STRG3012: Semester 1, 2025
Skip to main content
Unit outline_

Unit outlines now display a small icon AI Allowed = AI allowed restricted AI = restricted AI to indicate which assessments allow you to use AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot Chat. Make sure you are aware of how AI can be used, as unauthorised use is a breach of academic integrity.

STRG3012: Pedagogy Strings 1

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Sydney

This unit of study offers an introduction to the basic principles of teaching and learning bowed instruments. Topics covered include the principles of movement, posture and set-up, bow hold, bow strokes, left hand development and coordination, psychology and motivation, and curriculum. The emphasis is on pedagogical practice and method and the development of foundational instrumental and interpretative skills. Students are expected to research some main teaching methods, literature and pedagogical repertoire relevant to topics covered.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Performance
Credit points 3
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Goetz Richter, goetz.richter@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Goetz Richter, goetz.richter@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Creative assessment / demonstration Viva voce exam
spoken response to practical questions
40% STUVAC
Due date: 06 Jun 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 06 Jun 2025
12 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Small test Pedagogy Test #1 (Foundational Understanding)
Written in-class quiz on Canvas
20% Week 05
Due date: 28 Mar 2025 at 13:00

Closing date: 28 Mar 2025
30mins
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO2
Small test Pedagogy Test # 2 (Technical Topics)
Canvas Quiz, completed in class
20% Week 09
Due date: 02 May 2025 at 15:00

Closing date: 02 May 2025
30mins
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO2
Small test Pedagogy Test #3
Canvas quiz on curriculum, performance preparation and topics covered in the last weeks of semester
20% Week 13
Due date: 30 May 2025 at 15:00

Closing date: 30 May 2025
30 min
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO4 LO3

Assessment summary

  • Three in semester tests focussing on performance pedagogy, musical or instrumental development. Focus areas are
    • theoretical and developmental principles (material covered in weeks 1-4) (Test 1)
    • Left and right hand development, technical topics (weeks 5- 9)(Text 2)
    • Curriculum, artistry and performance, memory, performance preparation (weeks 9-12) (Test 3)
  • Viva voce exam: A ten-minute interview-exam (viva voce) will present  questions on the material covered in the semester. In person in room 2087.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The following assessment criteria are used for written work in this unit of study:

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Demonstrates high level of initiative in research and reading; sophisticated critical analysis of evidence; high level engagement with theoretical issues, innovative use of reading/research material and impressive command of underlying debates and assumptions; properly documented and written with style, originality and precision.

Distinction

75 - 84

Demonstrates initiative in research and wide, appropriate reading; complex understanding of question and ability to critically review material in relation to underlying assumptions and values; analyses material in relation to empirical and theoretical contexts; properly documented; clear, well-developed structure and argument with some signs of literary style.

Credit

65 - 74

Evidence of broader understanding than pass level; offers synthesis with some critical evaluation of material; coherent argument using a range of relevant evidence; some evidence of independent thought, good referencing. A high credit (70-74) shows some evidence of ability to problematise and think conceptually.

Pass

50 - 64

Written work meets basic requirements in terms of reading/research; relevant material; tendency to descriptive summary rather than critical argument; makes a reasonable attempt to avoid paraphrasing; reasonably coherent structure; often has weaknesses in particular areas, especially in terms of narrow or underdeveloped treatment of question; acceptable documentation.

Fail

0 - 49

Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: Unacceptable paraphrasing; irrelevance of content; poor spelling; poor presentation; grammar or structure so sloppy it cannot be understood; failure to demonstrate understanding of content; insufficient or overlong word length.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University policy

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction and foundations: The study of musical performance, pedagogical principles, the fundamentals of development and didactic work Seminar (1.5 hr) LO1
Week 02 Artistic performance through movement, intentionality and character, body and instrument, time and energy, mental and physical processes, phenomenology of playing, technique as embodied thinking Seminar (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 03 Setting up. The dynamic view of posture and movement. Movement revisited, body and mind - implications for pedagogy. Seminar (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 04 The left hand. The asymmetry of string playing. Fundamental nature of timing, Setting up- and developing left hand foundation, Balanced movement, timing and rhythm, sound and tactile sense Seminar (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 05 Intonation Seminar (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 The String Player's Voice: The right arm and hand. The role of the bow hand, setting up and developing bowing and tone. The central nature of tone Seminar (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Bow strokes and bowing technique. Developing bowing and tone Seminar (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Performance: psychology, motivation and artistry. Preparing for public performance. A return to fundamentals. Seminar (1.5 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Practice: foundations, methods of learning and practice, progress and effectiveness Seminar (1.5 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 10 Curriculum: pedagogical materials and their sequencing. Seminar (1.5 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 11 Curriculum: pedagogical materials and their sequencing. (contd) Seminar (1.5 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 12 Institutions and programs: building string programs, group classes and programs, the role of parents, collaboration and working with colleagues. Seminar (1.5 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: Students are expected ot attend all classes to pass this unit of study

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 3 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 60-75 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

As oultined on Canvas site for the weeks of semester

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. understand the major foundational musical, developmental and technical principles relevant to their instrument
  • LO2. demonstrate some theoretical and practical ability to develop a coherent teaching methodology based on principles of proximate development and balance, and know how to apply such foundational pedagogical knowledge in practice
  • LO3. develop the framework of a useful resource base for their own teaching practice
  • LO4. demonstrate abilities and attitudes promoting life-long learning and ongoing pedagogical development through critical engagement with pedagogical literature, careful observation of practice and consistent clear reflection.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Student feedback has not suggested any changes to the Unit. No changes have been made.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

This unit of study outline was last modified on 12 Feb 2025.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.