Musicians and artists, such as DJs and other electronic music artists, use technology as an integral part of their performance. They need to develop techniques for using technology to enhance performance and maintain and update knowledge of advances in technology. Some musical experience is required to undertake this unit.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Explore the potential of technology-based equipment

1. Discuss with appropriate personnel ways in which digital equipment can be used to enhance musical performance

2. Use practice sessions to explore the full range of features in standard technology-based equipment

3. Test a range of ways in which sound can be produced to achieve performance goals consistently and reliably

4. Seek feedback from appropriate personnel on own skill development and set improvement goals

Maintain and care for equipment

5. Use appropriate methods to care for, move, use and store equipment securely and safely

6. Identify maintenance problems with equipment and refer to appropriate personnel for action

7. Use accessories, fittings, maintenance and cleaning products to keep equipment in good condition

Use music technology to enhance performance

8. Use electronic devices or software to record or play music, consistent with the style of the instruments or voices in the act

9. Use electronic devices to reproduce instrumental sounds or sequences

10. Use electronic devices or software to program music

11. Use electronic devices or software to drive outboard equipment accurately and consistently

12. Use electronic devices or software to incorporate sound into a music, video, light or multimedia product, as appropriate to the act or individual performance

13. Monitor own proficiency in using electronic devices and note areas for improvement in consultation with appropriate personnel

Required skills

communication, teamwork and organisational skills sufficient to:

follow written and verbal instructions

understand information in equipment user guides

respond appropriately to constructive feedback on own performance

plan own practice time and setskill-development goals

learning skills in the context of improving skills through practice

initiative and enterprise skills in the context of using technology-based equipment to produce sounds in a variety of ways

technical skills in the context of using music technology to perform and record music at a basic level

Required knowledge

industry knowledge, including:

ways in which technology can be used to perform and record music

features of standard technology-based equipment and related software

musical terminology

OHS practices, procedures and standards as they apply to using music technology

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:

record, reproduce and perform music competently using technology-based equipment

respond positively to constructive feedback on own skill development in relation to incorporating music technology into performance.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to technology-based equipment and related software

access to at least one form of outboard equipment linked to a computer or other technology-based equipment

use of culturally appropriate processes, and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are appropriate for this unit:

direct observation or video recordings of candidate using technology-based equipment in practice sessions or performances

testimonial from individual tutors

written or oral questioning to assess knowledge as listed in the required knowledge section of this unit.

Guidance information for assessment

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

CUSMCP303A Develop simple musical pieces using electronic media

CUSMLT201A Develop and apply musical ideas and listening skills

CUSMPF201A Play or sing simple musical pieces.

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:

musical director

performer

mentor

teacher

coach

tutor

sound technician.

Sounds to be reproduced may include:

individual instruments

groups of instruments

instrumental sounds or sequences from MIDI devices, software programs or other devices.

Outboard equipment may include:

lights

effects, such as:

delay

reverbs

harmoniser

personal computer (e.g. PowerPoint files)

audiovisual

video.

Unit sector

Performing arts - music performance

This unit contains employability skills.