The Teacher as Conductor (MUSI90144)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Leon de Bruin: leon.debruin@unimelb.edu.au
Semester 2
Leon de Bruin: leon.debruin@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject introduces basic conducting skills including baton technique, rehearsal methods, score reading and preparation as they apply to wind, string, brass and choral music in both classical and popular styles.
The role of conductor as teacher will be explored in depth. Also covered are basic instrumental and vocal ensemble problems and solutions.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should be able to:
- demonstrate the basic mechanics of beat patterns, expressive facial and hand and body gestures;
- rehearse and conduct an instrumental or vocal ensemble with confidence and conviction whilst understanding the principles to be followed in solving complex musical challenges;
- demonstrate understanding and appreciation of the teaching and leadership skills needed to be a conductor; and
- demonstrate an understanding of basic interpretive skills through body language,inflection, meter, dynamics and imagery.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- demonstrate skills in cooperation, communication and negotiation that allow for effective working of groups;
- demonstrate the capacity for critical and independent thought and reflection;
- demonstrate skills in evaluative thinking, and in the application of theoretical criteria to practical outcomes;
- demonstrate analytical skills in the context of printed and aural materials; and
- plan effectively to meet performance deadlines.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Successful completion of an Orchestration subject at undergraduate level.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Preparation of weekly conducting tasks and contribution to discussion of set readings | Throughout the teaching period | 20% |
Two written accounts of rehearsal observations
| Week 8 | 20% |
One practical test
| During the examination period | 40% |
One viva voce test of approximately 10 minutes
| During the examination period | 20% |
| Hurdle requirement: 100% attendance is expected, less than 80% will result in a fail in the subject. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Leon de Bruin Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 24 hours, comprising one 2-hour lecture/workshop per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 Semester 1 contact information
Leon de Bruin: leon.debruin@unimelb.edu.au
- Semester 2
Coordinator Leon de Bruin Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 24 hours, comprising one 2-hour lecture/workshop per week Total time commitment 170 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 Specialisation (formal) Studio Specialisation (formal) Instrumental
Last updated: 4 March 2025