Aural Perception is taken as a sequence of either four or five semester units. On entry to the BMus, DipMus, BMusStudies and combined degree awards courses, students will -- on the basis of a written test -- be assigned either to AP1 or to AP1A and AP1B. Both options cover the same material and have the same exit standard, but while AP1 is a one semester unit, AP1A and AP1B extend over one year (two semesters) to enable students with limited experience or weakness to progress at a slower pace. Regardless of the results of the written test, students may request enrolment in AP1A and AP1B. Students who successfully complete AP1 in first semester progress to AP2 in second semester. Students who successfully complete AP1B at the end of second semester progress to AP2 in first semester of the following year. The AP units aim to foster musical understanding by developing the aural perception skills which are essential for any professional musician: The ability to recognise, memorise and notate musical patterns heard (dictation and analysis work); and the ability to imagine in one's 'inner ear', and reproduce vocally, musical patterns from notation (Solfege work). Students are encouraged to apply the ideas and procedures studied in class to their own musical pursuits. Within the Musicology unit, AP is integrated as closely as possible with the Harmony and Music History units. For further information contact the Aural Perception Co-ordinator, Christopher Coady (Musicology).

All students are required to sign up for chamber music groups after they enrol through the Chamber Music sign-up site at http://webapps.ucc.usyd.edu.au/conservatorium/index.php. Students will receive assistance and approval from unit Chamber Music Coordinators. Students must complete a minimum of four compulsory semesters of chamber music, but may complete up to eight semesters in chamber music (with unit permission). Piano students take the alternative Accompaniment units in their first two years. Students from the Vocal Unit may enrol in Choral Ensemble in lieu of Chamber Music for a maximum of two semesters. Each student also completes one semester of Composer Performer Workshop in Chamber Music 4 either as an individual or as a group. This counts as one of the compulsory four semesters of chamber music required of all Bachelor of Music and Diploma students. Chamber Music in this context is defined as a group of 3-10 musicians, performing without a conductor. In rare circumstances large works of chamber music may be conducted by a tutor or conductor nominated by the Chair of Conducting. Combinations outside these guidelines will only be acceptable under certain conditions, as prescribed by the Accompaniment and Chamber Music Unit. In accordance with this definition, participation in other larger ensembles within the Conservatorium will not be regarded as an acceptable alternative to Chamber Music. Students are assigned a Principal Tutor who will advise of appropriate works for each level and coach the ensemble through the semester. Each group is required to attend six 1-hour tutorials per semester. It is expected that students prepare and rehearse to professional standards of performance.

The purpose of Orchestral Studies is to develop the entire range of skills which musicians must possess to prepare them to be a member of a professional orchestral ensemble. All students enrolled in Orchestral Studies must participate in two performance projects per semester. This is supported by the orchestral development program: students will receive weekly training/instruction in all aspects of orchestral playing. This includes participating in weekly repertoire sessions in the Symphony Orchestra or, in other training ensembles and groups such as the Chamber Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Early Music Ensemble, Modern Music Ensemble, Saxophone Orchestra and Brass Ensemble. Students are assigned to ensembles by audition and through unit recommendation. The objectives of Orchestral Studies are to develop: A thorough knowledge of orchestral performing styles and practices; ensemble intonation -- the ability to play precisely and rhythmically and in tune with other members of an ensemble; the ability to concentrate and play with commitment; teamwork; the ability to work with a conductor and interpret his gestures. Assessment is based on all aspects of participation in the orchestral ensemble (assessed by the ensemble director/coordinator and other involved faculty), in the weekly orchestral development classes. Assessment criteria are: level of preparation, actual performance in the ensemble, commitment, concentration, ability and teamwork. For administrative arrangements contact the Ensembles and Orchestral Coordinators.