Music Education Core units

Unit outlines will be available through Find a unit outline two weeks before the first day of teaching for 1000-level and 5000-level units, or one week before the first day of teaching for all other units.
 

Music Education

Music Education units apply to students undertaking the Bachelor of Music (Music Education). Students must select 96 credit points of specific units set out in the relevant degree enrolment pattern.
MUED1005 Key Approaches in Music Education

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Thomas Fienberg Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1 x 2 hour workshop per week Assessment: PEER teaching activity (50%), performance assessment (50%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: NB: Department permission required for enrolment by students not enrolled in BMus (Music Ed)
This unit will provide students with an opportunity to develop knowledge of and teaching skills related to music education approaches that have influenced current practice. Students will focus on a number of internationally recognised approaches to teaching music, including those developed by Orff and Kodaly; Comprehensive Musicianship, and the creativity movements of the 1960s and 1970s. More recent approaches reflecting multiculturalism, globalization, mediated learning, constructivism, Informal Learning and forms of enculturation and musical creativity evident in children's musical worlds will also be explored. An important focus of this course will include building confidence in performing on chord-based instruments and drums.
MUED1007 Australian Indigenous Music and Education

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Thomas Fienberg Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 hr lecture/workshop per week Assessment: Sell the song task (40%), Co-composition transcription (10%), Co-composition recording (20%), Reflective essay (30%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit comprises an introduction to the music and dance expressions of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in their various geographical, historical, social and cultural settings, with an emphasis on recent, mass mediated expressions. The Unit provides students with a broad understanding of Australian First Nation societies, past and present, and introduces them to issues of ethical responsibility involved in the study of Australian Indigenous music and dance. It addresses a range of practical issues related to collaborating with First Nations musicians and the incorporation of Australian Indigenous music within school music education programs.
MUED1008 Fundamentals of Teaching

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Professor Jennifer Rowley Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1 x 2 hour workshop/week Assessment: ePortfolio research reflection 1000 wds (30%), Lesson planning and assessment (40%), Group Micro-Teaching (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Examining the theory and practice of how to teach and how students learn music is important for intending teachers of groups and individuals. This unit of study provides strategies and skills for reflective music teaching creating appropriate learning experiences through understanding and applying effective use of pedagogy. The goal is the development of reflective music teachers, who can design, implement and evaluate effective teaching and learning experiences. As an introductory education unit principles underlying theoretical models of pedagogy for effective teaching and learning, effective lesson planning and a range of teaching strategies using both traditional and digital resources that meet the needs of all learners from diverse backgrounds with a range of learning needs, styles and abilities are explored.
MUED1009 Psychology of Learning and Instruction

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Professor Jennifer Rowley Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial/week Assessment: Collaborative Learning task (20%), Tutorial presentation (25%), Analysis Quiz (25%), Essay 1000 wds (30%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit introduces the study of the psychology to learning and instruction, presenting an overview of the historical relationships between education and psychology, and how cognitive research informs educational practices. It develops students' understandings of psychology's applicability to music education through discussion of relevant research, participation in class activities, and consideration of real-life situations. It aims to develop students' understanding of learners, the learning process, and how educators can optimise music instruction through adopting best practices based on research and understandings of psychology relevant to educational settings.
MUED1010 Key Ideas in Music Education

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr James Humberstone Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 x 2 hour workshop per week Assessment: Peer-teaching assessment 50%, ePortfolio 50% Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
In this Unit of Study students will investigate a range of significant foundational ideas relevant to the learning and teaching of music as a human activity: a performed expressive system that is defined by specific historical, social and cultural situations and circumstances. Key Ideas in Music Education explores the place of music in human experience, what it means to be musical, and some of the ways musicality can be cultivated. Through the lens of the Orff-Keetman Schulwerk pedagogical approach, the unit explores ways we learn music, learn about music, and learn through music.
Textbooks
Selected new media items (chosen for relevance to weekly topic)
MUED2302 Classroom Management

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Professor Jennifer Rowley Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1 x 2 hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: MUED1010 or MUED1005 or MUED1009 or MUED1008 Assumed knowledge: Students enrolling in this unit of study are expected to be able to read and understand music and have a genuine interest in studying how to teach and engage adolescent learners in studying music in secondary school Assessment: ePortfolio reflective journal entries 1000 wds (30%), Analysis Quiz (30%), Classroom Management Plan 1000 wds (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study provides pre-service teachers with skills to implement best practice classroom management in order to create a stable learning environment. We examine preventative strategies to minimise classroom management problems and other strategies to effectively deal with discipline problems. Students are able to increase their knowledge in establishing safe, orderly classroom environments. This UoS focuses on developing the crisis management plans that empower the students and class to work in creative, productive settings free from disrespect, fear, or intimidation. Strategies for dealing with disruptive behaviour and effective classroom management are desired outcomes.
MUED2605 Children, Music and Educational Settings

