University of Sydney Handbooks - 2016 Archive

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Music Skills Electives

Subject details

Other units of study listed in the Core section can also be taken as electives. Elective units require a minimum enrolment number to run.

Music Skills

CMPN2007 Sound Recording Advanced

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Ivan Zavada Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2hr studio class/wk Prerequisites: CMPN2006 Assessment: Class Attendance and Participation (10%), Recording Project 1 (35%), Recording Project 2 (35%), Online Exam (20%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit follows on from Sound Recording Fundamentals with an in-depth look at frequency-based aural training and its application in the use of equalisation in the recording and mixdown process. Additional topics including frequency response, dynamic range, phase relationships in audio systems, effects processors and analysis of audio mixdowns/mixing techniques will also be discussed.
CMPN3635 Writing Music for the Moving Image

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Felicity Wilcox Session: Semester 1 Classes: 6 x 1 hour lectures for the first six weeks; 6 x 2 hour tutorials thereafter Prerequisites: MUED1002 or MUSC2653 or MUED4002 Assessment: Written paper (20%), Presentation (30%), Final Music (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit provides a practical introduction to composing music for the screen.
Topics for discussion will include, but not be limited to: the relationship between image and sound, music as a force in dramatic narrative, important scores in cinema history, sound design, music for documentary film and drama, music for games, and non-commercial applications of music for image. Importantly, the course will focus on the practical aspects of film scoring relevant to establishing professional practice; both at a business level and at a technical level. Students in this unit of study must be fluent in sequencing and/or recording and/or music notation software.
JAZZ1015 Jazz Ear Training 1

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Matt McMahon Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2hr tut/wk Assessment: Two tests (2x20%), one 2 hour exam (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: These units are only available to non-jazz students
This unit offers a systematic study of all simple intervals up to and including one octave, triadic harmony, four note chords in closed position and voice leading within these concepts, focusing on common harmonic movements that occur in the jazz repertoire.
JAZZ1016 Jazz Ear Training 2

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Matt McMahon Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2hr tut/wk Prerequisites: JAZZ1015 Assessment: Two tests (2x20%), one 2 hour exam (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: These units are only available to non-jazz students
This unit consolidates and expands upon concepts and skills introduced in Jazz Ear Training 1, plus introducing compound intervals, open voicings, the addition of all upper extensions to all chord types, and increasingly complex harmonic structures.
JAZZ2038 Jazz Ear Training 3

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Matt McMahon Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2hr tut/wk Prerequisites: JAZZ1016 Assessment: Two tests (2x20%), one 2 hour examination (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: These units are only available to non-jazz students
This unit consolidates and expands upon concepts and skills introduced in Jazz Ear Training 1 and 2, plus introducing advanced chord types, and increasingly complex harmonic structures.
JAZZ2039 Jazz Ear Training 4

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Matt McMahon Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2hr tut/wk Prerequisites: JAZZ2038 Assessment: Two tests (2x20%),one 2 hour examination (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: These units are only available to non-jazz students
This unit consolidates all concepts from Jazz Ear Training 1, 2 and 3. By its conclusion, students will have systematically examined, over four semesters, aural concepts that are essential to creative musical interplay in jazz performance.
JAZZ1019 Jazz Harmony and Arranging 1

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Evan Lohning Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2hr tut/wk Assessment: Written harmony test (30%), approved number of arrangements (70%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: These units are only available to non-jazz students
Students review clefs, key signatures, note values, dynamics, articulation, and learn copying and rehearsal techniques. In addition, instruction will include the ranges of and transpositions for the various instruments, chord symbols, scale-chord relationships, and rhythm section scoring. This unit deals with the study of the harmony of standard jazz repertoire. Students will learn to understand and use basic harmonic rules and the typical harmonic devices, diatonic progression and chord patterns with a view to generating a creative sense of jazz harmony and the ability to write small combo arrangements. Legibility in copying is an assessable aspect. The harmonic techniques explored in this unit are used as the theoretical basis for Jazz Improvisation
Textbooks
Lindsay, Gary (2005) "Jazz Arranging Techniques from Quartet to Big Band"
JAZZ1020 Jazz Harmony and Arranging 2

