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

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Contribution	Short written reflection tasks Students will contribute personal reflections on nominated electronic works.	20%	Multiple weeks	Discussion tasks of 200-400 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Creative Audio Assignment Demonstrate creative skills & artistic reflection in a 3-6 minute composition and written reflection.	40%	STUVAC Due date: 14 Nov 2025 at 23:59	3-6 min composition, written reflection	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Early Feedback Task Canvas quiz testing existing knowledge of class content	5%	Week 03 Due date: 15 Aug 2025 at 23:59	30mins	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Formative Skills Assessment Compose a short sound work using only recorded audio samples - either those provided or samples recorded yourself. You will also submit a short written reflection explaining your sounds, vision and process.	20%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Sep 2025 at 23:59	1-2 min sound work, short write-up	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Creative Audio Assignment: Work-In-Progress Deliver a 2-minute work-in-progress for class presentation, accompanied by a descriptive 100-200 word program note	15%	Week 13 Due date: 04 Nov 2025 at 23:59	2-minute WIP and short program note	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

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. Students write a brief reflection on the discussion prompt for that week. The responses should be 200-400 words long. Students may occasionally be asked to post links to their work and give constructive comments on the work of others.

Formative Skills Assessment:

Compose a 1-2 minute sound work using only audio samples - either those provided or recorded yourself. You will also submit a short written reflection explaining your sounds, vision and process.

Creative Audio Assignment: Work-In-Progress:

Students will submit a 2-minute work-in-progress of their Creative Audio Assignment. Students will also provide a 100-200 word program note. These submissions will be presented in the Week 13 tutorials.

Creative Audio Assignment:

Compose an original creative audio work of 3-6 minutes and submit supporting documentation. Students will choose from a list of stylistic options and creative prompts to inform the direction of their work.

Students are also required to submit their complete DAW project file and a short written reflection describing their sound sources, inspiration and process.

Assessment criteria

Please refer to the assessment rubrics in Canvas for further specifications.

Short written reflection tasks

25%: Genuine participation in homework/in-class activity on dates scheduled.
75%: Meaningful and personal response to the stimulus.

Assessment: Formative Skills Assessment

33.3%: Demonstrating technical competence
33.3%: Musical treatment of the material
33.3%: Effective Documentation

Assessment: Creative Audio Assignment In-Class Listening Excerpt

50%: Submission of substantial work-in-progress, evidence of well-developed concept
50% Written program note including original title, artistic vision and reflection

Assessment: Creative Audio Assignment

40%: Recording/Sound file processing/technical competence
40%: Musical treatment of the material
20%: Effective Documentation

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.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 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. 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 recorded sound and tape music, and ways of listening and appreciating sound-based music.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Setting up DAW and Soundcloud accounts, going over assignments, and an introduction to the computer labs and studios.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Lecture includes: Introducing amplitude, frequency, harmonics and timbre, and the concept of 'mixing.'	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Tutorial includes: Intro to Ableton and Logic interfaces, audio editing basics and saving first project. Early Feedback Task due this week.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Lecture includes: Intro to field recording, acoustic ecology and soundscape listening. Further audio editing tips.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Tutorial: Microphone and portable recording basics. Group task: short recording excursion using hand-held recorders.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Lecture includes: Manipulating sound through ‘time-domain’ audio editing techniques. An introduction to EQ and filters.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Tutorial includes: Practical implementation of techniques.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Lecture includes: Introduction to sampling and in-DAW sampling softwares.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Tutorial includes: Practical implementation of sampling techniques.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Lecture includes: Continuation of MIDI learning. Composing with the Sampler and manipulating MIDI.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Tutorial includes: Practical implementation of techniques.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Lecture includes: History and use of reverb and space in electronic works. Survey of different reverb types, uses and Buss tracks.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Tutorial: Implementation of techniques.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	No lecture this week. Work on Formative Skills Assessment task. Class includes: Live feedback on works-in-progress, then continue individual work with roving feedback from tutor.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Lecture includes: Introduction to sound synthesis. Creation of new synth patches using Ableton or Logic.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Tutorial: Practical implementation of techniques.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	SPECIAL PROJECTS WEEK. No lecture or tutorial this week. Drop-in sessions available to discuss assignment feedback.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Lecture includes: Introduction to the Compressor, Limiter, and further mixing techniques.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Tutorial: Various examples of contemporary, electronic & electro-acoustic music. Practical implementation of mixing workflow and techniques.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	No lecture this week. Tutorial includes: Revision of selected techniques, + rendering/exporting files, file types and formats. Discussion of future avenues to continue experimental practices. If time, work on final assignment with roving feedback from tutor.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	No lecture this week. Tutorial includes: Assessment presentation at in-class listening party.	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. 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.

Thank you to all students who took the time to fill out the Unit of Study survey. I was happy to see such a high satisfaction rating for students in this class - as well as all the thoughtful suggestions to make CMPN1013 better for the next cohort. Students mentioned the pre-recorded videos as a strength, and wanted more one-on-one feedback and practical time in class. These suggestions will be incorporated into plans for Semester 2, 2025. Thank you again to all for your excellent feedback!

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

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

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

CMPN1013: Creative Music Technology

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

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