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jim Coyle Session: Semester 2 Classes: A combination of classes (2 hrs x 10 weeks) and professional experience (practice teaching) in schools for 15 days. Prerequisites: MUED1008 Assumed knowledge: Previous completion of MUED1010 and MUED1005 is recommended Assessment: Graded assessment in lesson and curriculum planning, creation of class resources, peer teaching and assessment of teaching competence (on Professional Experience placement) in relation to stipulated criteria (AITSL Graduate Standards) (100%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit develops the knowledge and skills fundamental to the planning, teaching and evaluation of effective music learning experiences for children in the primary school. Students will participate in a range of practical activities in order to acquire a repertoire of developmentally appropriate music experiences for teaching and learning in K-6 settings. Students will become familiar with the approaches of current music and creative arts curriculum documents and resources, and will plan and implement sequential music experiences which facilitate the children's development of musical creativity, skills and concepts and which incorporate cultural diversity. This unit incorporates the first practice teaching experience in primary schools (Professional Experience 1). The Professional Experience consists of 15 days as a block in a primary school under the supervision of a classroom teacher. See Professional Experience 1 (PEX1) Handbook for further details.
MUED2606 Adolescent Development and Behaviour

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Professor Jennifer Rowley Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 x 2 hour workshop per week Prerequisites: MUED2605 and MUED1009 and MUED1008 Assessment: Case study seminar presentation (25%), Analysis Quiz (20%), Essay (30%), ePortfolio cognition task (25%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study provides students with a broadly based view of the issues and challenges faced by teachers of adolescents in a high school music classroom setting and is designed to prepare students for secondary school Professional Experience. It explores the development unique to adolescents and the changes in behaviour through a study of developmental psychology. How does cognitive, social, emotional and biological changes influence adolescent behaviour in schools? The transition from childhood to adolescence is investigated and the major research and theories related to behaviour management are discussed. Topics studied are: adolescence and family, peer and personal relationships; development of identity; creating and managing learning environments; exploration of issues in adolescence such as moral dilemmas, rebellion and peer influence and their implications for high school classroom music teaching. Aspects of social cognition are discussed through the various scenarios that adolescents present to teachers in secondary school classrooms. With a substantive focus on developmental psychology and behavior management principles and practices, it contributes to the development of graduate teacher standards set by the NSW teacher's accreditation body (NESA).
MUED3031 Teaching Jazz in Secondary School

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Thomas Fienberg Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1 hr lecture, 1 hour workshop/wk Assessment: Lead sheet (30%), Peer Teaching Workshop and resources (50%), Essay (20%) Mode Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study provides students with an overview of the development of jazz from its earliest stages to the present and from its origins in New Orleans to its contemporary expressions in Australia, Europe and elsewhere. An understanding of key stylistic and technical aspects of jazz will be undertaken through immersion in jazz-related skills of listening and transcription as well as idiomatic improvisation, which are developed progressively through weekly workshops.The unit is designed for students in the BMus(MusEd) degree program for whom it is a core requirement. Bringing an instrument to weekly sessions is mandatory - pianists should acquire a melodia for the unit.
MUED3603 Composition in Music Education

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr James Humberstone Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 hour workshop/week Assessment: Arrange a piece of your own choice combining studied pedagogies (30%); Write (digital) content that scaffolds composition for students (20%); Compose and record an original piece based on a model (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study will examine the teaching and learning of composition in schools with a models-based pedagogy. Through the completion of small-scale arranging and composition exercises students will develop strategies to successfully integrate composition into their teaching and experience ways in which composition can be seen as a site of music learning. Students will survey sampling, sequencing and notation software, develop skills in software evaluation suitable for composition, and discuss how technology can enhance the teaching and learning of composition. Strategies for assessing composition work will be considered.
MUED3604 Ensemble Pedagogy

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jim Coyle Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3 hour workshops Assessment: Submission of an arrangement/composition in short score of two pieces of music; planning and conducting of rehearsal sessions; planning a new ensemble program for your PEx school; submission of written rehearsal plan (100%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Please contact the unit coordinator for permission if not enrolled in BMus (Music Ed).
Choral and/or instrumental ensemble programs are a significant component of school music education and commonly involve the music teacher in various musical roles in addition to those of co-ordinator and/or administrator. This Unit of Study is creative and practical in nature and provides students with both a general understanding of the fundamental components of school choral and instrumental work and a more detailed understanding of how to establish, maintain and sustain successful school choral and instrumental music programs. Key pedagogical issues are considered and relevant skills are practised, including arranging for ensembles. Particular emphasis is placed on a practical approach to leading and conducting rehearsals.
MUED3605 Teaching Junior Secondary Music

