MUSPOP 3201 - Song Writing & Performance 3

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2021

Expanding concepts introduced previously through Song Writing and Performance 1 and 2, this course enables students to develop advanced creative and technical skills that build on their previous experience in composition and song writing, arranging, orchestrating and music production in a contemporary popular music context. A particular focus of this course is on introducing experimental approaches to music, exploring intersections between contemporary popular music and the musical Avant Garde. Students will research the fringes of contemporary popular music in order to both broaden and deepen their knowledge and understanding of music. They will apply this knowledge practically through pushing the boundaries of their creative work in a supportive environment, and learn skills for the interpretation and evaluation of such work. Through the course, students will develop both the knowledge and practical skills to move their creative work beyond established contemporary forms and techniques. Seminars introduce experimental compositional techniques, and explore the artistic movements and work of key practitioners that led to the development and adoption of these techniques. A key components of the seminar are the development of a research project, and a portfolio of compositions. Workshops focus on the development of advanced strategies for the preparation and performance of live original music. Students will work in small groups to prepare their original work for live performance. A key focus of the workshops is promoting student autonomy in the organisation of their ensembles, and encouraging students to engage with the local music industry through off-campus performances.

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Course Details

Course Code	MUSPOP 3201
Course	Song Writing & Performance 3
Coordinating Unit	Elder Conservatorium of Music
Term	Semester 1
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 4 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	Y
Prerequisites	MUSPOP 2202 or MUSPMACT 2202
Restrictions	Available to BMus, BMedia (Pop Music Major), DipMus students only
Assessment	Research essay 20%, Improvisation proficiency exam 20%, Portfolio 30%, Recital 30%

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Luke Harrald

Dr Luke Harrald
email: luke.harrald@adelaide.edu.au

Mr Derek Pascoe
email: derek.pascoe@adelaide.edu.au

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .

Course Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course students will develop:

1.	An understanding of advanced compositional and music production principles
2.	An understanding of the historical, cultural and philosophical contexts of experimental music practice – particularly as it relates to contemporary popular music
3.	Creativity and individuality as an artist – to develop their own compositional ‘voice’
4.	A cogent and quality creative portfolio in recorded and notated formats
5.	The ability to interpret and perform the compositions of others
6.	Advanced understanding of the roles, responsibilities and activities involved in contemporary music performance

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Deep discipline knowledge informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1 accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)	1, 2, 5, 6
Critical thinking and problem solving steeped in research methods and rigor based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Teamwork and communication skills developed from, with, and via the SGDE honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning	5, 6
Career and leadership readiness technology savvy professional and, where relevant, fully accredited forward thinking and well informed tested and validated by work based experiences	3, 5, 6
Intercultural and ethical competency adept at operating in other cultures comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges	2
Self-awareness and emotional intelligence a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate	3, 5, 6

Learning Resources

Required Resources

• Class handouts and materials placed on MyUni.
• Each week students will be required to bring their instruments, or other technology they require to realise their group work.

Recommended Resources

Reading
Biesenbach, K & Ross, A. (2015) Bjork Archives. MOMA, New York.
Biesenbach, K & Cherix, C. (2015) Yoko Ono: One Woman Show 1960 – 1971. MOMA, New York.
Cage, John. (2011) Silence: Lectures and Writings by John Cage. 50th Anniversary Edition, with forward by Kyle Gann. Wesleyan University Press, Middletown, CT.
Chase, Wayne. (2006) How Music Really Works. Roedy Black Publishing, Vancouver.
Covach, John. (2009) What’s that sound: an introduction to rock music and its history. Second edition. W.W. Norton & Company, New York.
Dibben, Nicola. (2014) Bjork’s Biophilia. Network Educational Press, UK.
Kahn, D. (1999) Noise, Water, Meat. MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Lin, Marvin (2010) Radiohead’s Kid A. Continuum Publishing Group, New York.
Negroponte, N. (1998) Beyond Digital. Wired 6(12)
Nyman, Michael. (1974) Experimental Music: Cage and Beyond. Second Edition. Schirmer Books, New York. Priest, Gail. (2008) Experimental Music: Audio Explorations in Australia. UNSW Press, Sydney.
Russolo, L. (1987) The Art of Noises. Pendragon Press, New York. Originally published in 1913.
Stavrou, Michael Paul. (2003) Mixing with Your Mind : Closely Guarded Secrets of Sound Balance Engineering. First Edition. Flux Research, Mosman, NSW.
Wiedenbaum, Marc. (2014) Aphex Twin’s Selected Ambient Works Volume II. Bloomsbury, London.
Wishart, T & Emmerson, S. (1996) On Sonic Art. Revised Edition. Harwood Academic Publishers, Amsterdam.
Wood, Clement (1936) The Complete Rhyming Dictionary and Poet’s Craft Book. Dell Publishing, New York.

