This paper is informed by one clear guiding principle: collaborative learning provides the platform on which independent learning is nurtured. The nature of collaborative learning in musicology as well as performance is considered. The focus is on learning rather than achievement, on process rather than presentation, on how students are encouraged to develop good learning habits. It will be argued that the assessment of a group endeavour needs to be integral to rather than detached from the learning. The centrality of the group endeavour in the learning environment does not diminish the role of the individual. The integrity of an individual's contribution to a group endeavour is validated by the group.