Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:17 AM AWST
22/07/2026 10:17 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Perform improvisation for audiences
Perform improvisation for audiences
Unit of competency
National Code
CUSMPF505A
CUSMPF505A
State Code
D2943
D2943
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
30/09/2014
Field of Education
100101 - Music
Original Release Date
30/09/2014
Nominal Hours
34
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to perform improvisation for an audience as part of an ensemble. Critical to the success of performances that involve improvisation is the ability of all members of the group to work collaboratively and creatively together to embellish musical elements of chosen pieces.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for ensemble improvisation
- 1.1 Confirm improvisation requirements in consultation with relevant personnel
- 1.2 Agree on strategies for clear communication within the group during the improvisation to allow the music to flow
- 1.3 Rehearse aspects of the performance as required
2. Contribute to the work of ensemble
- 2.1 Ensure that own contribution extends and enhances the overall piece
- 2.2 Support and enhance the contribution of others to achieve best performance outcomes
- 2.3 Make improvisation sensitive to the needs of other performers to stimulate the whole ensemble
3. Contribute solo improvisation
- 3.1 Respond accurately to starting cues
- 3.2 Sustain musical impetus in the solo improvisation through dynamic use of musical elements
- 3.3 Maintain stylistic cohesion in the realisation of harmony, melody, and/or rhythm and musical expression
- 3.4 Listen carefully to other performers, respond aurally to their work and adjust own performance appropriately
- 3.5 Provide a clear cue to the ensemble to finish the solo section
- 3.6 Ensure that the duration of the solo section accords with the custom and practice of the group and/or musical style
- 3.7 Acknowledge applause according to the custom and practice of the group and/or musical style
4. Evaluate improvisation
- 4.1 Establish measures and methods that contribute to objective assessment for evaluating the success of the work in its context
- 4.2 Assess and confirm with appropriate people the extent to which the improvisation has explored fully its potential in terms of content, style and structure
- 4.3 Record performances where possible for evaluation purposes
- 4.4 Measure performance against previous performances to assess development of self and ensemble
- 4.5 Seek and use feedback to adjust performance
- 4.6 Analyse performance for its potential contribution to further work
- 4.7 Consider strengths and weaknesses to inform future performance
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.
Improvisation requirements may include:
context
purpose
starting point
duration
scope
practice and rehearsal times.
Relevant personnel may include:
ensemble member
musical director
conductor
sound engineer.
Cues may include:
verbal
physical gestures
musical.
Musical elements may include:
melody
chords and chord progressions
intervals
harmony
rhythm
notes
chord-scale relationships
expression
motifs
tone.
Improvisation requirements may include:
context
purpose
starting point
duration
scope
practice and rehearsal times.
Relevant personnel may include:
ensemble member
musical director
conductor
sound engineer.
Cues may include:
verbal
physical gestures
musical.
Musical elements may include:
melody
chords and chord progressions
intervals
harmony
rhythm
notes
chord-scale relationships
expression
motifs
tone.
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:
perform improvisations on at least three occasions using a range of improvisation styles in area of specialisation
respond creatively to cues
use aural imagination to develop musical materials
collaborate effectively with other members of a performance ensemble.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to relevant instruments and equipment
performance opportunities as part of an ensemble
appropriate venue with adequate space and acoustic qualities
an audience
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:
observation of performance where the candidate is performing an improvisation
written or oral questioning on the music structures of improvisation
written or oral questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required knowledge section of this unit
relevant samples of artistic work with candidate's evaluation
authenticated details of relevant artistic and/or commercial achievements
video or audio recordings of performance or practice sessions where the candidate is performing an improvisation
case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussing issues about performing improvisations.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
CUSMLT402A Articulate ideas about music
CUSMPF402A Develop and maintain stagecraft skills
CUSMPF506A Develop technical skills and expand repertoire.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
perform improvisations on at least three occasions using a range of improvisation styles in area of specialisation
respond creatively to cues
use aural imagination to develop musical materials
collaborate effectively with other members of a performance ensemble.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to relevant instruments and equipment
performance opportunities as part of an ensemble
appropriate venue with adequate space and acoustic qualities
an audience
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:
observation of performance where the candidate is performing an improvisation
written or oral questioning on the music structures of improvisation
written or oral questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required knowledge section of this unit
relevant samples of artistic work with candidate's evaluation
authenticated details of relevant artistic and/or commercial achievements
video or audio recordings of performance or practice sessions where the candidate is performing an improvisation
case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussing issues about performing improvisations.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
CUSMLT402A Articulate ideas about music
CUSMPF402A Develop and maintain stagecraft skills
CUSMPF506A Develop technical skills and expand repertoire.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWI01 | CUAMPF504 | Perform improvisation for audiences | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D360 | CUS50109 | Diploma of Music | Qualification |
| J703 | CUA50213 | Diploma of Musical Theatre | Qualification |