EDP3305

Music in Australia: Australia in music

Dr G J Hurworth

6 points - 2 hours per week - Second semester - Peninsula

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have composed a number of pieces in small groups which represent unique aspects of Australia; improved their knowledge and understanding of music-making in traditional and contemporary Aboriginal contexts; improved their understanding of Australia's musical history post-1788 in its socio-cultural context; an awareness of Australia's major composers post-1788 and how they have tried to express Australia in music; improved their ability to read music notation; improved their understanding of the use of instruments in Aboriginal contexts, and by composers post-1788 to represent Australia in music; improved their music listening skills, aspects of melody, harmony, form and the use of instruments.

Synopsis This subject has been designed to introduce students to, or improve their skills in, composing music in small groups. The compositions will reflect their ideas on how to represent the uniqueness of Australia in music. Emphasis will be placed on detailed, analytical study of selected repertoire by composers post-1788, who have tried to express Australia in music. In addition, students will gain an understanding of music within Aboriginal contexts and the place of music within Australian society post-1788.

Assessment Folio of compositions: 50% - Examination: 50%

Recommended texts

Ford A Australian classical music Sounds Australia, 1991
Gillies M and Pear D The all round man Clarendon Press, 1994
Moyle A Music and dance in traditional aboriginal culture Monash University, 1992

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