Unit title: Stringed Instruments: Design (SCQF level 8)

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J0HS 35, Stringed Instruments: Design (SCQF level 8) 1

Higher National Unit Specification

General information

Unit title:

Stringed Instruments: Design (SCQF level 8)

Unit code: J0HS 35

Superclass: LJ

Publication date: August 2018

Source: Scottish Qualifications Authority

Version: 02

Unit purpose

This unit enables learners to design components for one complex or two standard instruments. Learners will investigate instrument designs, materials and techniques. Research into the chosen design elements will be recorded and design ideas developed through sketch work into final working drawings.

This is a mandatory unit within the Higher National Diploma in Stringed Musical Instrument Making and Repair (SCQF level 8). It is aimed at learners who have completed the HNC in Stringed Instrument Making and Repair and wish to continue their education in this field, and for those working in industry who wish to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Outcomes

On successful completion of the unit the learner will be able to: 1 Investigate instrument design, materials and techniques. 2 Develop design ideas.

3 Produce working drawings.

Credit points and level

1 Higher National Unit credit at SCQF level 8: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 8)

Recommended entry to the unit

Entry is at the discretion of the centre, however learners are expected to have achieved

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Higher National Unit Specification: General information (cont)

Unit title:

Stringed Instruments: Design (SCQF level 8)

Core Skills

Achievement of this Unit gives automatic certification of the following Core Skills component: Complete Core Skill None

Core Skill component Critical Thinking at SCQF level 6

Planning and Organising at SCQF level 6

There are also opportunities to develop aspects of Core Skills which are highlighted in the Support Notes of this Unit specification.

Context for delivery

If this unit is delivered as part of a group award, it is recommended that it should be taught and assessed within the subject area of the group award to which it contributes.

Equality and inclusion

This unit specification has been designed to ensure that there are no unnecessary barriers to learning or assessment. The individual needs of learners should be taken into account when planning learning experiences, selecting assessment methods or considering alternative evidence.

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Higher National Unit Specification: Statement of standards

Unit title:

Stringed Instruments: Design (SCQF level 8)

Acceptable performance in this unit will be the satisfactory achievement of the standards set out in this part of the unit specification. All sections of the statement of standards are

mandatory and cannot be altered without reference to SQA.

Where evidence for outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Learners should not know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on each assessment occasion.

Outcome 1

Investigate instrument design, materials and techniques.

Knowledge and/or skills

 Selection of source material  Analysis

 Instrument designs and styles  Materials and techniques  Problem solving

Outcome 2

Develop design ideas.

Knowledge and/or skills

 Design process

 Instrument design and manufacture  Materials and techniques

 Problem solving  Reflective practices

 Drawing materials and tools

Outcome 3

Produce working drawings.

Knowledge and/or skills

 Drawing materials and tools

 Instrument design and manufacture  Instrument specifications

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Higher National Unit Specification: Statement of standards (cont)

Unit title:

Stringed Instruments: Design (SCQF level 8)

Evidence requirements for this unit

Learners will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills across all outcomes by showing that they can:

Outcome 1

 Investigate examples of instrument designs and styles

 Examine various instrument designs, their construction methods and materials  Identify how research will influence design

Evidence of research which includes both photographic and written material should be presented as a folio with a conclusion identifying how the research will influence the design.

Outcome 2

 Use the design process to develop ideas and concepts

 Develop design ideas demonstrating the use of suitable materials and techniques  Work out possible constructional problems before selecting

 Select suitable sketched ideas for development into final designs

Evidence should be presented as a folio/sketchbook of development ideas that show a clear progression from the initial research idea to the final design.

Outcome 3

 Produce working drawings

 Produce instrument specifications

Evidence should be presented as working drawings. Assessment should take place outcome by outcome.

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Higher National Unit Support Notes

Unit title:

Stringed Instruments: Design (SCQF level 8)

Unit support notes are offered as guidance and are not mandatory.

While the exact time allocated to this unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional design length is 40 hours.

Guidance on the content and context for this unit

This unit will enable learners to design elements for one complex or two standard

instruments. A complex instrument is likely to be an advanced project that the learner has not encountered before, for instance a carved jazz guitar, double neck guitar, hollow bodied electric guitar, lute, lute backed guitar, carved mandolin/mandola/bouzouki, cello, viol, viola or similar. If two standard instruments are chosen, the learner should be encouraged to investigate areas of design hitherto unexplored. For instance, a new style of rosette making, inlay, style of headstock, etc. Learners may choose to design a whole instrument or several elements for either one or two instruments. Where they choose to design a whole instrument, learners should focus on the main elements of body/neck/soundhole/bracing pattern, etc. When choosing to design several elements these might incorporate bridges/end

grafts/inlays/tailpieces/pickguards/soundholes/bodies/neck, etc.

Learners should develop the skills of research through identifying, sourcing, gathering, interpreting, organising, developing, documenting, recording and referencing information. Outcome 1 combines research and investigation into a chosen area of instrument making, for instance jazz guitars or perhaps the viola. Learners could collate information on historical design, specifications, materials and where relevant methods of construction. They could draw conclusions and influences from their investigation, which will enable them to begin designing specific elements as, agreed with the tutor. Ideas gathered from research will be explored in Outcome 2 through sketch work and developed into final concepts. Production drawings to enable manufacture of the final designs are produced in Outcome 3.

