an
examination of the recognition of music performance
opportunities, continued development of criteria for self evaluation,
continued development of practice routines and
defining music performance goals.
The subject will meet the requirements of degree level study in
music through an emphasis on composing and arranging original
music on self-directed learning and practice time, independent
research and reflective practices. The subject will require the
student to consolidate and extend knowledge and skills developed
in previous subjects.
APM208 Business Management for Musicians
(EFTSL 0.1)
(Subject Cost: $1200)
The purpose of this subject is to investigate business theories,
principals and practices and their application in the Australian
music industry to enable the student to establish a sustainable
arts practice. The subject aims to develop organisational and
personal management skills for working in a range of workplaces
in the music industry, examine the concept of entrepreneurship,
role of the entrepreneur in the music industry and ways in which
creative and innovative ideas are transformed into a business
strategy.
The subject will examine the structures and operation of the
Australian music industry in the context of the global economy and
competition, the widespread use of technology and its business
applications and the increasingly complex political, regulatory
framework in which people in the music industry work. The subject
encourages the student to critically examine the music industry
in Australia so that as practicing musicians they will be able to
professionally create, manage, promote and market music projects
in a range of contexts.
The subject will develop knowledge of the current issues in the
music industry and the place of music in arts policy and the wider
arts context. It will develop knowledge of legislative framework,
the legal framework including standard music industry contracts,
copyright, Occupational Health and Safety, management practices
and organisational structures within the music industry.
APM209 Professional Music Practice
(EFTSL 0.1)
(Subject Cost: $1200)
The purpose of Professional Music Practice is to apply knowledge
and skills acquired in lectures and tutorials. Professional Music
Practice is designed to achieve three objectives. The first is to
provide a practical context to apply the theory gained during
the lectures and tutorials. The second objective is to provide
the student with an opportunity to compare and evaluate the
knowledge gained in their first year of studies with what is
actually taking place in practice. The third objective is to provide
the student with the opportunity to develop workplace skills and
experience that are important when seeking employment.
Professional Music Practice is structured to provide the student
with experience in a variety of music-related fields of study. To
ensure the quality of the experience, the enterprise must be
approved by NMIT, and be of relevance to the program of study.
Professional Music Practice is scheduled to take place during
the second year. This placement will
provide the student with a practical context in which to apply the
theoretical knowledge gained in the second year of the course.
Year 3 Semester 1
APM301 Music for the Moving Image (Composition and Analysis)
(EFTSL 0.125)
(Subject Cost $1500)
The purpose of Music for the Moving Image (Composition and
Analysis) is to analyse the use of music in film and the relationship
between music and the moving image.
This subject will provide the student with a detailed examination
of music and the moving image including, an historical analysis
of music in films, exploration and application of compositional
and orchestration techniques to support dramatic effect, an
investigation into the collaborative nature of film scoring, an
overview of film music career opportunities and business issues.
The subject will continue the development of critical analysis
and evaluation of the structures in music and will investigate the
concept of emotion in music for dramatic effect. The subject will
include a study of film scores by Australian composers.
In this subject the student will analyse acoustic and synthesised
scores. Composition of music cues developed will focus specifically
on the application of acoustic instruments. The subject is to be
taken in conjunction with APM302 Music for the Moving Image
(Composition and Production).
The subject will require consolidation and extension of
compositional techniques developed in previous subjects,
independent research and development of a music folio.
AM302 Music for the Moving Image (Composition and Production)
(EFTSL 0.125)
(Subject Cost $1500)
Music for the Moving Image (Composition and Production) is
the fifth in a sequence of six subjects. The purpose is to develop
skills and knowledge of the technological requirements for
creating music synchronised to moving image. In this subject
the student will examine technological tools for synchronised
music and moving image, conduct a scoring session integrating
acoustic music, synthesised music and synchronised film, mix
music and images, examine file formats for finished product and
file interchange. This subject will require the student to work in
close collaboration with musicians, film directors and technical
personnel. The student will be required to establish working
relationships with personnel in order to complete assessments.
Project work in this subject requires the integration of acoustic compositions and synthetic instruments. Critical analysis of compositional craft in film music is addressed in Music for the
Moving Image (Composition and Analysis). The study in this
subject will require consolidation and extension of the knowledge
and skills developed in previous subjects and will provide the
student with a forum for the application of technology. The
subject will require independent practice of compositional craft,
application of technology, sourcing of industry networks and
contacts.
APM303 World Music 2
(EFTSL 0.125)
(Subject Cost $1500)
World Music 2 is the fourth in a sequence of six subjects that
aim to develop the technical and creative abilities in music
performance. This subject extends the skills and knowledge
developed in the previous subject, World Music 1. The stylistic
focus of ensemble work is world music traditions as practiced in
Australia. Local practitioners of at least two selected traditions
(e.g. Baltic, West African, North Indian, Cuban, Chilean,
Vietnamese, Chinese, Turkish) will be contracted as teachers in
the program. The traditions selected for World Music 2 will be
different to those programmed in World Music 1. Ensemble skills
will be developed through an exploration of the selected world
music traditions in Australia and their associated performance
cultures. Ensemble work will require the student to develop vocal
skills and percussion (or other appropriate instrumental) skills and
the student will extend ensemble techniques through collaboration
in group practice and performance.
The development of solo performance skills is through an
individual program of one-to-one instruction on a principal
instrument. Solo performance will encourage students to pursue
their individual stylistic interests and to integrate contemporary
world music styles studied in ensemble. The focus will be on the
development of instrumental technique, self-expression, originality
and repertoire. In this subject, performance-related issues focus
on the strategies for the management of performance anxiety,
continued development of criteria for self-evaluation, continued
development of practice routines, defining music performance
goals and sourcing non-western music performance opportunities/
forums.
