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Unit outline_

CMPN1332: Composition for Creative Industries 2

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Sydney

The rationale behind this unit of study is to build upon Composition for Creative Industries 1 where fundamental concepts of music are explored via the medium of a portfolio of compositions. the practice of musical composition. Musical compositions may be completed via various means: musical notation, improvisation, recorded audio and their combinations. It also allows for students to curate an individual creative project and be supported via a scaffolded process.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Composition and Music Technology
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
CMPN1331 or PERF2600
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Fiona Hill, f.hill@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Ella Macens, ella.macens@sydney.edu.au
Fiona Hill, f.hill@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Nicholas Russoniello, nicholas.russoniello@sydney.edu.au
Natalie Nicolas, natalie.nicolas@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Participation Participation/application
Participation
10% Ongoing n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO10 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Concepts composition assignment 1 - leitmotif and variation
Composition
15% Week 04
Due date: 21 Aug 2023 at 23:59

Closing date: 31 Aug 2023
Equivalent to 1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Assignment Concepts composition assignment 2: Modulation and Timbre
Composition
10% Week 07
Due date: 11 Sep 2023 at 23:59

Closing date: 21 Sep 2023
Equivalent to 1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Assignment Concepts composition assignment 3: Texture-based Music
Composition
15% Week 09
Due date: 03 Oct 2023 at 23:59

Closing date: 13 Oct 2023
Equivalent to 1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Assignment Creative project
Portfolio of creative work plus process diaries and in progress work.
30% Week 12
Due date: 27 Oct 2023 at 23:59

Closing date: 29 Oct 2023
Equivalent to 2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Assignment Concepts composition assignment 4: Minimalism in a Movie Score
Composition
20% Week 13
Due date: 31 Oct 2023 at 23:59

Closing date: 10 Nov 2023
Equivalent to 1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10

Assessment summary

  • Concepts composition assignments: A short musical composition as detailed on the canvas site.
  • Creative project: A creative work of students’ own devising of up to 6 minutes length including various process stages of work.
  • Participation/application: Participation and application in both
    concepts and creative projects, with a special view to contribution to student concert.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

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

Result name

Mark range Description
High Distinction 85-100
  • Demonstrates comprehensive and outstanding technical control and musical integrity in relation to developmental expectations. 
  • Consistently projects musical individuality, creating a persuasive representation of the work. 
  • Shows exceptional proficiency and virtuosity in technical aspects and musical artistry. 
Distinction 75-84
  • Exhibits excellent technical, musical, and stylistic achievement. 
  • Shows strong structural organisation of compositional material. 
  • Displays personal stylistic direction, suggesting potential creative composition skills. 
Credit 65-74
  • Demonstrates satisfactory structure and organisation with some stylistic coherence. 
  • Occasional inconsistencies may indicate unresolved technical, artistic, or stylistic issues. 
  • Projects potential for further development in composition skills. 
Pass 50-64
  • Attains a satisfactory level of preparation and musical development. 
  • Shows some inconsistencies in style, and/or technique. 
  • Develops musical imagination and overall compositional sense, but with some limitations in certain areas. 
Fail 0-49
  • Exhibits unsatisfactory technical achievement and/or an unsatisfactory level of compositional and artistic engagement. 
  • Limitations may be significant and consistent, with no clear sense of form or musical progression. 

 

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

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Demonstrates high level of initiative in research and reading; sophisticated critical analysis of evidence; high level engagement with theoretical issues, innovative use of reading/research material and impressive command of underlying debates and assumptions; properly documented and written with style, originality and precision.

Distinction

75 - 84

Demonstrates initiative in research and wide, appropriate reading; complex understanding of question and ability to critically review material in relation to underlying assumptions and values; analyses material in relation to empirical and theoretical contexts; properly documented; clear, well-developed structure and argument with some signs of literary style.

Credit

65 - 74

Evidence of broader understanding than pass level; offers synthesis with some critical evaluation of material; coherent argument using a range of relevant evidence; some evidence of independent thought, good referencing. A high credit (70-74) shows some evidence of ability to problematise and think conceptually.

Pass

50 - 64

Written work meets basic requirements in terms of reading/research; relevant material; tendency to descriptive summary rather than critical argument; makes a reasonable attempt to avoid paraphrasing; reasonably coherent structure; often has weaknesses in particular areas, especially in terms of narrow or underdeveloped treatment of question; acceptable documentation.

Fail

0 - 49

Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: Unacceptable paraphrasing; irrelevance of content; poor spelling; poor presentation; grammar or structure so sloppy it cannot be understood; failure to demonstrate understanding of content; insufficient or overlong word length.

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.

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.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Welcome to the semester with Ella Macens + Unit of study outline and tutorial group allocation. Lecture topic: Leitmotif, variation and applications to film and television. Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Creative Project Lecture #1 - Welcome and introduction with Ella Macens. Tutorial group allocation. Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 02 Leitmotif creation. On assignment 1 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Creative Project Tutorial #1 - Students pitch their ideas for the project. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 03 Development of leitmotifs. On assignment 1 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Creative Project Lecture #2 - Introduction to Digital Audio Workstation with Fiona Hill. Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 04 Modulation and Timbre: using harmony and instrumental textures to define structure and mood Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Creative Project Tutorial #2 - Sessions in pairs to discuss project. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 05 Modulation and Timbre. On assignment 2 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Creative Project Tutorial #3 - Sessions in pairs to discuss project. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 06 Texture-based Music: Introduction to Avant-garde techniques Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO10
Creative Project Tutorial #4 - Student presentations in class (assessed). Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 07 Texture-based Music. On assignment 3 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Creative Project Tutorial #5 - Student presentations in class (assessed). Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 08 Texture-based Music. On assignment 3 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Creative Project Lecture #3 - Concert Planning and Preparation with Ella Macens. Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 09 Lecture: Minimalism In A Movie Score. Putting it all together – composing demo audio and score for a short film Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Creative Project Tutorial #6 - 1-1 sessions with tutor to discuss project progress. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 11 Minimalism In A Movie Score. On assignment 4 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Creative Project Tutorial #7 - sessions with tutor to discuss project progress Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 12 Minimalism in a Movie Score. On assignment 4. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Creative Project Tutorial #8 - Final check in with tutor ahead of submission. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 13 Presentation of short films in class. Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Creative Project Showcase Presentation (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10

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 or professor most concerned. The Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned 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%.

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

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.

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

  • LO1. organise a number of different musical elements
  • LO2. explore vertical and horizontal pitch relationships
  • LO3. experience the relationship between pitch and form
  • LO4. explore the potential of organising musical compositions with small motifs
  • LO5. compose short pieces with musical notation
  • LO6. understand how and why music works from a technical standpoint and experience an enhanced knowledge of music theory and put this theory into musical practice
  • LO7. experience composing music in various styles pertinent to music in commercial and art music genres
  • LO8. devise, develop and perfect new artistic ideas in a collaborative practical context
  • LO9. understand and deploy a range of creative collaborative strategies
  • LO10. scope artistic ideas in standard ‘real life’ professional practical forms including project proposals budgets and technical documentation.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

Updates to teaching staff, delivery dates, assessment descriptions.

Additional costs

Students need to provide their own professional notation package and DAW OR use the facilities provided by the SCM.

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.