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Unit outline_

CMPN2510: Scoring and Arranging for the Screen

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Sydney

An application of various musical skills and disciplines pertinent to today's music industry, this unit of study explores fundamental aspects of composing, arranging and orchestrating for the screen. Theoretical principles are drawn from dramaturgy and cinematography, and applied to concerns of form, aesthetics, orchestration and technology to inform the various practical processes of preparing a music score from its inception to the delivery of parts for a recording session. Scoring and Arranging for the Screen offers a pragmatic approach to negotiating the pressing demands faced by screen composers in today's film and television industry.

Unit details and rules

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

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Andrew Callaghan, andrew.callaghan@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Project 3b: Score an action cue.
Compose a short score for an action sequence. See canvas for details.
30% Formal exam period
Due date: 11 Nov 2024 at 23:59
2-3 minutes + 300 words.
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Online task Quiz: concepts and skills
Check understanding and ability to complete the subject. See Canvas.
10% Week 03 30 Minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO5 LO3 LO2
Presentation Project 1a: Present your work-in-progress on a short cue.
Short presentation and Q&A; feedback before final submission. See Canvas.
5% Week 04 5-10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO7 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Project 1b: Finalise your short cue + creative reflection
Short score demonstrating synchronisation. See Canvas for details
20% Week 05
Due date: 27 Aug 2024 at 23:59
60 seconds + 300 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO7 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO1 LO6
Presentation Project 2a: Present your work-in-progress arrangement
Short presentation and Q&A; feedback before final submission. See Canvas.
5% Week 09 5-10 min
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Project 2b: Arrange a theme to underscore dialogue
Arrange a given theme to work under dialogue. See canvas for details.
25% Week 10
Due date: 08 Oct 2024 at 23:59
2 minutes + 300 words
Outcomes assessed: LO6 LO7 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Presentation Project 3a: Present your work-in-progress of an action cue.
Short presentation and Q&A; feedback before final submission. See Canvas.
5% Week 13 5-10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.
Note that information here may not match assessments in Handbook. The information here is correct.

Assessment criteria

Please see the Canvas site for further assessment criteria.

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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Lecture 1: Introduction to the subject. The composer and the filmmakers: business models and processes. What does film music do? Music's functions within audiovisual narratives. Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO7
"Welcome and introduction to the assessments, with a focussed discussion of the week 3 quiz (assessment 1). Spotting sessions, working with video in music software. Saving and backing up your projects. Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO7
Week 02 Lecture 2: Developing a concept. Musical style & meaning (aka style topics). Extramusical concepts, composer treatments & the press release. Case studies: Hans Zimmer & Hildur Godnodottir. Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO4 LO7
Using concepts to choose musical palettes (style/genre, theme, instrumentation, etc.). Discussion about the first composition project (assessment 2). Creating a short transition cue based on a given theme. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 03 Lecture 3: Musical forms vs audiovisual forms. Music/visual relationships, differences in form, and heirarchies. Modular & extensile composition for the screen. Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Creating extensile music. Giving and getting feedback in the industry and in class. Syncronisation: hitting the spot, micro-adjustments to tempo. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 04 Lecture 4: Planning points of dramatic emphasis within a cue. Orchestration/instrumentation and production techniques for short and medium-length cues. Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Student presentations of first composition project: a short score demonstrating synchronisation. Students to offer & hear feedback before the second submission. Types and degrees of synchronisation: what to emphasise, when to play through. Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 05 Lecture 5: Developing and arranging your ideas. Representing dramatic themes & mythic structures through music. Linking together material within a cue, cue-to cue relationships. Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Introduction to second composition project. Arranging & production: building to and from points of dramatic emphasis. Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 06 Lecture 6: Working within the sound design. The sound department, elements of sound design, and sound hierarchies. Blurring the line between sound and music. Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO7
Blending your music with sound design: arrangement & production of musical material to fit within sound design. Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 07 Lecture 7: Sneaking and underscoring dialogue. Common techniques & functions of sneaking. Identifying thematic changes in dialogue. Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO7
Creating introductions to cues using several sneaking techniques. Placing music around the voice: arranging and ducking. Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 08 Lecture 8: Writing for Dramas. The dramatic arc and large-scale score planning. Writing for procedural dramas. Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO7
Toning it down: Create a piece using 'neutral' styles and/or ambivalent valences. Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 09 Lecture 9: Underscoring action. Comparing and contrasting the epic, the thriller and the postmodern action soundtrack. Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Presentations of dialogue underscoring composition works-in-progress. Students hear feedback before the second submission. Working with drums and percussion. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 11 Lecture 10: Writing longer cues. Expanding on a musical theme to create larger-scale structures. Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO7
Building your toolkit to write longer cues. Introduce & discuss the final assessment. Expand an idea to create a longer cue. Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Lecture 11: From demos to finished products. Audio conventions. The recording process: creating scores & parts, click tracks, pre-lays. Final mixing. Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6 LO7
Exporting & archiving your work. Proceed with final compositions, informal presentations/formative assessment. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 13 Lecture 12: Writing for title sequences and creating demo reels. Challenges and opportunities for composers in the near future. Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Presentations of final compositions (action sequences); hear feedback before the final submission. Continue compositions toward final submission. Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: Attendance to both lectures and tutorials is required. Missing more than one class between Weeks 3 and 12 (inclusive) will result in an automatic Absent Fail grade. If you have a legitimate reason for missing a class, you must apply to the Special Consideration Portal to be excused. Repealing an Absent Fail grade (Attendance) will require completing an additional assessment successfully.

    If you miss a class due to illness or an unavoidable commitment, please read the Class Notes posted on Canvas in the Modules section for each week. They will be posted within 24 hours of the Lecture.

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.

Required readings

Recommended Reading (not required, but could be of interest):

Andy Hill, Scoring the Screen: The Secret Language of Film Music (2017)

Sonny Kompanek, From Score to Screen: Sequencers, Scores, & Second Thoughts: The New Film Scoring Process (2004)

Fred Karlin and Rayburn Wright, On The Track: A Guide To Contemporary Film Scoring (1990)

Claudia Gorbman, Unheard Melodies: Narrative Film Music (1987)

Anahid Kassabian, Hearing Film: Tracking Identifications in Contemporary Hollywood Film Music (2001)

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. Outline working processes that affect the creation of screen music
  • LO2. Distinguish between music’s diverse roles for screen narratives
  • LO3. Examine relationships between musical form and other audiovisual elements
  • LO4. Develop concepts for music composition and production
  • LO5. Compose and arrange music for common types of cues
  • LO6. Apply contemporary screen music production techniques
  • LO7. Analyse and critically evaluate compositions for audiovisual media

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.

This unit of study has been revised to reflect the current student-oriented learning outcomes, and the tools needed to navigate the present industry.

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.