Key facts

UNE unit code: MUSI321

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Not offered in 2026
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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Musical performance increasingly integrates visual media and sonic technologies to engage audiences, manipulate senses and enhance the live performance experience.

Studying this unit you will learn how to evaluate and criticise the role of the visual in music performance. You will look at current trends and directions in the use of media technologies and learn how to incorporate some of these key technologies into live musical performance projects.

This unit includes a multimedia performance project for a live or web-based audience. You will learn to evaluate musical amplification requirements in different performance settings, practise live sonic processing techniques and understand the function of visual media projection technologies within different performance environments.

You will also analyse a variety of live multimedia performances including popular and classical music concerts, V Jing performances, sonic arts installations, and interactive performance art.

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
MUSI160 or MUSI360 or MUSI260 or MUSI560 or EDAE396 or candidature in BEd(InServConv)) or candidature in MA (Music - Rule (b)) or (18cp from MUSI349 or MUSI351 or MUSI352 or MUSI353 or MUSI354 or MUSI355 or MUSI356 or MUSI357) or candidature in MA (Creative Futures) or candidature in Diploma of Music Technology or permission from the Unit Coordinator

Notes

Students training to be qualified school music teachers are required to study four units in musical performance to meet the Subject Content Requirements outlined by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NSWESA). MUSI321 can be counted towards these requirements. Students will be required to source and install music software to complete this unit. The unit coordinator will provide advice on this process at the beginning of the unit. Software purchases required for this unit will be published in the Course and Unit Catalogue prior to enrolment.

 

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Donna Hewitt
Donna HewittAssociate Professor in Music, Music technology, Music production, Creative Practice, Performance, Composition - Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education; School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. apply knowledge of sonic and visual media technologies to the development of a musical performance;
  2. critically analyse a range of multimedia performances to determine how sonic and visual media technologies develop aesthetic and narrative complexity;
  3. demonstrate understanding of common sonic processing technologies and apply these technologies in given creative scenarios and tasks; and
  4. demonstrate knowledge of amplification systems and media technology requirements for common live musical performance settings.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Assessment 1Yes20%All offerings

Online activities and participation in online forums.

No. Words: 500 (equivalent)

Assessment 2No20%All offerings

Sonic processing assessment.

No. Words: 1000 (equivalent)

Assessment 3Yes40%All offerings

Multimedia performance project. It is mandatory to pass this assessment in order to pass the unit.

No. Words: 2500 (equivalent)

Unit QuizzesYes20%All offerings

2 unit quizzes worth 10% each

No. Words: 1000 (equivalent)

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

See Note

Note: Students are required to purchase a Lynda.com subscription for the duration of Trimester 1. Monthly subscriptions are available directly from the website: http://www.lynda.com.

Text refers to: All offerings

Basic Live Sound Reinforcement

ISBN: 9780240821016

Raven Biederman and Penny Pattison, Focal Press 2013

Note: Also available as an eBook (VitalSource) ISBN: 9780240824833.

Text refers to: All offerings

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