Websites
New Weird Australia Experimental Music: Audio Explorations in Australia Deep Listening Institute Library
The Music Library is housed within the Barr Smith Library, and is an excellent source for music, literature and recordings.

Online Learning

Learning materials and assessment will be placed on MyUni. Usage of MyUni will include Announcements, Digital readings, External web-links and Recordings of classes; particularly student performances to enable students to critically reflect on their experiences in class.

Learning & Teaching Modes

The course structure and content is delivered through a range of classes and materials. Class delivery modes include a weekly seminar and practical workshop. The classes in this course use a format where students are presented with theoretical and/ or practical content through the seminar. The theoretical content creates a topic framework that students then expand theoretically through discussions and exercises during the seminar, and practically through performing their work in the workshop. Students will also be expected to further expand the topics presented using out-of-class resources that are presented online, improve their studio skills through regular bookings of the recording studio, and rehearsing in their own time. The online resources and additional practical work will compliment, reinforce and extend the concepts presented.

The classes provide theoretical explanations of composition, production and song writing techniques; discussion of their creative and technical application in various styles and genres; and their practical application to creativity through students preparing their work for both studio recording and performance.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

WORKLOAD	TOTAL HOURS
1 x 2-hour seminars per week	24 hours per semester
1 x 2-hour workshop per week	24 hours per semester
6 hours rehearsals & readings per week	72 hours per semester
1 hours research per week	12 hours per semester
2 hours assignment preparation per week	24 hours per semester
	TOTAL = 156 hours per semester

Learning Activities Summary

The course structure and content will examine the areas below through weekly theoretical and/or practical demonstrations and exploration. The following list of topics is supplied as a guide, and may change depending on needs arising through the semester. Further detail regarding weekly content can be found on MyUni.

WEEK	SEMINAR TOPIC / WORKSHOP TOPIC
1	Course Overview and Introduction to Experimental Music / Improvisation Workshop 1
2	Trajectories of Experimentalism in Popular Music / Improvisation Workshop 2
3	Materials of Experimental Music / Improvisation Workshop 3
4	Minimalism to Ambient to Generative Music / Improvisation Workshop 4
5	Glitch and Noise – The Aesthetics of Failure / Improvisation Workshop 5
6	Experimental Approaches to Lyrics / Improvisation Assessment
7	Live Electronic Music, Drum & Bass, IDM / Ensemble Rehearsal
8	Listening and Experimental Music / Ensemble Rehearsal
9	Narrative and Sound / Ensemble Rehearsal
10	Alternate modes of Presentation – Installation Art / Ensemble Rehearsal
11	Structured Content - continue with Portfolio / Ensemble Rehearsal
12	Structured Content - continue with Portfolio / Ensemble Rehearsal

Specific Course Requirements

EMU Facilities

This course will involve using the resources of the Electronic Music Unit (EMU). This includes facilities such as studios, recording spaces and digital audio workstations.

Information on use of the EMU Faclities, including Access, Bookings, Support and Penalties for misuse are available via the following link:

Sound Levels & Hearing Protection

This course may require using spaces where a dB meter has been installed. If you exceed the set dB limit for the space, the lights will flash. Students found exceeding these levels will have their booking privileges revoked for two weeks, and repeat offenders may have their booking privileges revoked for the remainder of the academic year.
In order to minimise risk in noise-prone situations, the Conservatorium makes both reusable gel ear-plugs and disposable foam ear-plugs available to students and staff free of charge at all times. Students and staff are also urged to consider purchase of customised personal hearing protection.

