Unit of competency details

Release 

Comments 

Release 2

Created to fix formatting errors only.

Released with CUS09 Music Training Package version 1.2

Application of the unit 

The skills and knowledge described in this unit can be applied in a wide range of contexts in the music industry - from performance, composition and music teaching, to business and technical production. People will be applying an advanced level of music industry knowledge in their chosen field. This could include research and analysis of information relevant to work roles within the music industry, such as industry structures and operations, employment issues, industry trends, networking, emerging technologies and industry laws and regulations.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Research industry information

1.1 In consultation with appropriate personnel , identify areas of music research  relevant to own professional practice

1.2 Use appropriate sources of information  to ensure currency of industry knowledge

1.3 Analyse music areas  for artistic and commercial qualities and opportunities

1.4 Identify and participate in professional development activities  to consolidate industry knowledge

2. Maintain effective industry networks

2.1 Maintain relationships with appropriate personnel for increased awareness of current artistic and commercial issues

2.2 Use network strategies  to establish and maintain relationships that enhance own professional practice

2.3 Participate in artistic and industry networks  to maintain and inform currency of music industry knowledge and artistic judgement

3. Enhance professional practice

3.1 Apply music industry knowledge and artistic judgement as required to predict music trends

3.2 Apply specialist music knowledge  as required to achieve targeted artistic and commercial outcomes 

3.3 Apply current music industry knowledge to inform own professional practice

4. Evaluate music industry knowledge

4.1 Assess and evaluate music information and knowledge against professional practice requirements

4.2 Seek input and information to identify and address deficits in music knowledge to help maintain work performance

4.3 Evaluate the quality and success of artistic judgement in achieving planned work or other outcomes

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• communication and teamwork skills sufficient to:

• obtain and interpret information to ensure currency of work practice
• share industry information with colleagues and peers
• acknowledge cultural protocols
• seek feedback and integrate constructive advice into own professional practice
• read and understand industry information

• learning skills sufficient to identify:

• opportunities to maintain and enhance industry knowledge
• own knowledge and information needs

• numeracy skills sufficient to interpret relevant technical data
• planning and organisational skills sufficient to monitor own work and introduce strategies to improve performance
• initiative and enterprise skills in the context of:

• applying artistic judgement to music products
• applying critical-listening skills to make informed judgements about music

Required knowledge 

• well-developed understanding of the music industry in area of specialisation:

• industry structure and operation
• employment obligations and opportunities
• trends and emerging technologies
• music styles and elements of musical organisation
• music terminology
• copyright, moral rights, intellectual property and other legislation relevant to the music industry
• professional behaviour, ethics and cultural protocols as they apply to the music industry
• sources of information about the music industry
• strategies for maintaining current industry knowledge
• performance contexts and artists' needs

• OHS requirements relevant to particular work contexts

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:

• apply critical artistic judgement to achieve artistic or strategic work outcomes
• research, analyse, critique and apply industry information
• maintain effective industry networks
• enhance own professional practice.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• access to a range of relevant and current music industry information
• access to an appropriate environment to enhance professional practice
• access to appropriate technology to research and apply music industry information
• access to relevant music industry networks, including opportunity for collaboration
• access to appropriate learning and assessment support as required
• use of culturally appropriate processes, and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment 

The following assessment methods are appropriate for this unit:

• case studies or interviews to assess candidate's ability to research industry information and apply knowledge to different contexts and situations
• direct observation of candidate analysing, critiquing and sharing industry information
• problem-solving activities to assess candidate's critical-thinking skills
• written or oral questioning to assess knowledge of technical and context issues that affect professional practice in a given industry context
• authenticated samples of relevant work examples and products
• portfolios or other documentation that demonstrate the processes used in realising creative music examples and products.

Guidance information for assessment 

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

• CUSMGT502A Manage artists and their careers
• CUSMGT503A Develop artists and repertoire
• CUSMKG501A Manage the promotion of creative acts
• CUSMLT601A Analyse music
• CUSWRT501A Write about music.

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:

• composers
• producers
• editors of publications
• music critics
• managers
• marketing and public relations personnel
• sound-production and recording personnel
• record companies
• teachers
• mentors
• musicians
• photographers
• bandleaders
• music conductors
• choir leaders.

Areas of music research  may include:

• music performance
• music industry trends and fashions
• existing and emerging artists, repertoire and events
• artist training and repertoire development
• artists
• products
• existing and emerging music technologies related to:

• performance
• production
• distribution
• marketing

• music industry opportunities
• artistic policy development
• music commentary and criticism
• media broadcasting
• programming
• music business operations.

Sources of information  may include:

• music industry events, such as:

• performances
• community activities
• conferences
• conventions
• festivals
• functions
• trade fairs
• competitions and awards

• electronic and print media, such as:

• articles
• journals
• magazines
• news
• reviews
• industrial relations publications
• industry publications
• lifestyle and contemporary issues magazines

• government publications, such as:

• legislation
• policy and procedures manuals

• internet
• libraries and archives, including text, film, video, sound and graphic
• peak copyright organisations
• personal observations and experience.

Music areas  may include:

• popular/commercial music
• classical/concert music
• world music
• jazz
• folk
• solo
• small ensemble
• large ensemble
• acoustic
• electronic
• music theatre.

Professional development activities  may include:

• conferences
• master classes
• seminars
• symposiums
• training programs
• workshops.

Network strategies  may include:

• association membership
• conference participation
• distributing materials
• individual marketing
• maintaining regular contact
• seminar attendance
• society membership.

Industry networks  may include:

• advisory committees
• chambers of commerce
• community organisations
• government agencies
• industry sector committees
• lobby groups
• local councils
• professional industry associations
• project-specific consultative or reference groups
• specific interest or support groups
• suppliers
• unions
• work teams.

Specialist music knowledge  may include and inform:

• repertoire
• knowledge of artists
• critical-listening skills
• artistic judgement
• music history
• performance practice in a range of styles and customs
• music technology
• music texts
• aural recognition and comprehension of musical devices and systems, including:

• melody
• harmony
• timbre
• attack
• pitch
• tempi
• dynamics
• expression

• physics of music and sound production
• technical requirements of instruments in a range of musical styles and performance contexts
• aural imagination or music innovation.

Artistic and commercial outcomes  may include:

• talking or writing about music
• composing and performing music
• preparing for and producing audio and video recordings
• music teaching
• using music software to produce music or music effects
• sound design
• programming
• marketing and promoting music products
• direct and indirect selling of music products and services
• artistic worth in music products or events
• commercial potential and feasibility of artists, repertoire and music products
• potential to develop new products and markets.