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Unit outline_

CMPN3620: Advanced Instrumentation/Orchestration

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Sydney

The study of advanced orchestration and instrumentation techniques of the 20th and 21stcenturies and application of these to orchestration Task and a major orchestration assignment.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Composition and Music Technology
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
CMPN1611
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

Students should be competent in score writing and fundamental knowledge of instruments and orchestration while also having composition experience

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Natalie Williams, natalie.williams@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Major Orchestration Project
Complete a short orchestration of your own music, for large orchestra
40% Formal exam period
Due date: 13 Nov 2024 at 23:59
16 bars (or approx. 30 seconds)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Exegesis
Written analysis and summary of orchestration techniques used in major task
10% Formal exam period
Due date: 13 Nov 2024 at 23:59
500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Strings Orchestration Task
Complete an orchestration exercise for the String Ensemble
10% Week 02
Due date: 09 Aug 2024 at 23:59
8 bars
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Winds / Brass Orchestration Task
Complete an orchestration exercise for winds and brass
10% Week 03
Due date: 16 Aug 2024 at 23:59
12 bars
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Small test Piano Transcription or Voice Orchestration Task
Transcribe an 8-bar piano excerpt for orchestra - may include voice
10% Week 07
Due date: 11 Sep 2024 at 10:00
8 bars
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment hurdle task Sketches for Major Orchestration Project
Submit sketches of your own composition for the major project
0% Week 09
Due date: 25 Sep 2024 at 23:59
16 bars (or approx. 30 seconds)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Large Orchestration Task, including Percussion
Complete an orchestration task for double winds and percussion (provided).
20% Week 10
Due date: 07 Oct 2024 at 23:59
8 bars
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment will be provided on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

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

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Comprehensive and outstanding technical control and musical integrity in relation to developmental expectations. Musical individuality consistently projected to create a persuasive personal representation of the work. Performance flair indicative of soloist standard. A mark of 95 or above indicates extraordinary technical virtuosity and musical artistry.

Distinction

75 - 84

Excellent technical, musical and stylistic achievement. Consistently coherent and expressive performance. Some personal interpretation of the work suggesting soloist potential. 

Credit

65 - 74

Confident technique with evidence of solid musicality and some stylistic achievement. Occasional lapses indicative of unresolved technical, artistic and/or stylistic issues. Projects potential for further development.

Pass

50 - 64

Satisfactory level of preparation and musical engagement. Some inconsistencies in musicianship, style and/or technique. Musical imagination and overall performance sense developing though some insecurity in this area.

Fail

0 - 49

Unsatisfactory technical achievement and/or unsatisfactory level of musical and artistic engagement. Limitations may be of such a scale and consistency as to call into question the student’s future direction in the programme.

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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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 Introduction to Advanced Orchestration. Score setup and instrumental designation. Colour and balance in orchestration, orchestral shorthand, sketching for orchestra. Harmonic series, doubling and voice-leading implications. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 02 Strings Orchestration. Advanced writing for string orchestra. Textures and timbral writing. Orchestrating string effects. The massed string ensemble. Example works by: Lutosławski, Penderecki, Bartók, Warlock, Pärt, and others. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 Woodwinds and Brass Orchestration. Chordal scoring for woodwinds and brass, instrumental colours, chord spacing and voice-leading. Orchestrating effects. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 The Wind Symphony. The symphonic wind ensemble, orchestrating chords, textures and effects, orchestrating dynamics. Aleatoric writing, large ensemble effects, extended techniques and graphic notation. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 The Percussion Ensemble in orchestration. Percussion colours, dynamic considerations, orchestral balance. Timbral matching between percussion and orchestra. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Piano Transcription. Techniques of transcribing piano music, interpretation of left-hand figures and accompanimental devices to orchestral textures, orchestrating melody. Example works including: Ravel, Mussorgsky and others. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 The Voice in Orchestration. Soloists and the orchestra, choral works, orchestral balance and vocal pairing, massed textures and chordal treatment. Example works including: Del Tredici, John Adams, Ligeti, Górecki and others. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Advanced Texture and Timbre I. Scoring for complex effects, texture/timbre between instrumental groups, orchestrating dynamics, textural writing, Klangfarbenmelodie. Example works including: Thomas Adès, Jennifer Higdon, Bartók, Gubaidulina, John Adams and others. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 09 Advanced Texture and Timbre II. Spectralism and spacial orchestration, orchestral layering and quotation, antiphonal writing, sound mass, aleatoric music. Example works including: Ligeti, Lutosławski, Messiaen, Ives, Haas, Berio, Grisey, Murail, Stravinsky and others. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Non-Western Instruments and Alternative Scoring. Soloists and non-western instrumental colours, traditional instruments (Chinese, Indian). Example works including: Tan Dun, Shankar, Takemitsu, and works from The Silk Road Ensemble and others. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Advanced Scoring Techniques. Twentieth-century orchestral literature, massed orchestration, antiphonal voicing, texture and timbre, graphic scores. Example works including: Xenakis, Stockhausen, John Luther Adams, and others. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Orchestral Futures. Contemporary and future directions in orchestral writing, role and function of the orchestral group, the orchestra and film, the orchestra as a cultural institution. Example works by: Tania León, Philip Glass, David Lang, Brett Dean and others. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

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.

Required readings

Readings and musical examples will be made available on Canvas.

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. demonstrate high level technical skills in orchestration and instrumentation, and a broad knowledge of compositional techniques and their musical application.
  • LO2. develop professional skills in producing scores for orchestral and large ensemble contexts, using notation and audio software.
  • LO3. critically engage with the historical literature and apply concepts and techniques to contemporary writing. Understand and apply the techniques of multiple historical musical styles and genres to their own creative output.
  • LO4. analyse and evaluate the literature and situate their own creative work within an historical context.
  • LO5. develop fluency and competence in writing for a wide variety of instruments, including non-Western instruments.
  • LO6. articulate, evaluate and critically analyse their approach to the techniques and methods of orchestration, presented through an exegesis.

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 changed lecturers in Sem 2, 2024 and has been slightly revised. More assignments, of shorter length, have been included.

More information can be found on Canvas.

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit.

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit.

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.