‘Please note that the University and the Faculty of Arts have launched a new assessment policy effective as of 1 July 2021. This new policy particularly affects LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENTS.

The Faculty policy in relation to late assessment submissions is as follows:

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – 10 marks out of 100 credit will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted seven days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests, etc.

To be very clear:

·       Unless you have applied for special consideration and had your application approved, for each day your assignment is late, 10 marks will be deducted. For example, if you submit your assignment 7 days late, 70 marks will be deducted, which means you will fail that assignment.

·       If your assignment is more than 7 days late (including weekends), you will get 0 marks for your assignment.

These are serious penalties that will substantially alter your final grade and even determine whether you pass or fail this unit. Please make every effort to submit your assignment by the due date.

If you find you cannot submit your assignment on time, please apply for Special Consideration through AskMQ. Make sure you read Macquarie University's policy regarding Special Consideration requests before you apply: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/assessment-exams/special-consideration’

Written, Performed and/or Recorded Submissions

All assessment tasks have both written and performed (or presented) components. All written components for assessment tasks must be submitted through Turnitin by the due date/time shown. 

Students will be required to provide an instrumental backing track in a suitable key if performing for assessment three (3). It is the responsibility of students to ensure that backing tracks do not breach copyright legislation, are obtained legally and are not pirated copies. No melody or vocals are to be on the backing track used for assessment purposes (i.e. they should be instrumental accompaniment only). Performances are to be from memory. That is, no reading of scripts, lyrics or music.

Referencing Style

For all written work, students are required to use the APA 7th referencing system for all in-text referencing and reference lists. This includes references for recorded material as appropriate.

Recording of Assessed Performances

Due to copyright issues, no practical assessments (group or solo) may be recorded by students in either audio or video format.

Return of marked work

Formal and informal feedback will be issued throughout the session.

Assessment standards

1. Rubrics are used for all assessments and will be available on iLearn.
2. Assessment standards in this unit align with the University's grade descriptors, available in Schedule 1 at: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment

THERE ARE NO TUTORIAL SESSIONS IN WEEK 1 - TUTORIALS BEGIN IN WEEK 2

Tutorial activities will include a variety of tasks, instructions, practice and group performance work. Students will undertake the majority of their vocal practice at home including the practice of vocal exercises, and learning/practicing songs. Students will be updated as to appropriate tutorial procedures in accordance with NSW Health guidelines.

Students will be formed into groups to complete Assessment Task 2 (Vocal Learning and Reflection). Group members will all be part of one tutorial group. Tutorials will also be used to plan material, explain assessment task details, discuss lecture content and discuss readings. In addition, tutorials will be used to discuss strategies to put together ensemble performances in a safe environment. The interactive nature of the group work for the unit means that it is essential that students attend weekly lectures, tutorials and undertake the activities associated with each week's content.

Online tutorial students will also be formed into groups to complete Assessment Task 2. The performed component of this task will need to be completed as a compiled recording. Details will be discussed in online zoom tutorials.

iLearn Forums

Students are required to participate in iLearn Forums for all group discussions. Please do not use social media, e.g., do not use Facebook. Due to copyright issues, the posting of lyrics, sheet music and/or videos on iLearn is not permitted. If appropriate, please post only links to resources such as websites/YouTube. Please ensure that these are legitimate sites (e.g artist's websites).

Required Readings and Resources

Required readings are available through Leganto.

Set singing exercises are available on iLearn.

Vocal Health and Care

Students should bring bottled room temperature water to all tutorials. Students are requested to advise their tutor of any vocal health issues.

Technologies used and required

A computer and Internet access are required. Music playback facility is also required.

Individual Learning and Group Work

Due to the practical, interactive and group components of this unit, students are encouraged to read the essential readings prior to engaging in the weekly lectures, to conduct individual research and to work on vocal development progressively throughout the semester. Students therefore need to devise a progressive schedule that enables research and regular practice.