Elements and Performance Criteria

Exercises to develop technical skills may include:

exercises to develop physical coordination in performing music in simple scales, arpeggios, chords or rhythms

Technical skills development includes one or more of:

exercises to improve breath control

bowing techniques to help coordinate finger action and bowing movements

exercises to develop embouchure

systematic fingering patterns

systematic hand and foot patterns

systematic plucking and picking patterns and exercises

drumming exercises

pedaling exercises

vocal exercises for pitch and articulation

Repertoire may include:

short, simple pieces appropriate to the selected instrument

song forms and their relevant components such as:

riffs

sequences

rhythm patterns

pieces composed for or by the performer

Instruments may be:

acoustic or electronic

voice

stringed instruments

keyboards

wind instruments

percussion

brass

plucked instruments

others

Techniques include developing facility in:

physical coordination in one or more of:

tonguing

fingering

plucking

beating

pedaling

vocal technique

attack

dynamics

tempi

intonation

sound production

rhythms and rhythm patterns

chords and chord patterns

melodic patterns

The scope and range of the instrument include:

tone colour

effects

dynamics or volume

pitch, register or tessitura

specific effects available using a range of attacks

The capability of an instrument may include its:

application to a range of music making activities and outcomes

scope and potential for solo or group performance

adaptability

size of the instrument

Tuning the instrument may include adjusting the:

pitch

tone colour

dimensions of the instrument such as length or diameter

length of strings

tautness of skins

length of tubing or pipes

oral tract

embouchure

position of the diaphragm and larynx

settings of the instrument and relevant accessories

Tuning may involve using:

appropriate tuning options

tuning keys or other tuning implements

pitch pipes

tuning forks

electronic tuners

electronic pitch or frequency controls

Tone colour may involve:

instrumental attack

a range of accessories

interaction between the player and the instrument

performer's physique

voice production

sound production

OHS principles include:

relevant practice or legislation

physique

hearing and noise reduction strategies

length of performance and practice sessions

posture

Accessories may include:

reeds

strings

plectrums

mouth pieces

mallets or beaters

stands

pedals

microphones

amplifiers

samplers

mixers

enhancers such as pitch and tone modulators

Underpinning knowledge and skills
Assessment must include evidence of the following knowledge and skills:
sound production for the relevant instrument or voice
instrument applications, range and capabilities
parts of the instrument
tuning the instrument
ability to discriminate pitch and produce the required sound
ability to use instrumental/voice techniques
ability to discriminate rhythm
ability to reproduce musical patterns
planning practice time and setting technical development goals
knowledge of basic repertoire relevant to the selected instrument
performance and instrumental protocol and customs in selected musical style and repertoire

Linkages to other units
This unit has strong linkages to, and may be assessed with the following units:
CUSMGE11A Develop music knowledge and listening skills
CUSBGE01A Develop and update music industry knowledge

Critical aspects of evidence
The following evidence is critical to the judgment of competence in this unit:
physical capacity and coordination in playing or singing simple pieces

Method and context of assessment
Evidence of competence may be obtained through a variety of methods including:
observation of practical performance in chosen musical style
oral questioning
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
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 evidence of practical performance of two simple pieces in the nominated area of specialisation.

Resource requirements
This unit of competency must be assessed using:
relevant instrument and equipment
suitable acoustic space

Communicating ideas and information
(2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(1)

Planning and organising activities
(1)

Working with others and in teams
(1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(0)

Solving problems
(1)

Using technology
(0)