Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen
Koninklijk Conservatorium van Antwerpen
Physical Awareness 1 (Instrument)11975/3582/2627/1/74
Study guide

Physical Awareness 1 (Instrument)

11975/3582/2627/1/74
Academic year 2026-27
Is found in:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Music, programme stage 1
    Specialisation:
    • Compostion
    • Instrumental / Vocal Studies
  • Bridging Programme Conducting
  • Bridging Programme Instrumental
  • Preparatory Programme Music & Performing Arts
This is a single course unit.
Study load: 3 credits
It is not possible to enrol in this course unit under
  • exam contract (to obtain a credit).
  • exam contract (to obtain a degree).
Co-ordinator: Thielemans Magda
Other teaching staff: Vanhove Stijn
Languages: Dutch
Scheduled for: Academic year
This course unit is marked out of 20 (rounded to an integer).
Possible deadlines for learning account: 01.12.2026 ()
Re-sit exam: not possible.
Possibility of deliberation: You have to pass this course unit (will never be deliberated).
Total study time: 90,00 hours

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Short description

In physical awareness, the student explores ways to prepare themselves for a sustainable career. The body is the instrument — not only physically and mentally, but also artistically.

Physical awareness 1 (instrument) consists of two different modules: Physical Fitness and Resilient Artists.

Physical Fitness = 30 hours in which the student works, under the guidance of a physiotherapist, on strengthening their own body.

Resilient Artists = 12 hours consisting of a more theoretical component and a practical, application-oriented component, including psycho-education to strengthen mental resilience.

Learning outcomes (list)

1.1 The student masters the representative repertoire for his or her discipline.
The student identifies the importance of good mental resilience for building a sustainable career.
2.2 The student makes progress through independent study.
The student develops general physical fitness.
2.4 The student masters the correct playing techniques and postures.
The student demonstrates a basic knowledge of the skeleton, the most important muscle groups and respiration, ergonomics of standing and sitting postures, and can demonstrate this during class in targeted exercises.
The student acquires a good supportive attitude and can demonstrate this during the lesson in targeted exercises.
The student gains awareness of their own movements in space and can demonstrate this during the lesson in targeted exercises.
The student gains control over their breathing and can demonstrate this during the lesson in targeted exercises.
The student demonstrates insight into relaxation techniques and can demonstrate this during the lesson in targeted exercises.
4.3 The student reflects critically on him- or herself and his surroundings.
The student demonstrates insight into coping strategies to strengthen their own mental resilience.
4.5 The student works in a methodical way with a problem-solving attitude.
During the lessons, the student demonstrates the necessary commitment, self-reliance, and ability to reflect.
During lessons, students demonstrate self-discipline, punctuality, and a sense of responsibility.

Course content

The student is aware of the importance of good physical and mental fitness in building a sustainable career.
The student gains insight and control over:

 his/her own mental resilience and possible coping strategies
 one's own posture and movement
 different movements one can use to warm oneself up before studying 
 different techniques to relax during and after studying
 is aware of the importance of good fitness and posture
 is aware of the importance of mental self-care
 strives for good basic fitness, stamina, strength and flexibility
 strives for a good study-life balance

Study material (list)

Sportswear for the courses physical awarenessMandatory
TowelRecommended
Yoga matRecommended

Educational organisation (list)

Learning Activities
Artistic praxis42,00 hours
Work time outside of contact hours48,00 hours

Evaluation (list)

Evaluation(s) for both exam chances, not reproducible in re-sit exam
MomentForm%Remark
1st examination periodKnowledge and comprehension test once during class weeks10,00Mental Resilience Plan
1st examination periodSkills assessment permanently during class weeks (Permanent evaluation)45,00Physical Awareness
1st examination periodSkills assessment permanently during class weeks (Permanent evaluation)45,00Physical Awareness & Physical Fitness

Evaluation (text)

Assessment

Skills Test (continuous assessment during the teaching weeks): 45%
Skills Test (one-time assessment during the final teaching weeks): 45%
Knowledge and Insight Test: 10%: Mental Resilience Plan – Resilient Artists


Absences
Continuous assessment (Skills Test during the teaching weeks):
Assessment and grading take place during every class. Attendance is mandatory (except in cases of illness, force majeure, or written approval from the programme) in order to be evaluated through continuous assessment.


Unjustified absence:
You will receive ‘Not Participated’ for the partial score of that lesson. This negatively affects your chances of passing the course.


Justified absence:
You can request a make-up assessment via iBamaflex (module ‘My Absences’) with a valid certificate.
⚠️ This must be done for each missed lesson individually.
If you fail to do so, you will still receive ‘Not Participated’.


Long-term absence (e.g. due to illness or ongoing issues):
You must request Individual Adjustments via the student counsellor before the start of the teaching period.
Be sure to also discuss this with your coordinator and the head of the Movement Department.Skills test permanent 60% (The permanent evaluation is tested during the lesson weeks, in every lesson.)