Outline

Overview

In this unit of study students will be introduced to a range of music technologies and gain a basic proficiency in sound recording, editing and mixing. Students will learn to work with audio in a digital audio workstation, how to make good quality recordings with portable recording devices, and make use of these skills in service of a creative outcome. The unit will include an overview of software for notation/sequencing, as well as basic sound synthesis concepts. In the final assessment students will explore the creative possibilities of music technology by realising a sound work using either instrumental and/or environmental sound recorded and edited by them.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Composition and Music Technology
Credit points	3
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Alexis Weaver, alexis.weaver@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Alexis Weaver, alexis.weaver@sydney.edu.au
Practitioner(s)	Nicholas Astill, nicholas.astill@sydney.edu.au
Practitioner(s)	Alison Cole, alison.cole@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Small continuous assessment	Participation and Engagement Participating in weekly discussion and composing tasks	18%	Multiple weeks	Discussion tasks of 100-200 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Creative Audio Assignment Demonstrate creative skills & artistic reflection.	40%	STUVAC Due date: 08 Nov 2024 at 23:59	3-6 min sound work, written reflection
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Early Feedback Task - In-class task Week 2 composing task posted to Soundcloud	2%	Week -03 Due date: 16 Aug 2024 at 23:59	Completed in and out of tutorial time
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Collaborative Feedback Task Share your assignment progress and create a reflection from peer feedback	10%	Week 06 Due date: 06 Sep 2024 at 23:59	300-500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Formative Skills Assessment Practice DAW skills and artistic reflection. 2min Q&A in class in week 8	20%	Week 08 Due date: 20 Sep 2024 at 23:59	1 min sound work, 2min Q&A in week 8
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Creative Audio Assignment: Work-In-Progress Submission Deliver a 2-minute work-in-progress and 100-200 word program note	10%	Week 13 Due date: 30 Oct 2024 at 23:59	2-minute work-in-progress file
Outcomes assessed:

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Participation and Engagement Tasks:

This component of the class is designed to give a broad overview of the historical use of new technologies in composition, to stimulate discussion and to extend student learning in technical areas.

Listening Task: Students are expected to listen to one or more of the works listed for the week in question. Students write a brief forum post reflecting on the discussion question for that week. The responses should be 200-400 words long.

Composing Task: Students are expected to post a link to their in-class work that week, demonstrating the techniques taught. The exported work can be as short as 10 seconds.

Collaborative Feedback Task:

Work with an assigned group of 3-5 students. Present your Formative Skills Assessment project-in-progress, and provide constructive feedback to fellow group members. You will submit an individual reflection on the feedback session, describing how you will implement the feedback received.

Formative Skills Assessment:

Compose a 1-minute sound work using only the audio samples provided or recorded in class. You will also be required to reflect on the work during a brief informal discussion with your tutor, in class before submission.

Assessment Detail:

This assessment will allow you to demonstrate your proficiency with recorded sound. Using the samples provided (samples will be made available at the start of Semester), create a short audio-based composition of 1-minute duration displaying skills learned so far. Your work may be in any style, but should show knowledge of basic audio editing, arrangement and mixing, sampling, audio effects, etc. and draw influence from at least one existing electroacoustic work.

Students are required to engage in a brief discussion with their tutor on their work-in-progress, ahead of the submission date. This will take place during tutorials in the preceding weeks. Typically, your tutor will listen to your work and ask you about your creative or technical choices to date. This is also the opportunity to receive feedback on the work.

Creative Audio Assignment: Work-In-Progress Submission:

Deliver a 2-minute excerpt of your work-in-progress for the class listening party in Week 13. It is not expected that your track will be complete by this point, but the presented excerpt should be a strong draft. Accompanying this, you will provide a 100-200 word program note to be displayed to the class while your track is played. The program note should include a working title, a description of the artistic goals for the work, and a brief description of how it will be improved before your final submission.

Creative Audio Assignment:

Compose an original creative audio work of 3-6 minutes and submit supporting documentation.

Assessment Detail:

Students choose from two possible formats for this composition task:

Option 1: Compose an electroacoustic sound work of between 3 - 6 minutes in length. This may include a live instrumental or vocal component, but if so should be accompanied by a score.

Option 2: Compose up to 6 miniature electroacoustic pieces between 45-60 seconds in length, with the works tied together by a central theme. The collective duration should amount to at least 3 minutes.

Students are also required to submit their complete DAW project file with all external sound files included (see Canvas page for more information), as well as evidence of at least 3 original sounds/recordings utilised.

Assessment criteria

Assessment Criteria:

Assessment: Online listening/reading/posting activities

50%: Genuine participation in homework/in-class activity on dates scheduled.
50%: Meaningful and personal response to the stimulus.

