Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:29 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.

Write about music

Write about music

Unit of competency
National Code
CUSWRT501A
State Code
D2977
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
02/11/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
30/09/2014
Field of Education
100703 - Journalism
Original Release Date
30/09/2014
Nominal Hours
51
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to write about a range of music-related topics.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to write material
  • 1.1 In consultation with relevant personnel, confirm the type of written material required
  • 1.2 Identify factors that may impact on the writing assignment and plan accordingly
  • 1.3 Determine style or tone appropriate to the publication for which written material is being produced
  • 1.4 Discuss plans or preliminary ideas with relevant personnel as required
2. Research topic
  • 2.1 Use appropriate information sources to gather background material
  • 2.2 Conduct interviews with people to gather information as required
  • 2.3 Review information gathered to determine the best approach to writing assignments
  • 2.4 Discuss results of research, ideas and proposed approach with relevant personnel as required
3. Write material
  • 3.1 Ensure that language and writing style are suited to the target audience and publication
  • 3.2 Ensure that specialised vocabulary is appropriate to the context of the brief and subject matter
  • 3.3 Ensure that work is proofed and edited to the standard required
  • 3.4 Present a draft for review by relevant personnel
  • 3.5 Adjust work as required and present final draft in the agreed manner and timeframe
  • 3.6 Evaluate writing process, assessing own performance and noting areas for future improvement
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.
Relevant personnel may include:
authors
composers
artists and performers
broadcasters
directors
editors or other writers
graphic designers
program or event managers
sound-production or recording personnel
record companies
producers
programmers
academic supervisors
production managers
music promoters, agents and marketers
advertising agencies.
Types of written material may include:
music reviews and critiques
programs notes for recitals or other performances
music copy for interactive media products
music copy for newsletters or other print media
items for wikis
items for the marketing and/or promotion of music products
educational pieces
information pieces
social and/or corporate networking
band or artist bios.
Factorsmay include:
expectations of target audience/readers
photos or other visual material to accompany written work
research requirements
complexity of topic
structure
budget
confidentiality
contractual arrangements
copyright clearances
deadlines
length
editing process
intellectual property
location of writing assignment
number of content items
production schedule.
Tone may include:
dramatic
entertaining
formal
humorous
informal or casual
informational.
Publications may include:
books
program notes
corporate documents:
reports
newsletters
marketing and promotional materials
print and online publications:
literary
magazines
journals
newspapers.
Information sources may include:
music industry events, such as:
performances
community activities
conferences
conventions
festivals
functions
trade fairs
competitions and awards
electronic and print media, such as:
articles
journals
magazines
news
reviews
industrial relations publications
industry publications
lifestyle and contemporary issues magazines
government publications, such as:
legislation
policy and procedures manuals
internet
libraries and archives, including text, film, video, sound and graphic
peak copyright organisations
personal observations and experience.
Vocabulary may relate to elements, such as:
specialised knowledge of repertoire
specialised knowledge of artists
critical-listening skills
artistic judgement
music history
performance practice in a range of styles and customs
music technology
music texts
aural recognition and comprehension of musical devices and systems, including:
melody
harmony
timbre
attack
pitch
tempi
dynamics
expression
physics of music and sound production
technical requirements for a range of instruments in a range of musical styles and performance contexts
aural imagination and innovation
musical styles and genres, such as:
traditional, including European classical or traditional music of any other culture
jazz
world
popular
independent music
country
folk.
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:
apply the principles of writing and communication to meet the requirements of music-writing briefs
write a range of content for specific target audiences and within timeframes typical in an industry context
demonstrate a sound knowledge of grammar, punctuation and writing styles
work collaboratively with others
work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to:
word-processing software
variety of music-related information sources
appropriate learning and assessment support when required
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:
evaluation of content written by the candidate in response to a range of briefs
written or oral questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required knowledge section of this unit
case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussion of issues and challenges that arise in the context of writing about music.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
BSBWRT501A Write persuasive copy
CUFIND401A Provide services on a freelance basis
CUSIND501A Apply music knowledge and artistic judgement
CUSMLT502A Apply concepts about the impact of music to professional practice
CUSMLT601A Analyse music.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AWG46 CUAWRT503 Write about music Unit of competency