Music Practice: Delivering an Independent Project in a Live Music Environment

6 unitsSem 2In Person

School of Music · ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences

About this course

This course enables students to realise and deliver a capstone live music project that combines original composition and live performance. While both elements are encouraged, students may place a stronger emphasis on either composition or performance depending on their creative strengths and project direction. The course culminates in a live presentation supported by an exegesis that critically reflects on the creative process, the techniques used, and the contextual positioning within the broader cultural and industry landscape.

Learning outcomes

1create and present a live music project that integrates performance and composition, with an emphasis tailored to their artistic intent;
2apply advanced planning, organisational, and technical skills to the preparation and execution of a live music performance or composition, such as coordinating rehearsals, developing original material, managing performance logistics, integrating live technologies, and/or directing collaborative ensembles;
3critically evaluate their creative process and the public presentation of their work, identifying strengths, challenges, and areas for growth; and
4analyse and contextualise their capstone project within broader artistic, social, and cultural frameworks, such as identifying stylistic influences, engaging with cultural or community practices, responding to social issues, or situating their work within contemporary performance and music-making discourse.

Assessment

Weights and hurdle requirements come straight from the imported ANU record.

Project Status Presentation (10 minutes)

Learning outcomes 2, 4

20%

Live Music Work (30 minutes)

Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4

50%

Critical Exegesis (2,000 words)

Learning outcomes 2, 4

30%

Study expectations

Study information

130 hours of total student learning time made up from: a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks; and b) 94 hours of independent studio practice and contextual research (reading and writing).

Texts and reading

Provided via Canvas.

Course essentials

Academic year: 2026
Course subject: MUSI
Subject name: Music
Academic career: UGRD
School: School of Music
College: ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences
Convener: Dr Pat O'Grady
Delivery: In Person
Unit value: 6 units
EFTSL: 0.125
Last source update: Not listed

View the ANU course source

Fees

Domestic fee paying students: Domestic · 2026 · Course basis; $4,200
International fee paying students: International · 2026 · Course basis; $5,820
Student Contribution Band Code 12: Commonwealth supported · 2026; ANU contribution-band code 12

Areas and attributes

Areas of interest

Music