Assessment: Collaborative Feedback Task

33%: Genuine and live participation in the group task
33%: Description of project and feedback contributions
33%: Reflection on feedback and future implementation

Assessment: Formative Skills Assessment

40%: Recording/Sound file processing/technical competence
30%: Musical treatment of the material
30%: Participation in reflective discussion

Assessment: Creative Audio Assignment In-Class Listening Excerpt

50%: Submission of 2-minute sound file
50% Written program note including original title, artistic vision and reflection

Assessment: Creative Audio Assignment

37.5%: Recording/Sound file processing/technical competence
37.5%: Musical treatment of the material
25%: Evidence of original source material

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

Fail: (Below 50%) Work not of acceptable standard.
Pass: (50%-64%) Work of acceptable standard.
Credit: (65%-74%) Highly competent work demonstrating potential for higher study.
Distinction: (75%-84%) Work of superior standard.
High Distinction: (85%-100%) Work of exceptional standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

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, 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.

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.

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

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Lecture includes an overview of the Unit of Study outline, the advent of electronic music, recorded sound and Musique Concrète. Tutorial: setting up Ableton accounts (if using), setting up Soundcloud accounts, cloud storage accounts, going over assignments, and introduction to the computer labs and studios.	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Lecture includes: Introducing amplitude, frequency, harmonics and timbre. Introduction to Ableton and Logic interfaces, audio editing basics including fades and clipping. Tutorial includes: practical implementation of techniques, saving first project and quick exporting. Early Feedback Task: Post composing task to Soundcloud!	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Lecture includes: Microphone and portable recording basics. Intro to field recording. Further audio editing tips in Ableton’s ‘Arrangement’ view. Tutorial includes a short recording excursion using Zoom or mobile recorders in groups of 3-4.	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Lecture includes: Manipulating sound through ‘time-domain’ audio editing techniques. An introduction to basic audio effects. Tutorial includes: Practical implementation of techniques. Post composing task to Soundcloud! Finalise Collaborative Feedback Task groups and plan feedback sessions.	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Lecture includes: Introduction to sampling through use of Ableton’s Sampler. Tutorial includes: Practical implementation of techniques.	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Lecture includes: MIDI Sequencing and protocol. Composing with the Sampler and manipulating MIDI through recording, transposition, quantisation, inversion, retrograde, note lengths, velocity, and MIDI effects. Tutorial includes: Practical implementation of techniques. Collaborative Feedback Task due this week. Post composing task to Soundcloud!	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Lecture includes: History and use of reverb and space in electronic works. Survey of different reverb types (mechanical, algorithmic and convolution), using an Impulse Response, creative uses of reverb in a mix, use of Return Tracks.	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	No lecture this week. Class includes: Work on Formative Skills Assessment with roving feedback from the tutor. Formative Skills Assessment due this week. Post FSA to Soundcloud!	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Lecture includes: Introduction to sound synthesis. Creation of new synth patches using Ableton or Logic. Introduction to mixing techniques. Tutorial: Practical implementation of techniques. Introduction to Creative Audio Assignment. Post composing task to Soundcloud (final chance!).	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	SPECIAL PROJECTS WEEK. No lecture or tutorial this week. Drop-in sessions available to discuss tasks or feedback.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Lecture includes: Introduction to the Compressor, Limiter, and further mixing techniques. Tutorial: Discussion of various examples of contemporary, electronic & electro-acoustic music. Practical implementation of mixing workflow and techniques.	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	No lecture this week. Tutorial includes: Revision of selected techniques, + rendering/exporting files, file types and formats. Work on Creative Audio Assignment with roving feedback from tutor. Discussion of future avenues to continue experimental practices.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	No lecture this week. Tutorial includes: Assessment presentation at in-class listening party. Creative Audio Assignment due in STUVAC.	Presentation (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Dean, Head of School, Program Leader, or relevant Unit of Study Coordinator. The Dean, Head of School, Program Leader or relevant Unit of Study Coordinator may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 90%.

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 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

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.

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Evaluate the impact of past electronic works and genres, and discuss their relevance to current ways of creating
LO2. Reflect critically on creative practices and identify possible avenues for improvement in workflow and output
LO3. Demonstrate confidence in using software for recording, editing, and mixing, and apply knowledge gained to other software platforms previously unfamiliar
LO4. Collaborate with others to improve individual workflows and technique
LO5. Utilise a range of creative editing techniques to compose original and innovative musical works

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

A heartfelt thank you to all students who completed the Unit of Study Survey for CMPN1013! Generally speaking, results show that the structure of the class and tutor support are strong elements of this course. Suggestions focused on the length of in-person tutorial time, more structured tasks in tutorials, and suggestions for further content. Wherever possible these suggestions will be incorporated for Semester 2, 2024.

Additional information

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time such as an assignment, 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 or during the semester , 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, the USYD AI in Education Canvas Module 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.

Disclaimer

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

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

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

CMPN1013: Creative Music Technology

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect