Elements and Performance Criteria

Strategies for developing backup skills may include:
working with an appropriate tutor
using opportunities to perform as a backup artist in selected area of specialisation
listening critically to a wide range of live and recorded music focusing on backup in selected area of specialisation
participating in relevant groups or associations in selected area of specialisation
participating in professional development and other learning opportunities to broaden performance knowledge and experience
attending master classes in selected area of specialisation
attending performances
contributing to/participating in, festivals and conferences in selected area of specialisation
being involved in a range of music making activities in selected area of specialisation
practising performance techniques in a range of styles in selected area of specialisation

Listening may include:
responding creatively and sensitively to other performers in ensemble performance
instrument tuning relevant to selected area of specialisation
aural imagination to follow lead artists and provide appropriate interpretations and sound support in selected area of specialisation
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 as required in selected area of specialisation

Musical knowledge may include:
knowledge of music styles and genres in area of specialisation
repertoire knowledge in selected 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 as required in selected area of specialisation
interpretation of directions in selected area of specialisation for:
instrumentation
voicing
expression
timbre
attack
pitch
tempi
dynamics
following solo and ensemble protocols as required in selected area of specialisation
following performance and rehearsal protocols as required in selected area of specialisation
improvisation in performance using aural cues where required 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

Technology may include:
use and maintenance of equipment required in selected area of specialisation
electronic hardware and software for performance as required in selected area of specialisation
music recording
special effects

Underpinning knowledge and skills
Assessment must include evidence of the following knowledge and skills:
Music craft and expression
interpreting music appropriately for performance
applying and extending appropriate repertoire knowledge and appropriate musical terminology
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
using relevant solo or group performance protocols and customs
demonstrating appropriate improvisation skills where relevant
using a range of instrumental techniques in selected area of specialisation
using a variety of rhythms, time signatures, beat patterns and rhythmic styles relevant to specialisation
performing appropriately for the context of venues, available sound forces and the act
Listening
monitoring and adjusting intonation as required
recognising intervals, chords, scales and chord progressions in selected area of specialisation
demonstrating appropriate intonation, dynamics, phrasing, rhythm and expression to produce the required sound

Linkages to other units
This unit has strong linkages to, and may be assessed with, the following units:
CUSMPF06A Extend technical skills in performance
CUECOR2A Work with others
CUSMPF04A Prepare self for performance
CUSMPF05A Rehearse music for performance
CUSMGE01A Maintain self or group in music
CUSBGE16A Maintain self or group in business
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
effective music collaboration and communication in performance

Method and context of assessment
Evidence of competence may be obtained through a variety of methods including:
observation of backup performance
process diary
oral questioning on planning 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 and promotional photographs promoting practitioner's work
simulation of backup performance
case studies and scenarios covering discussion of backup performance issues and strategies
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 evidence of backup 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 performing back-up accompaniment. Specific assessment tools may include:
relevant instruments and/or equipment
other relevant participants
appropriate venue with adequate space and acoustic qualities

Communicating ideas and information
(2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(2)

Planning and organising activities
(2)

Working with others and in teams
(3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(2)

Solving problems
(2)

Using technology
(2)