Individual tuition lies at the core of developing advanced performing skills. The instrumental/vocal teacher monitors each student’s progress, diagnoses technical problems and suggests strategies for independent practice. The Masterclass is managed by the relevant lecturer and focuses on relevant technical and musical issues pertaining to the family of instruments.  The Jazz Forum provides at least one performance opportunity per semester. Students are also expected to make critical comments about performances of peers at the Forum and to maintain a written journal.

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

In addition to the required contact hours, students are expected to prepare and practise all repertoire, technical exercises and other material assigned by their instrumental teacher for at least three hours per day.

Individual Tuition 

·            18 hours over the full year; students are expected to be punctual and prepared for each lesson.

·            Students are expected to maintain 100% attendance at one to one lessons. See below for penalties.

Independent Practice

·         Students prepare and practise all repertoire, technical exercises and other material assigned by their instrumental teacher for at least three hours per day.

·         Journal – Some instrumental areas expect students to complete journal entries on a weekly basis, and submit journals to the relevant teacher at the end of each semester.

Instrumental Masterclass

·         The focus is on relevant technical issues and repertoire, professional issues and performance opportunities.

Jazz Forum

·         Attendance at weekly Forum

·         Students are scheduled to perform at Forum within their allocated Small Ensemble at least once per semester

·         Active and positive participation through critical documentation & discussion of performances.

The practical examination must be passed in order the pass the course as a whole.

Student Participation and Attendance Leave Guidelines

EXPECTATION

All students enrolled in courses taught by the Elder Conservatorium of Music are expected to actively and positively participate in 100% of required rehearsals, workshops, classes, lectures, tutorials and performances.  In courses where Participation & Attendance penalties apply (as defined in the Course Outline), any student who misses more than 40% of required classes will be ineligible for assessment in that course, irrespective of the amount of leave that has been formally approved.

LEAVE

The Conservatorium recognises that extenuating circumstances may occasionally affect a student’s ability to participate in a rehearsal, workshop, class, lecture, tutorial or performance.  In such cases Leave may, upon application using this Leave form, be approved by the relevant staff member (this could be the Head of Studies, teacher, conductor, lecturer or course coordinator as appropriate).

Practical Exams:

Students should refer to their specialist Guidelines for detailed technical and repertoire information.

For the end of Semester examination, in conjunction with the Instrumental Teacher, a performance program of the specified time (as listed in 5.1) is to be prepared, typically comprising Technical Studies (eg Etude), Solo Jazz Study/Tune or Transcription, Jazz Performance Piece (accompanied). In addition, candidates will be required to perform, without written music, one or two Jazz Tunes from the relevant Tunes List, as requested by the examiners.

Teacher assessment: - based on progress demonstrated in individual instrumental lessons

Masterclass Assessment:- based on ongoing assignments, both written and practical, as set by the particular instrumental area (see ‘Masterclass Outlines’)

Students must be available during the identified University examination periods. Students are not entitled to sit an examination at another time, nor are they entitled to any other concessions if an examination conflicts with a planned vacation or special event.

Students can collect copies of Examiners’ reports and teachers’ reports from the Music Office once the Examination Board Meeting has occurred at the end of each semester.