When selecting design ideas for development, learners should consider the practicalities of producing these. Sketch work should show a clear progression from the initial concept to the final designs which could be presented in a sketchbook or folio.

Throughout the unit learners should be encouraged to critically reflect on their work and to discuss with the tutor considerations that influence their creative choices. The selection for the final design should show consideration of the materials and techniques to be used in the production of the finished piece and of the complexity of the making processes involved.

Guidance on approaches to delivery of this unit

This unit has been developed as part of the HNC/HND Stringed Instrument Making and Repair award. It is recommended that it should be taught and assessed within the subject area of the group award to which it contributes. Opportunities may be taken to link or

integrate with other aspects of the course and a thematic approach adopted for both delivery and assessment.

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Higher National Unit Support Notes

Unit title:

Stringed Instruments: Design (SCQF level 8)

It would be highly advantageous for consideration to be given to research methodologies and approaches. Initial tutorials should identify leaners interests and help focus on relevant areas for research. Outcome 1 must be completed and submitted before Outcome 2 is begun. Although the unit could be taught as a standalone unit, it is envisaged that the designs will be produced in the group award unit, Stringed Instruments: Manufacture of Components (SCQF level 8). Therefore, the elements to be designed should be agreed between learners and tutors to ensure the designs are practical and achievable.

Lectures and group discussions about instrument design and visits to museums will help make learners aware of possible areas of interest to research. As the unit is student centred, space should be made for interpersonal constructive dialogue to stimulate the process of learning. Tutors should facilitate and advise rather than dictate the process.

Guidance on approaches to assessment of this unit

Evidence can be generated using different types of assessment. The following are suggestions only. There may be other methods that would be more suitable to learners. Centres are reminded that prior verification of centre-devised assessments would help to ensure that the national standard is being met. Where learners experience a range of

assessment methods, this helps them to develop different skills that should be transferable to work or further and higher education.

Assessment for outcomes 1, 2 and 3 could be presented in a folio. Each outcome should be completed and passed before moving onto the next outcome.

This unit can be integrated with Stringed Instrument: Manufacturing Preparation (SCQF level 8). The research, designing and planning may be combined in Outcome 1 for both units and presented in the same folio.

Opportunities for e-assessment

E-assessment may be appropriate for some assessments in this unit. By e-assessment we mean assessment which is supported by Information and Communication Technology (ICT), such as e-testing or the use of e-portfolios or social software. Centres which wish to use e-assessment must ensure that the national standard is applied to all learner evidence and that conditions of assessment as specified in the evidence requirements are met, regardless of the mode of gathering evidence. The most up-to-date guidance on the use of

e-assessment to support SQA’s qualifications is available at

www.sqa.org.uk/e-assessment.

Opportunities for developing Core and other essential skills

Information and Communication Technology and Communication skills will be developed

during the research process and problem solving skills during the design stage. Learners will need to make the designs achievable with reference to both materials and manufacturing. Learners will use problem solving when critically evaluating the design process to ensure final designs are practical and aesthetically pleasing.

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Higher National Unit Support Notes

Unit title:

Stringed Instruments: Design (SCQF level 8)

This Unit has the Critical Thinking and Planning and Organising components of Problem Solving embedded in it. This means that when learners achieve the Unit, their Core Skills profile will also be updated to show they have achieved Critical Thinking at SCQF level 6 and Planning and Organising at SCQF level 6.

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History of changes to unit

Version Description of change Date

02 Core Skills Components Critical Thinking and Planning and Organising at SCQF level 6 embedded.

31/8/18

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General information for learners

Unit title:

Stringed Instruments: Design (SCQF level 8)

This section will help you decide whether this is the unit for you by explaining what the unit is about, what you should know or be able to do before you start, what you will need to do during the unit and opportunities for further learning and employment.

In this unit you will design components for one complex or two standard instruments. You will investigate instrument designs, materials and techniques. The research will be recorded and design ideas developed through sketch work into final working drawings.

A complex instrument is likely to be an advanced project that you have not encountered before, for instance a carved jazz guitar, double neck guitar, hollow bodied electric guitar, lute, lute backed guitar, carved mandolin/mandola/bouzouki, cello, viol, viola or similar. If two standard instruments are chosen, you will be encouraged to explore areas of design hitherto unexplored. For instance, a new style of rosette making, inlay, style of headstock etc. You may choose to design a whole instrument or several elements. If you choose to design a whole instrument, you should focus on the main elements of body/neck/soundhole/bracing pattern, etc. When choosing to design several elements these might incorporate bridges/end grafts/inlays/tailpieces/pickguards/soundholes/body shapes/neck shapes, etc.

The final designs may be integrated with the practical unit Stringed Instruments: Manufacture

of Components (SCQF level 8) which is part of the HND Stringed Musical instrument making

course.

You will develop Information and Communication Technology and Communication skills during the research process and problem solving skills during the design stages.

This Unit has the Critical Thinking and Planning and Organising components of Problem Solving embedded in it. This means that when you achieve the Unit, your Core Skills profile will also be updated to show you have achieved Critical Thinking at SCQF level 6 and Planning and Organising at SCQF level 6.