MUSI20163 Samba Band
University of Melbourne · Level 2 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Summer, Semester 1, Winter, Semester 2.
- No final exam: all coursework
Is MUSI20163 hard?
MUSI20163: Easier. #27 on the easy list for Bachelor of Science. Makes it easier: Reviewers say it’s manageable (3 reviews), Reviewers say the workload is light, No final exam. Makes it harder: 1 other hurdle task.
What you learn
Hands-on Afro-Brazilian percussion: samba batucada and samba reggae rhythms, played together as a band.
After it you can
- Recognise Latin American rhythms and styles
- Play set rhythm patterns on several percussion instruments
- Hear and keep your place in layered rhythms with a steady inner pulse
What you need first
None
What it leads to
Careers
Helps toward: Performing artist
How it’s assessed
Participation 50%, Reports and essays 15%, Presentations 35%
Student reviews and ratings
Summarised from 3 students on StudentVIP (2017–2023)
- Beginners with no music background have done well, and the two recent reviewers got H1.
- Most see it as a relaxed breadth, but one older review warns it isn't easy without a music background.
- Practise every instrument from the first week; you may be given a hard one for the final performance.
- Practice needed ranges from an hour or two a week to about an hour a day for those who get hooked.
A summary of public reviews, not scored here.
Taken this subject? Rate it anonymously (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Rate MUSI20163
Quick answers
- When is MUSI20163 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Summer, Semester 1, Winter, Semester 2.
- What do I need before taking MUSI20163?
- No prerequisites.
- Does MUSI20163 have a final exam?
- No, there is no final exam. Assessment: Participation 50%, Reports and essays 15%, Presentations 35%.
- Is MUSI20163 hard?
- From 3 student reviews on StudentVIP: Beginners with no music background have done well, and the two recent reviewers got H1.
- What do students say about MUSI20163?
- Beginners with no music background have done well, and the two recent reviewers got H1. Most see it as a relaxed breadth, but one older review warns it isn't easy without a music background. Practise every instrument from the first week; you may be given a hard one for the final performance.
- Can I take MUSI20163 as breadth?
- Yes, for: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Biomedicine, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art), Bachelor of Science.
- What can I take after MUSI20163?
- 1 subjects need it first, for example MUSI30294.
- Can I rate MUSI20163?
- Yes. If you've taken it, rate it anonymously on this page (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Averages show once 3 students have rated it; tips are checked before they appear.
Source: University of Melbourne Handbook 2026
Always confirm in the official Handbook.
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