APM304 Music Leadership 1 – Instrumental Teaching and Ensemble Direction
(EFTSL 0.125)
(Subject Cost $1500)
The purpose of this subject is to develop knowledge of the
principles and practices related to instrumental music tuition and
to apply the knowledge and teaching strategies by developing,
implementing and reviewing a program of individual instruction.
The subject will include an examination of teaching theories,
principles and practices for individual and group tuition. The
subject will examine educational, cultural, philosophical and
artistic issues in relation to instrumental music teaching and the
management and direction of ensembles.
The subject will focus on the design of practical music programs,
the methods for learning practical music, the development of
instrumental music teaching methods, teaching strategies for
instrumental and ensemble direction and the management of
learning environments. The subject will include a comparative
study of instrumental music-teaching methods. The student
will examine the ethical, legal, moral and occupational health
and safety issues in relation to individual and group teaching
instrumental music. The subject will provide an overview of music
teaching as a career.
The subject will develop music leadership skills through the
design, implementation and evaluation of an instrumental program
and through the management and direction of ensembles.
Ensemble direction will require the student to manage the
organisational requirements of an ensemble, direct the ensemble
and to develop basic conducting technique.
Year 3 Semester 2
APM305 Arranging for a Large Ensemble
(EFTSL 0.125)
(Subject Cost $1500)
The purpose of Arranging for a Large Ensemble is to extend skills
and knowledge developed in the previous subject through the
production of arrangement(s) for a large ensemble. This study will
provide a forum for the continued development of compositional
craft. In this subject the student will investigate combinations
of instrument sections in large ensembles, analyse the textural
qualities of combined sections, and arrange existing and original
works for large ensembles. Instruments studied will include
western and non-western instruments. The student will explore
instrument section textures and extended instrument techniques.
Students will be required to apply concepts and develop original
works in a style of their choice. Developed works will be
performed by students and/or visiting artists.
The subject will require an integration of arranging and
compositional techniques developed in previous subjects,
continued critical analysis and evaluation of theoretical structure
in music.
The subject will require self-directed study, independent practice
and the development of a music folio.
APM306 Online Music Distribution
(EFTSL 0.125)
(Subject Cost $1500)
Online Music Distribution is the sixth in a sequence of six subjects
that have as their focus the examination of music technology. The
purpose of Online Music Distribution is to examine the formats
and files for online distribution and publication of digital music
products. In this subject the student will investigate current and
emerging online technologies, examine copyright issues pertaining
to digital publication, analyse methods of streaming audio, and
develop an online site, which will allow for the distribution and
promotion of digital music products. In this subject the student
will be required to prepare original materials for online publication
or transfer.
The studies in this subject will require an integration of skills and
knowledge developed in previous subjects and will provide the
student with a forum for the creative application of technology.
The subject will require independent research into online
technologies and digital copyright laws. Independent practice into
the development of an online music site is also required.
APM307 Creative Music Project
(EFTSL 0.125)
(Subject Cost $1500)
Creative Music Project is the sixth in a sequence of six subjects
that aim to develop technical and creative skills in music
performance. In this subject the primary focus is on student directed
learning. The aim is to provide the student with the
opportunity to plan, manage and present a musical performance
in a professional setting that demonstrates creativity and
imagination and technical facility in music. The stylistic focus
of ensemble work is unspecified. Through negotiation and
collaboration students will establish a group and determine a
stylistic focus for the group. In this subject the student will extend
ensemble techniques through collaboration in group practice and
performance.
The development of solo performance skills is through an
individual program of instruction on a principal instrument.
Solo performance will encourage students to pursue their
individual stylistic interests and to integrate concepts studied into
ensemble presentations. The focus will be on the development of
instrumental technique, self-expression, originality and repertoire.
In this subject solo performances will reflect application of
extended instrumental techniques and the use of creative
improvisation.
In this subject the student will negotiate a music performance
project for the ensemble with the supervising teacher. Projects
developed will build on skills and knowledge developed in other
subject areas. The student will be required to manage all elements
of the music performance project based on a plan that includes
the artistic intentions, time lines, roles and responsibilities, a
promotional strategy and a presentation. The outcome is the
presentation of a music performance in an ensemble setting.
The subject will develop the ability to work autonomously and
collaboratively. It will develop organisational and leadership skills
and provide the opportunity to apply knowledge and techniques in
a professional context. The subject will provide an opportunity to
demonstrate the development of learning, the synthesis of ideas
and display creativity and imagination.
APM308 Music Leadership 2 – Community Music
(EFTSL 0.125)
(Subject Cost $1500)
The purpose of this subject is to develop knowledge of leadership
and its application in community-based music organisations. In
this subject the student will develop knowledge of the nature
and extent of community-based music programs/organisations,
research and evaluate the operations of selected community-based
music programs/organisations, develop skill in the management
and direction of community-based music programs/organisations.
The student will examine the concept of leadership for community based
organisations that is based on empowerment through
democratic decision-making. The subject will examine the
philosophy of community-based music programs/organisations,
and include a sociological and cultural study of community-based
music programs/organisations. The student will critically examine
management structures, sources of funding and income, legal
issues and approaches to leading community-based ensembles.
The subject will examine community music structures,
management and approaches to directing community-based
ensembles. The subject will focus on the development and
management of community-based groups, theories and methods
of music leadership in a community setting, the design of
community-based music programs, and strategies for community based
ensemble direction.
In this subject the student will be required to undertake case
studies of local music community groups and to participate in
the management and direction of a community-based community
group through practical placement.
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