Elements and Performance Criteria

Instruments may include:

acoustic or electronic

brass

stringed instruments

keyboards

wind instruments

percussion

plucked instruments

voice

Techniques may include:

vocal and instrumental sound production

bowing

tonguing

embouchure

plucking

beating

fingering

Techniques include at least one of:

playing or singing notes, short, simple tunes and basic scales

playing, tapping or clapping rhythms and rhythm patterns

playing chords and simple chord patterns

The range of the instrument may include:

tone colour

dynamics or volume

sound production

pitch, register or tessitura

specific effects available using a range of attacks

other acoustic or electronic effects

The capability of an instrument may include its:

application to a range of music making activities and outcomes

scope and potential for solo or group performance

adaptability

size

Tuning the instrument may include adjusting the:

pitch

oral tract, including lip pressure and intensity of breath

position of the diaphragm and larynx

sound production

tone colour

diameter or other instrumental dimensions such as:

length of strings

tautness of skins

length of tubing or pipes

instrumental materials

settings of the instrument and relevant accessories

Tuning may involve the use of:

tuning keys or other tuning implements

pitch pipes

tuning forks

other musicians

electronic tuners

electronic pitch or frequency controls

Tone colour may involve:

physical elements of the instrument

instrumental attack

a range of accessories

interaction between the player and the instrument

performer's physique

voice production

OHS principles may include:

hearing and volume levels for self and others

safe posture

electricity hazards

carrying loads

relevant practice or legislation

policies relevant to particular performance contexts

Accessories may include:

reeds

strings

plectrums

mouth pieces

mallets or beaters

stands

pedals

microphones

amplifiers

samplers

mixers

enhancers, such as pitch and tone modulators

Musical elements include:

simple melodies

simple rhythms

simple musical forms

Underpinning knowledge and skills
Assessment must include evidence of the following knowledge and skills:
using available and appropriate printed or audio tutoring resources
sound production in selected instrument or voice
performance and instrumental protocols and customs in selected musical style and repertoire
parts of the instrument
ability to reproduce basic musical patterns
ability to use basic instrumental techniques
ability to discriminate pitch and/or rhythm
planning practice time and setting realistic technical development goals
knowledge of basic repertoire relevant to the selected instrument and musical style

Linkages to other units
This unit has strong linkages to, and may be assessed with, the following units:
CUSMGE11A Develop music knowledge and listening skills
CUSBGE01A Develop and update music industry knowledge

Critical aspects of evidence
The following evidence is critical to the judgment of competence in this unit:
basic physical capacity and coordination to play or sing simple melodies, chords and/or rhythm patterns

Method and context of assessment
Evidence of competence can be obtained through a variety of methods including:
observation of practical performance of music in candidate's chosen musical style
authenticated details of relevant courses or training sessions
authenticated details of relevant artistic and/or commercial achievements
testimonial from individual tutor
relevant portfolio kit, tapes, scores, CDs, videos, biographies and on candidate's work
portfolios or other documentation which demonstrate the processes used in realising creative concept
Competency in this unit may need to be assessed over a period of time, in a range of contexts and on multiple occasions involving a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary forms of evidence. The assessee must nominate the area of specialisation to be assessed.
Assessment may occur off the job, on the job or in a combination of on and off the job. Assessment of this unit requires evidence of practical performance demonstrating two simple performing techniques in the nominated area of specialisation.

Resource requirements
This unit of competency must be assessed using:
relevant instrument and equipment
space with suitable physical and acoustic characteristics

Communicating ideas and information
(1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(1)

Planning and organising activities
(1)

Working with others and in teams
(1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(0)

Solving problems
(0)

Using technology
(1)