Elements and Performance Criteria

Strategies for developing solo performance skills may include:
working effectively with appropriate tutor
practising as a solo performer
participating in relevant groups or associations in selected area of specialisation
participating in professional development and other learning opportunities in selected area of specialisation
attending master classes
attending performances
contributing to/participating in, festivals and conferences in selected area of specialisation
being involved in a range of music making activities as a soloist in selected area of specialisation
studying performance techniques in of 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 as and where required in selected area of specialisation
using aural imagination to develop interpretation
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

Performance techniques may include:
improvisation where required in selected area of specialisation
ornamentation appropriate to selected area of specialisation
specific methods of instrumental attack in selected area of specialisation
performance customs relevant to the style and context of the music in selected area of specialisation
preparing instruments during performance as required in selected area of specialisation
all other techniques specific to particular styles of music in performance in selected area of specialisation

Music knowledge may include:
repertoire knowledge appropriate to area of specialisation
instrument knowledge relevant to 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 as required in selected area of specialisation
interpretation of directions for, instrumentation, voicing, expression, timbre, attack, pitch, tempi, dynamics and expression in selected area of specialisation
solo and ensemble protocols in selected area of specialisation
performance and rehearsal protocols in selected area of specialisation
improvisation in performance using aural cues only where required in selected area of specialisation
chordal and melodic formulae in selected area of specialisation

Technical skills may include:
understanding instrument and specifications in selected area of specialisation
musical elements in selected area of specialisation
techniques to control and enhance performance in selected area of specialisation
musical elements and techniques appropriate to style of music making such as ornamentation and improvisation in selected area of specialisation
technical requirements of relevant instruments for accurate and appropriate performance in selected area of specialisation

Underpinning knowledge and skills
Assessment must include evidence of the following knowledge and skills:
Music knowledge
acquiring and using information and resources to performance development
applying and extending appropriate repertoire knowledge in selected area of specialisation
understanding relevant musical terminology, systems and musical elements
knowledge of music in a range of styles in selected area of specialisation
Music craft
recognising intervals, chords, scales and chord progressions in selected area of specialisation
selecting and working with accompanists to achieve best performance outcomes
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 as required
using relevant performance protocols and customs
Technical
planning practice and using feedback to identify strengths and weaknesses in technique to improve technical facility
practising strategically to overcome specific technical/expressive/sound production problems
using a range of instrumental techniques in selected area of specialisation
using a variety of scales, chord sequences and music systems in selected area of specialisation
using a variety of rhythms, time signatures, beat patterns and rhythmic styles relevant to selected area of specialisation
using appropriate equipment and/or instruments effectively as required
Expression
extending musical boundaries in performance for self and audience within the performance context
phrasing and shaping music appropriately
understanding and expressing appropriate musical nuance
achieving own individual style of musical expression
performing appropriately for the context of venues, available sound forces and perceived audience taste

Linkages to other units
This unit has strong linkages to, and may be assessed with, the following units:
CUSMPF17A Develop technical skills and expand repertoire
CUSMPF03A Develop and maintain stagecraft skills
CUSMPF09A Evaluate and extend performance technique
CUSMGE04A Analyse music
CUSMGE06A Read music
CUSMPF04A Prepare self for performance
CUSMPF05A Rehearse music for performance
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 relevant instrument/voice
ability to prepare performance to the required standard
listening effectively to adjust intonation and nuance in performance
accurate/innovative interpretation and expression
effectiveness in solo performance

Method and context of assessment
Evidence of competence may be obtained through a variety of methods including:
observation of solo performance
oral questioning on performance strategies
discussion of planning for a solo performance
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, biographies describing practitioner's work
simulation of a solo performance
case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussion of methods, strategies and other issues in solo performance
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 in this unit.
Assessment may occur off the job, on the job or in a combination of on and off the job. Assessment of this unit requires assessment of solo performance in the nominated area of specialisation.

Resource requirements
Competency in this unit should be assessed using all of the relevant resources commonly used in the development of artistic skills relevant to the candidate's genre and mode of expression. Specific assessment tools may include:
relevant instruments and/or equipment
recordings or work portfolios
other relevant participants where practical ensemble work is being assessed
appropriate venue with adequate space and acoustic qualities for solo performance

Communicating ideas and information
(3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(3)

Planning and organising activities
(3)

Working with others and in teams
(2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(3)

Solving problems
(3)

Using technology
(0)