Band Direction (MUSI90015)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject is designed to provide instruction in the vital aspects of the band director's role. It is a subject in which most benefit is gained by careful study of preparatory materials, active participation in class, and individual work and practice.
Instruction will include the essentials of repertoire selection, score study and rehearsal preparation, principles of conducting gesture, rehearsal techniques, and related issues for the band director. An ensemble will be available for students to conduct, to ensure that the practical application of the study is understood.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- choose appropriate repertoire and formulate an effective concert program;
- understand and execute effective score analysis and study methods;
- understand the key principles of conducting gesture and non-verbal communication as applied to conducting and be able to demonstrate these in practice;
- rehearse and conduct an instrumental ensemble with competence and conviction;
- understand the requirements and strategies for ongoing improvement and development as a conductor.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should be able to:
- demonstrate skills in cooperation, communication and negotiation that allow for effective working in teams;
- apply time and people management skills to rehearsal and performance planning;
- demonstrate a capacity to think critically and independently;
- demonstrate an informed and critical awareness of issues related to musical diversity.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Active participation in all classes
| Throughout the teaching period | 10% |
A 15 minute individual practical conducting test, on one of the last 2 class days
| End of the teaching period | 50% |
A written repertoire assessment
| 2 Weeks after the end of teaching | 10% |
A score analysis project
| 5 Weeks after the end of teaching | 30% |
| Hurdle requirement: Students must submit all elements of assessment to be eligible for a pass in this subject. For the purposes of meeting this hurdle requirement, each submitted assessment must be complete and constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task. Submitting only part of an assessment (e.g. only the title page) or an assessment on an irrelevant topic will not meet this hurdle requirement. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
| Hurdle requirement: 100% attendance is expected, less than 80% attendance will result in a fail. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Coordinator Leon de Bruin Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 22 hours, comprising eight 2-hour seminars and three 2-hour observations Total time commitment 136 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
Leon de Bruin leon.debruin@unimelb.edu.au
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Music (Performance Teaching) Specialisation (formal) Studio Specialisation (formal) Instrumental - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
This subject can be taken as a single subject via the Community Access Program. Further information regarding the Community Access Program can be accessed via this website - http://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/courses/single_subject_studies
Last updated: 4 March 2025