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Evan Lohning Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2hr tut/wk Prerequisites: JAZZ1019 Assessment: Written harmony test (30%), approved number of arrangements (70%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: These units are only available to non-jazz students
In this unit voicing techniques for two to four horns stressing the most effective registers, harmonisation of passing tones, clusters and other techniques will be introduced. The harmonic techniques explored are used as the theoretical basis for Jazz Improvisation.
Textbooks
Lindsay, Gary (2005) "Jazz Arranging Techniques from Quartet to Big Band"
JAZZ2016 Jazz Harmony and Arranging 3

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Evan Lohning Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2hr tut/wk Prerequisites: JAZZ1020 Assessment: Approved number of arrangements and compositions (70%), written harmony test (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: These units are only available to non-jazz students
This unit concentrates on more complex harmonic material that forms the basis for Jazz Improvisation, as well as learning arranging techniques for five horns and more complex ensemble music. Methods of reharmonisation of existing jazz and standard compositions will be introduced. Students learn big band orchestration which includes ensemble scoring, sax soli, background writing, form and the related uses of counterpoint. There will be detailed analysis of scores of major composers and arrangers.
Textbooks
Lindsay, Gary (2005) "Jazz Arranging Techniques from Quartet to Big Band"
JAZZ2017 Jazz Harmony and Arranging 4

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Evan Lohning Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2hr tut/wk Prerequisites: JAZZ2016 Assessment: Approved number of arrangements and compositions (70%), written harmony test (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: These units are only available to non-jazz students
Students learn big band orchestration including ensemble scoring, sax soli, background writing, form and the related uses of counterpoint. There will be detailed analysis of scores of major composers and arrangers. Selected arrangements may be rehearsed by a Big Band. Students may study contemporary techniques encompassing elements of polytonality, extended instrumental effects and textural voicings. This subject also deals with the harmonic concepts used in Jazz Improvisation.
Textbooks
Lindsay, Gary (2005) "Jazz Arranging Techniques from Quartet to Big Band"
MCGY2600 Advanced Harmony - Departmental permission is required for this unit

This unit of study is not available in 2016

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Lewis Cornwell Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2-hour seminar/wk Prerequisites: MCGY2011 Prohibitions: MCGY2000 or MCGY2001 Assessment: Four 25-bar musical assignments (75%); 30 minute seminar presentation (25%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Students in this unit will observe in detail a selection of Western musical styles and the work of particular composers, applying the knowledge thus gained by writing short compositions in the relevant styles. For the student with some creative inclinations, the activity of stylistic imitation offers unique insights into the music of any period. Topics for study will be selected according to the interests of the group, taking into account the need for a coherent and cumulative course structure.
MUED1002 Creative Music Technology

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Ivan Zavada Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1 hr lab/studio/wk Assessment: Music Technology Projects (100%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
In this unit of study students will be introduced to a range of audio technologies and gain a basic proficiency in sound recording, editing and mixing. Students will experience working in the Conservatorium sound studios, and learn how to make good quality recordings with portable recording devices. There will be an overview of software for notation /sequencing. Students will explore the creative possibilities of music technology by realising a sound work using instrumental and environmental material recorded and edited by them.

Arts Music Units

The Arts Music Unit of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music is located at the Seymour Centre. Students from all faculties can enrol in these units. All classes are held on the main campus
MUSC1501 Extended Fundamentals of Music

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Matthew Hindson Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1hr lecture and 2 x 1hr tutorials (aural & written)/wk Prohibitions: MUSC1000 or MUSC1001 or MUSC1002 or MUSC1003 or MUSC1004 or MUSC1005 or MUSC1503 or MUSC1504 or MUSC2693 or MUSC2699 or MCGY1008 Assumed knowledge: (MUSC1503 and MUSC1504), or HSC Music 2 Assessment: Written and online music theory assessment (70%), aural assessment (30%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Students will take a diagnostic in Week 1 of semester to ensure they have the required level of music theory and aural skills.
Through an integrated and research-based approach to music composition and analysis, student's knowledge of music theory and compositional techniques is extended. Skills in this area cover a range of Western and Non-Western musical styles, from classical music to film music to noise.
MUSC1503 Fundamentals of Music 1