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr James Humberstone Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 x 1 hr Lecture; 1 x 2 hour workshop per week Prerequisites: EDLN2000 Assessment: Development of three classroom music starter activities and practical in-class peer teaching demonstration (50%); Devising of teaching/learning sequences of activities (30%); Practical in-class peer teaching demonstration (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This Unit of Study considers approaches to teaching music in a junior secondary school context (Years 7-10) and contributes to preparing students for a career in the exciting field of music education. Current syllabus documents are analysed, approaches to music curriculum construction are discussed, and pedagogical theories are examined. Repertoire, technology and media issues related to music education are addressed, as is resource selection and development and cultural diversity. Exemplar content is presented and analysed and opportunities are provided for per teaching. All of these components are studied in the broader context of creating and managing an engaging classroom learning environment and the fostering of self-motivated learners. This Unit of Study leads to a secondary school Professional Experience component in Semester 2.
MUED3606 Professional Experience 2

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc. Professor Jennifer Rowley Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1 x 2 hour workshop for 2 weeks; 6 weeks of block practice teaching in schools (30 days) Prerequisites: MUED3605 Assessment: Professional Experience Report (90%); Evaluation of behaviour plan and ePortfolio task (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study examines the practice of how to teach and how students learn in a junior secondary music classroom (Years 7-10). The second professional experience is a 6 week block practice teaching for 5 days a week and is designed to help you become a reflective classroom music teacher who utilizes appropriate pedagogy, creates valuable musical learning experiences and appropriate behaviour management strategies through effective student engagement in the junior secondary school. The workshops each week outside of the professional experience placement will continue the work covered in Teaching Junior Secondary Music Education and Adolescent Development and Behaviour. This unit of study provides students with a practical application of the theory through a second Professional Experience and it contributes to the development of graduate teacher standards set by the teacher's accreditation body (NESA). The placement dates ordinarily take place during the break between semesters 1 and 2. See Professional Experience Handbook for further details.
MUED3629 Honours: Research in Music Education 1

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc. Professor Jennifer Rowley Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 hour seminar per week Assessment: Annotated Bibliography (30%); literature review (50%); preliminary research proposal (20%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: This unit is commenced in the third year of the degree and enrolment is subject to approval of the Unit Coordinator.
The aims of this unit of study are to develop an understanding of music education research processes, and to identify research methods suitable for individual students' research topics. It examines a range of music education research paradigms which can broadly be categorised as qualitative and quantitative and introduces students to related research procedures. Readings and seminar activities are designed to facilitate students' critical analysis of research in terms of the relevant research methodologies. Students will also develop strategies for locating and reviewing literature pertaining to their fields of research interest. As an outcome of this unit, students will submit a preliminary literature review and preliminary research proposal.
MUED3630 Honours: Research in Music Education 2

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc. Professor Jennifer Rowley Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 hour seminar per week or 1 hour individual consultation per week during part of the course. Prerequisites: MUED3629 Assessment: Initial thesis chapters (50%); ethics documentation (30%); seminar report on research topic (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study consolidates and extends skills acquired in Honours: Research in Music Education 1. It broadens students' knowledge of a variety of research methods, concepts and research designs which are useful in answering empirical research questions. Evolving skills will be extended through practical tasks in which students examine and apply a range of data analysis procedures. Through ongoing reading and critical evaluation of related research literature, students will prepare a research proposal for implementation in the final year of the Honours program. This will be documented in the form of the first three chapters of a thesis. Ethical issues in music education research are an adjunct area of study and students will submit all documentation required for ethics approval of their proposed research.
MUED4002 Technology in Music Education

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr James Humberstone Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2 hour seminar/week Assessment: Professional online presence (blog and social media) (50%); Student-negotiated project (50%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit will explore the possibilities offered by technology in music teaching and learning and the impact of technology on (music) education today. Pre-practicum weeks provide a broad range of practical skills including website authoring (Wordpress support is provided, but any platform can be used), multitrack sequencing, step sequencing, audio editing, notation, creating graphics or using copyright commons graphics, multi-angle filming, lighting, composition and editing. In subsequent weeks, students engage with new technologies both practically and philosophically, seeking to understand the sophistications of technology-based music practices such as DJiing, producing, remixing, as well as engaging with new approaches to teaching and learning such as flipped learning, online learning, blended learning, and the maker-movement. Students gain a practical understanding of synthesis and sampling.
MUED4006 Popular Music Studies

