Continue to enhance your ensemble skills, developing essential teamwork, leadership and communication skills, as well as experience the joy of creating music in a collaborative, group focused setting.
You may choose one of the following pathways:
Jazz Ensemble: Explore the vibrant world of jazz with a diverse group of musicians and singers.
Vocal Ensemble: Develop your vocal skills, vocal versatility, explore various styles and repertoire whilst enhancing your harmony skills.
Chamber Music: Immerse yourself in the rich tradition of classical chamber music, playing alongside fellow instrumentalists.
Important: please contact the School office as soon as possible to let us know which ensemble you would like to join and which instrument you play. Auditions are required if you have not studied Music Performance at Otago University before. See link under ‘Eligibility’ for more information about the audition process.
About this paper
| Paper title | Music Ensemble 3 |
|---|---|
| Subject | Music |
| EFTS | 0.1500 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,318.20 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- MUSI 243, or MUSI 144 and 18 200-level MUSI points. Or one of MUSI 241, 246, PERF 203 (all no longer offered).
- Restriction
- MUSI 244, 340
- Limited to
- MusB, BPA
- Notes
- (i) At least a B- pass must be gained in MUSI 243 or MUSI 244. (ii) May not be taken at the same time as MUSI 340 (except in the traditional or world music performance options); (iii) Subject to staff availability and adequate number of enrolments. See website for list of ensembles (the Ensemble options on offer in 2025 are: Chamber Music; Vocal Ensemble; and Jazz Ensemble).
- Eligibility
Entry is by audition unless a current performance music student.
Note: A minimum pass of B- is required for continuation to 300 level.
May not be taken at the same time as two other concurrent music performance papers.
Ensembles are subject to staff availability and adequate number of enrolments.
See this link for more information about the Audition process. Even if you are not auditioning, it is important that you contact the School office when you enrol to let them know which ensemble and instrument you have
- Contact
Contact the School of Performing Arts office for more information.
- More information link
View more information at the School of Performing arts website, or contact the office.
- Teaching staff
Paper Coordinator: Arlie McCormick
Chamber Music Ensemble Teaching Staff
Coordinator: Dr Heleen du Plessis
Vocal Ensemble Teaching Staff
Coordinator: Dr Tessa Romano
Jazz Ensemble Teaching Staff
Coordinator: David Harrison
- Teaching Arrangements
Directed Group Class: 13 1 x hour per week for 13 weeks
Multi-Level Workshop: 13 1 x hour per week for 13 weeks
Seminar 2 x 1 hour for two weeks
Practice/Rehearsal: 152, combination of written work and practice
(8 hours + 4 hours = 12 hours)
TOTAL HOURS: 180 TOTAL
You are responsible for dividing up your practice time over the weeks. On average you can expect to spend 5 hours per week working on this paper.
- Textbooks
No textbooks are required for this paper. All resources available on Blackboard.
- Course outline
Contact the School of Performing Arts office for a copy of the most recent course outline.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Research, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Demonstrates enhanced control and accuracy in executing technical exercises and passages within the ensemble, ensuring alignment with other musicians for cohesive performance.
Begins to interpret expressive markings with sensitivity, engaging in collaborative dialogue with ensemble members to convey musical intent effectively.
Demonstrates increased ability to shape phrases and convey emotion collectively within the ensemble, fostering deeper musical communication and connection among musicians.
Identifies and explains various stylistic elements within repertoire pieces, facilitating ensemble discussions and informed musical decision-making among ensemble members.
Shows developing understanding of historical and cultural contexts of assigned repertoire within the ensemble, enriching interpretation and fostering appreciation for diverse musical traditions among ensemble members.
- Assessment details
Please note that this ensemble paper is individualized, and assessment specifics vary based on genre and style.
Reflective Essay (specific to your ensemble): 2500 words, 20%
Reflective Journal (specific to your ensemble): 2000 words, 10%
Performance: End of semester internal performance assessment, specific to your ensemble, 70%