Elements and Performance Criteria

Strategies for developing accompaniment skills may include:
working with an appropriate tutor and/or coach
private practice
using opportunities to practise as an accompanist with principle performers in selected area of specialisation
participating in relevant groups or associations in selected area of specialisation
participating in professional development and other learning opportunities
attending master classes
attending performances
contributing to/participating in, festivals and conferences in selected area of specialisation
being involved in a range of music accompaniment activities in selected area of specialisation
studying performance techniques in a range of styles in selected area of specialisation
listening critically to a wide range of live and recorded music

Listening may include:
instrument tuning where required in selected area of specialisation
accurate intonation and stylistic nuance in performance in selected area of specialisation
performance collaboration in selected area of specialisation
needs of performers for support
pattern and sequence recognition and memory in selected area of specialisation
recognising music systems and practices in selected area of specialisation
chords, keys in tonal or other musical systems in selected area of specialisation
reproduction of sequences from memory where required in selected area of specialisation

Music knowledge may include:
repertoire knowledge in the area of specialisation
instrument knowledge in selected area of specialisation
music analyses and research in selected area of specialisation
musical forms, systems, practices and customs in selected area of specialisation
reading and writing music using written music, sheet music and chord charts in selected area of specialisation
interpretation of directions in selected area of specialisation for:
instrumentation
voicing
expression
timbre
attack
pitch
tempi
dynamics

accompaniment protocols in selected area of specialisation
performance and rehearsal protocols in selected area of specialisation
chordal and melodic formulae in selected area of specialisation

Technical skills may involve:
musical elements in selected area of specialisation
a range of techniques to control and enhance performance in selected area of specialisation
musical elements and techniques appropriate to style of music making in selected area of specialisation
technical requirements for ensemble partners in rehearsal and performance in selected area of specialisation
technical requirements of relevant instruments for accurate and appropriate performance in selected area of specialisation

Strategies to overcome the effects of performance anxiety may include:

focussing on a single element or action at a time

mediation techniques

relaxation techniques

focussing on patterns rather than individual notes

warm-up routines

Underpinning knowledge and skills
Assessment must include evidence of the following knowledge and skills:
Music craft
using relevant artistic and performance protocols in collaboration with performers
interpreting music appropriately for performance
applying and extending appropriate repertoire knowledge
applying appropriate musical terminology
understanding relevant systems in which musical elements are composed
demonstrating understanding of chosen genres and their musical forms and conventions in performance
using appropriate chords and scales, forms, textures or other elements of musical organisation in performance
demonstrating improvisation skills where relevant
Technical
planning practice to improve technical facility
supporting performers to deal with contingencies in performance
using a range of instrumental techniques in selected area of specialisation
Listening
demonstrating empathy with performers
listening critically to, and adjusting, own performance to achieve the required sound and support performers confidently
responding to other players and adjusting own performance in ensemble
listening critically to continuously evaluate and adjust the performance
Expression
phrasing and shaping music appropriately and sympathetically
understanding and expressing appropriate musical nuance
performing appropriately for the needs of other performers
Presentation and communication
collaborating effectively with performers to plan and achieve required outcomes
maintaining an appropriate standard of presentation
working creatively with individual differences
working constructively with group dynamics

Linkages to other units
This unit has strong linkages to, and may be assessed with, the following units:
CUSMPF09A Evaluate and extend performance technique
CUSMPF04A Prepare self for performance
CUSMPF05A Rehearse music for performance
CUSMGE04A Analyse music
CUSMGE06A Read music
CUSMGE07A Analyse harmony
CUSMGE02A Develop self as artist

Critical aspects of evidence
The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:
proficiency in performance on nominated instrument in selected area of specialisation
listening effectively for intonation and nuance in performance
accurate/innovative interpretation and expression
effective musical collaboration and communication in performance

Method and context of assessment
Evidence of competence may be obtained through a variety of methods including:
observation of accompaniment with other performers
process diary detailing performance preparation
oral questioning on performance issues
relevant samples of artistic work with candidate's evaluation
authenticated details of relevant courses or training sessions
authenticated details of relevant artistic and/or commercial achievements
relevant portfolio kit, tapes, scores, CDs, videos and biographies of practitioner's work
simulation of a performance on which to discuss accompaniment issues
case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussion of accompaniment issues, methods and strategies
portfolios or other documentation which demonstrate the processes used in realising creative concept
Competency in this unit may need to be assessed over a period of time, in a range of contexts and on multiple occasions involving a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary forms of evidence. The assessee must nominate the area of specialisation to be assessed.
Assessment may occur off the job, on the job or in a combination of on and off the job. Assessment of this unit requires practical assessment of accompaniment in the nominated area of specialisation. Additionally it is recommended that at least two of the methods of assessment listed above be used to assess this unit.

Resource requirements
Assessment tools may include:
relevant instruments and/or equipment
authenticated recordings or work portfolios of assessee
other performers
appropriate venue with adequate space and acoustic qualities

Communicating ideas and information
(3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(3)

Planning and organising activities
(2)

Working with others and in teams
(3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(3)

Solving problems
(3)

Using technology
(2)