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Thomas Fienberg Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2hr workshop/wk Assessment: Peer-teaching (resource-making) 50%, Songwriting/arranging (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit examines approaches to the teaching and learning of popular music, and the practices of its many cultures. This includes the study of the problems of defining popular music, of relevant literature, considerations of the place of popular music in music education, analysis methods suitable for investigating popular music at the high school level, songwriting and the performance of popular music, and emerging technologies in relation to popular music studies. Students engage in the latest research, philosophies, and pedagogies around popular music in formal music education, learning to prepare resources for learning and music-making, and eventually creating their own multi-tracked popular music.
MUED4602 Senior Secondary Music Education

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jim Coyle Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3 hr lecture-seminar Prerequisites: MUED3606 Assessment: Music 1 unit of work (30%), Music 2 resource kit (45%), PEER teaching (25%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study investigates the principles and practices of music teaching and learning at the senior secondary school level. It covers: aural skills, creativity, assessment, planning, repertoire, music analysis, musical understanding, resources and curriculum development. Musical content in this unit of study concentrates on music of the last 25 years with an Australian focus but includes an important element of cultural diversity.
MUED4603 Cultural Diversity in Music Education

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Thomas Fienberg Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 hr lecture, 2 hours seminar Assumed knowledge: It is recommended that students have successfully completed MUED2605 and MUED3605 prior to undertaking this unit Assessment: Personal rationale (20%), fieldwork assignment (30%) and seminar presentation (20%), workshop and transcription activity (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study prepares students to teach music in a culturally diverse society. Music of a range of cultures is investigated in relation to its structure and cultural context and varied approaches to teaching this music in a classroom context are explored. Provision is made for the collection, evaluation and development of music resources appropriate for teaching in culturally diverse educational settings.
MUED4622 Special Education in Music

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc. Professor Jennifer Rowley Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1 x 4 hour seminar per day in the relevant block week. Prerequisites: EDLN2000 Corequisites: MUED4633 Assessment: 1 x reading assignment (40%); 1 x case study (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: A/Professor Jennifer Rowley
This subject introduces students to the special education (the individual differences of learners) faced by beginning music teachers. It includes topics such as meeting the education needs of students with disabilities, sensory and physical disabilities, and emotional and behaviour disorders. An understanding by all teachers of the Disability Standards for Education (2005) is a requirement of the graduate teaching standards by AITSL (Australian Institute of Teachers and School Leaders). This unit of study provides an in-depth examination of legislation and policy, and a detailed exploration of quality education practice that is required to assist teachers in meeting the requirements of this policy and legislation. Further, it will offer students an opportunity to make direct links to classroom practice. Focus will be given to the cycle of teaching and learning and planning to meet individual needs of students.
MUED4623 Professional/Social Issues in Music Education

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc. Professor Jennifer Rowley Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1 x 4 hour seminar per day in the relevant block week. Prerequisites: EDLN2000 Corequisites: MUED4633 Assessment: ePortfolio career task including “me in a minute” (30%); 1 x action research project (70%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: A/Professor Jennifer Rowley
This subject introduces students to the professional, philosophical and social issues faced by beginning music teachers. It includes topics such as the TPA (Teaching Performance Assessment) which is a tool used to assess the practical skills and knowledge of pre-service teachers. Pre-service teachers collect evidence of practice to complete a TPA in the final year of their initial teacher education program and this is monitored by the Australian Institute of Teachers and School Leaders (AITSL). In addition, the "social issues" such as student well-being within the NSW DoE policy applications; educational sociology (gender/race/ethnicity/historical schooling/poverty etc.) and the impact of this understanding by the teacher in their classroom practice; and the contemporary social issues that impact learners in teachers' care (e.g. climate change, technology, global perspectives on education etc.). Students have the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of specific areas of work related professional and social issues during their professional experience placement through the undertaking of an individualised action research project at their placement school.
MUED4633 Professional Experience 3

Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc. Professor Jennifer Rowley Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 36-40 days placement in a school. Prerequisites: MUED3606 Assessment: Professional Experience Report (100%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study provides the final professional experience for music education students. The program consists of a 7-8 week teaching block (5 days a week) in a NSW secondary school. Students will be required to teach both junior and senior secondary school music classes (Years 7-12) and undertake the daily responsibilities and activities of a music teacher. It is envisaged that in the final weeks of this unit students will be responsible for a music teacher's full day teaching program. This last practice teaching experience enables the student music teacher to put into practice theoretical and practical content of all previous music education courses completed in their four year degree. It provides experiences, through which student teachers further develop an understanding of the ethical and professional requirements of being a teacher, successfully communicate with their students and fellow teaching colleagues and become independent, self-motivated practicing music teachers.