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Matthew Hindson, Dr Daniel Rojas Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1hr lecture and 2x 1hr tutorials (aural and written)/wk Prohibitions: MUSC1000 or MUSC1001 or MUSC1002 or MUSC1003 or MUSC1004 or MUSC1005 or MUSC1501 or MUSC1502 or MUSC2699 or MCGY1008 Assessment: Written and online music theory assessment (60%), aural assessment (30%), attendance and participation (10%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
An introduction to basic music literacy skills, including learning to read and write music, and an understanding of fundamental aspects of its structure and composition. The material covered in this unit of study concentrates upon the basics of music theory and listening to ensure that participants have a solid grounding for a firm understanding of music notation and organisation.
MUSC1504 Fundamentals of Music 2

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Matthew Hindson, Dr Daniel Rojas Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1hr lecture and 2 x 1hr tutorials (aural & written)/wk Prohibitions: MUSC1501 or MUSC1502 or MUSC1000 or MUSC1001 or MUSC1002 or MUSC1003 or MUSC1004 or MUSC1005 or MUSC2699 Assumed knowledge: MUSC1503 Assessment: Written and online music theory assessment (60%), aural assessment (30%), attendance and participation (10%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
A more advanced exploration of music literacy skills. The material covered in this course ranges from the broad to the specific: from an examination of musical elements and the way they are used in a variety of musical genres through to specific compositional aspects such as four-part writing or analysis of melodic writing across musical cultures. Listening skills are developed in this unit of study.
MUSC2693 Fundamentals of Music 3

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Matthew Hindson, Dr. Daniel Rojas Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1hr lecture and 2 x 1hr tutorials (aural & written)/wk Prohibitions: MUSC1501 or MUSC2615 or MUSC2699 Assessment: Written and online music theory assessment (70%), aural assessment (30%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Through an integrated and research-based approach to music composition and analysis, student's knowledge of music theory and compositional techniques is extended. Skills in this area cover a range of Western and Non-Western musical styles, from classical music to film music to noise.
MUSC2614 Composition Workshop

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Anne Boyd Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3 hr workshop/wk Prerequisites: 18 Junior credit points Assessment: Contribution in classes and concerts (20%), composition portfolio and process diary (70%), aural and/or written presentations (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
An opportunity to create a new composition in a supported environment. Students will hear their works rehearsed and performed, usually by other participating students. The outcome is a performance in a public concert at the end of the semester. The workshops may be themed around particular genres and musical techniques such as music theatre, drone-based composition, song-writing, sound and rhythm, creating a sound space and media composition.
MUSC2653 Introduction to Digital Music Techniques

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Matthew Hindson, Dr Damian Barbeler Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 hr lecture/demonstration/wk Prerequisites: 18 Junior credit points Prohibitions: MUSC2053 Assessment: Sound recording and editing assignment (30%); creative assignments (60%); online assessments, attendance and participation (10%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: An ability to read music at a basic level and an understanding of fundamental musical terminology is an advantage in this unit of study.
This unit is an introduction to the use of digital sound and music in creative and multimedia contexts. It is a practical course in which students are introduced to tools of sound creation and manipulation. Students will undertake creative projects as a means to learning. In addition, participants will be exposed to a number of approaches to electroacoustic music across the 20th and 21st centuries.
MUSC3603 Advanced Digital Music Techniques

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Matthew Hindson, Dr Damian Barbeler Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3 hr lecture/demonstration/wk Prerequisites: MUSC2653 Assessment: Creative assignments (80%), Weekly review and presentation of work (20%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Students who do not meet the pre-requisite may seek special permission from the subject co-ordinator
This unit is an advanced exploration of digital sound and music in creative and multimedia contexts. It is a subject in which students are expected to make sophisticated use of sound creation and manipulation tools in pursuit of their own musical ideas. Students will undertake creative projects as a means to learning. An ability to read music at a basic level and an understanding of fundamental musical terminology is an advantage in this unit of study.