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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Develop an understanding of music arrangement
  2. Generate ideas for musical arrangements
  3. Arrange music
  4. Evaluate own music arrangements

Required Skills

Required skills

communication and teamwork skills sufficient to

discuss requirements for arranging music in a collaborative manner

document plans for music arrangement projects

respond positively to constructive feedback on own arrangements

listening skills in the context of

using aural imagination when manipulating musical elements

analysing music instrumentation

applying auralperception skills to enhance the sound of original compositions

initiative and enterprise skills in the context of

phrasing and shaping music appropriately

giving the finished work a stylistically convincing sound

demonstrating originality and innovative approaches in the use and organisation of musical elements

incorporating melodic and harmonic components to give arrangements a musically distinctive sound

arranging music appropriately for the context of venues and perceived audience taste

learning skills in the context of continuously improving musicarranging techniques through practice and refinement based on critical feedback

planning selfmanagement and organisational skills sufficient to

prioritise work tasks

meet deadlines

plan the arrangement of music in a logical sequence

work within established budgets and timeframes

demonstrate reliability in all agreed work commitments

technology skills in the context of using music composition and arranging software at a working level of proficiency

Required knowledge

welldeveloped understanding of musicianship issues including

repertoire and music history relevant to area of specialisation

harmony and counterpoint

instrumentation and orchestration

musical protocols and customs for setting down music

genres and styles and their musical forms and conventions in written notation

interpretation of chords scales melodies forms textures or other conventions found within music notation

options for using computer applications to notate music

copyright issues in relation to arranging compositions

reading and writing music using written music notation such as acoustic and electronic scores sheet music and chord charts

techniques for writing directions for

instrumentation

voicing

expression

timbre

attack

pitch

tempi

dynamics

issues and challenges that typically arise in the context of arranging music

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to

arrange a selection of compositions in response to at least two briefs

apply welldeveloped aural skills to the music arranging process

work collaboratively with others involved in creating or performing the music arrangements

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure

access to an environment where music arranging skills can be applied

access to industrycurrent software hardware and audio equipment for composing orchestrating and setting down music

access to scores relevant to the candidates selected musical styles

use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are appropriate for this unit

evaluation of work plans prepared by the candidate

direct observation of the candidate arranging musical pieces

written or oral questioning to assess candidates understanding of musical elements and techniques for arranging compositions

written or oral questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required knowledge section of this unit

case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussion of issues and challenges that typically arise in the context of arranging music in response to a brief

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended for example

CUFCMPA Implement copyright arrangements

CUFCMP301A Implement copyright arrangements

CUSMCPA Develop techniques for composing music

CUSMCP402A Develop techniques for composing music

CUSMCPA Compose music using electronic media

CUSMCP501A Compose music using electronic media

CUSMLTA Notate music for performance

CUSMLT401A Notate music for performance

CUSMLTA Analyse functional harmony

CUSMLT403A Analyse functional harmony

CUSMLTA Refine auralperception skills

CUSMLT501A Refine aural-perception skills.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Appropriate personnel may include:

composer

songwriter

music publisher

performer

ensemble member

big band member

presenter

designer:

sound

lighting

costume

make-up and hair

special effects

client

marketing and promotions personnel

artist's agent

conductor

tutor

mentor.

Factors may include:

purpose of arrangement, such as to:

enhance the work of recording artists

write charts for performing artists who work with house bands

help songwriters structure their compositions

write versions of existing popular songs for ensembles or for publication

transcribe existing arrangements

modify existing screen music

remix existing popular music recordings for specialised markets, such as dance, radio and internet

contractual arrangements

available resources

amount of time allocated to rehearsal

available budget

client's expectations

intellectual property

copyright

online distribution considerations:

file compression for streaming and downloading

file formats

promotional samples to accompany each piece

timelines.

Musical elements may include:

acoustics

aesthetic qualities

articulation

attack

beat

cultural context

duration

dynamics

expression

form

harmony/chords

instrumentation

interpretation

intonation

melody

notation

nuance

orchestration

ornamentation

phrasing

pitch

relationship to song lyrics

rhythm

scales

shape

sound production

suspensions

tempo

texture

timbre/tone colour

time signatures

tonality

transposition

unity and contrast

voicing

volume.

Scope of music arrangement brief may include:

purpose

number of musical pieces required

duration of pieces

musical genre

extent of instrumentation/orchestration required

budget

required resources

evaluation and review requirements

timeline

final format for arrangements.

Aspects to be covered in the work plan may include:

duration, general vision for and scope of the compositions being arranged

text and any associated collaboration required

timelines

budget

resources required for the work

copyright clearances required

timetable that allows for unexpected developments and contingencies

communication plan that ensures ongoing discussion and confirmation of the direction being taken with arrangements

plan of music components and any text components

map that clearly indicates duration requirements for sections of the work.

Aspects to be covered in a contract may include:

milestones and payment schedule

materials and facilities provided by both parties

responsibilities of both parties

role of any subcontracted personnel

process for negotiating variations to the contract.

Briefing others may involve:

allocating work in line with project requirements

providing specifications

agreeing on standards of work and monitoring procedures

providing technical and financial information

agreeing on payment schedules

discussing reporting mechanisms and arrangements for dealing with contingencies

negotiating process for providing feedback on work in progress.

Techniques may include:

transforming songs from their basic form into authentic-sounding performances or recordings

designing melodic development

sweetening rhythm tracks by writing parts for different instruments

generating harmony vocals

creative use of countermelodic devices specific to different styles of music

writing material that fits comfortably with the standard technique of a particular instrument or voice

adding original music

simplifying music for specific target markets

rounding off rhythms and pitches

applying guide tones

using counterpoint

composing heads as starting points for jazz improvisation

instrumentation

writing note combinations that sound good to the ear

contrary motion

writing parts

creating introductions and endings

using countermelodies

re-harmonising chord progressions

developing musical themes or motifs.

Format may be:

computer-based

paper-based.