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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Set professional development goals
  2. Use personal practice time to refine techniques
  3. Compose music
  4. Evaluate own skill development

Required Skills

Required skills

communication and teamwork skills sufficient to

discuss compositional requirements in a collaborative manner

respond positively to constructive feedback on own compositions

actively participate in industry and community networks as a way of extending own professional practice

listening skills in the context of

using aural imagination when manipulating musical elements

analysing music instrumentation

applying auralperception skills to improve compositional outcomes

initiative and enterprise skills in the context of

phrasing and shaping music appropriately

expressing appropriate musical nuance

demonstrating originality and innovative approaches in the use and organisation of musical elements

extending musical boundaries for self and audience

experimenting with the synthesis of musical ideas and materials from a range of sources

composing appropriately for the context of venues sound forces and perceived audience taste

selfmanagement and learning skills in the context of

setting professional development goals

monitoring and evaluating effectiveness of own compositions

improving music composition techniques through experimentation and practice

planning and organisational skills sufficient to

prioritise work tasks

meet deadlines

plan the composition of musical pieces in a logical sequence

work within established budgets and timeframes

demonstrate reliability in all agreed work commitments

technology skills in the context of using music composition software at a working level of proficiency

Required knowledge

welldeveloped understanding of musicianship issues including

repertoire and music history relevant to area of specialisation

instrumentation and orchestration

musical protocols and customs for setting down music

genres and styles and their musical forms and conventions in written notation

interpretation of chords scales melodies forms textures or other conventions found within music notation

options for using computer applications to notate music

copyright law and permissions

reading and writing music using written music notation such as acoustic and electronic scores sheet music and chord charts

techniques for writing directions for

instrumentation

voicing

expression

timbre

attack

pitch

tempi

dynamics

issues and challenges that typically arise in the context of extending techniques for composing music

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to

plan and monitor progress in own skill development

compose in response to at least two briefs a selection of musical pieces that demonstrate an advanced understanding of compositional techniques

apply welldeveloped aural skills to the composition process

work collaboratively with others involved in creating or performing the compositions

respond positively to constructive feedback on own compositions

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure

access to an environment where music compositional skills can be applied

access to appropriate range of instruments relevant to the candidates selected musical styles

access to industrycurrent software hardware and audio equipment for composing orchestrating and setting down music

access to scores relevant to the candidates selected musical styles

use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are appropriate for this unit

direct observation of the candidate composing musical pieces

process diary detailing practice planning goals and strategies

written or oral questioning on professional development strategies planning and career goals

relevant samples of artistic work with candidates evaluation

authenticated details of relevant artistic andor commercial achievements

written or oral questioning to assess candidates understanding of musical elements and compositional techniques

case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussing issues about refining techniques for composing music

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Appropriate personnel may include:

mentor

coach

peer

performer

client.

Factors may include:

aural imagination

aural-perception skills

specialising in a particular style of music and establishing a niche for oneself

specialising in composing music for particular performance contexts, such as:

classical music ensemble

jazz ensemble

opera

defence force band

electronic dance music

ability to write lyrics

level of expertise in composing music using electronic media

ability to compose in a range of styles to suit different purposes, such as:

screen music

community music

dance theatre

musical theatre

interactive multimedia

advertising music

library music.

Techniques may include:

applying the theory and practice of harmony and counterpoint

composing heads as starting points for jazz improvisation

constructing phrasing techniques appropriate to the musical genre

evaluating the appropriate use of dynamics for various instruments

instrumentation

orchestration

generating workable rhythm section parts

contrary motion

writing parts

writing for different instruments

creating introductions and endings

using countermelodies

advanced melodic development

developing musical themes or motifs.

Criteria may include:

application of advanced harmonic, melodic and rhythmic concepts

increased level of expertise in composing music using electronic media

increased range of compositional techniques used

increased level of confidence in composing music for different purposes

audience response

increased positive feedback from clients, mentors and peers.

Networking strategies may include:

membership of industry and/or professional associations

participating in conferences or seminars

distributing personal marketing material to potential clients

maintaining regular contact with other composers

participating in online discussion groups.

Musical elements may include:

acoustics

aesthetic qualities

articulation

attack

beat

cultural context

duration

dynamics

expression

form

harmony/chords

instrumentation

interpretation

intonation

melody

notation

nuance

orchestration

ornamentation

phrasing

pitch

relationship to song lyrics

rhythm

scales

shape

sound production

suspensions

tempo

texture

timbre/tone colour

time signatures

tonality

transposition

unity and contrast

voicing

volume.

Format may be:

computer-based

paper-based.