For more information regarding sound levels, hearing and hearing loss please refer both to the full content of the O'Brien Report and to the excellent publication by Canadian audiologist/academic Marshall Chasin, entitled Hear the Music: Hearing Loss Prevention for Musicians both available here:

Rehearsal Spaces

This course will require that students rehearse both individually and as a part of their group. For individual practice, students may book and use any of the rehearsal rooms contained within the Conservatorium with a limit of two hours per day for any individual space as per the Conservatorium’s Rehearsal guidelines. For more specific group work, rehearsal space with a backline (Drumkit, Guitar and Bass Amplifiers and an electric piano) and PA system has been provided in Schulz B14. Bookings of this space may be made through the online booking system:

All spaces must be left in a neat and tidy state ready for the next user when you finish rehearsing.

Small Group Discovery Experience

Through this course, students will compose original creative work. In small groups, students will prepare their original compositions for live performance under the guidance of a mentor. Through this process, students will learn collaborative and research skills, enhance and further develop their creative process, and disseminate their new work publicly through live performance. Students will meet with their mentor 5 times during weeks 7 – 12 in small groups of 4 - 5.

Groups rehearse simultaneously in individual rehearsal spaces, with the mentor moving between the groups as required.

A variety of performance venues are used each semester, including on-site venues such as UniBar and Scott Theatre, and off-site venues such as The Wheatsheaf Hotel, The Jade Monkey, The Crown and Sceptre, The Ed Castle, and The West Oak.

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

ASSESSMENT TASK	TASK TYPE	WEIGHTING	COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
Research Essay	Summative	20%	1, 2, 3
Improvisation Assessment	Formative and Sumative	20%	5, 6
Portfolio	Summative	30%	1, 3, 4
Recital	Summative	30%	1, 2, 3, 5, 6

Assessment Related Requirements

Expectation & Penalty

As per Conservatorium policy, active and positive participation in 100% of classes is expected. Any student who attends less than 80% of required classes without approved leave may result in a 5 (five) mark penalty for each unapproved absence. The penalties will be applied to the final total percentage mark for the semester for the relevant component i.e. after all other assessments have been completed and calculated. Arrival after the scheduled starting time or departure before the scheduled finishing time may, at the lecturer or co-ordinator’s discretion, be regarded as an unapproved absence.

Leave

The Conservatorium recognises that extenuating circumstances may occasionally affect a student’s ability to participate in a rehearsal, workshop, class, lecture, tutorial or performance. In such cases leave may be approved by the relevant staff member - students should contact the lecturer and gain approval prior to taking the leave.

Assessment Detail

Research Essay: 2000 words, not including Bibliography and Referencing. Students will select a research topic based on expanding one of the seminar topics or a negotiated topic of their own related to Experimental Music. The research undertaken through the Essay will be used to broaden the student’s approach to their set work in the portfolio.

Improvisation Proficiency Exam: Students will be assessed practically in class on skills they have learned through the workshop via solo and small group improvisations.

Portfolio: The Portfolio represents the major creative assessment for the semester and will involve the composition of a minimum of three songs, one of which will be a set work. For this assessment, the research undertaken in the Research Essay will inform the set work. All creative works will be required to be recorded for submission, either through groups assigned in the workshop, or alternatively students may organise their own groups.

Recital: Students will be assessed on their contribution to the preparation and delivery of a public recital of their work, held during the examination period. Central to this assessment is the role they play in the delivery of both their work, and that of other students, and their level of performance in the Recital. As part of this assessment, students will be required to submit a log of all out of class rehearsals, including day, time, length and personnel in attendance, and 10% of their grade will be tied to workshop participation.

Submission

All written and recorded materials will be submitted online via MyUni. Practical assessments will take place either in-class, or at the off-campus performance. Note that due to practicalities, extensions for practical assessments are not possible.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through .

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.

The 成人大片 is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The 成人大片 therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator

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