Outline

Overview

The rationale behind this unit of study is to build upon Composition for Creative Industries 1. Students will explore concepts of music via the medium of a portfolio of compositions produced as library music (often called production music or stock music). Students will learn essential Digital Audio Workstation and production skills for delivering music to specific briefs for a wide range of genres and moods specific to the library music context.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Composition and Music Technology
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	CMPN1331
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

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Participation/application/class discussions Participation	30%	Multiple weeks	n/a	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Early Feedback Task - Quiz Canvas quiz based on unit content to date	0%	Week 02 Due date: 16 Aug 2026 at 23:59	15mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Portfolio 1: Library Music Portfolio Submission of portfolio of works with embedded metadata and track descriptors	30%	Week 06 Due date: 13 Sep 2026 at 23:59	Equivalent to 3000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Library Music in-class composition Composition completed in class	10%	Week 09 Due date: 07 Oct 2026 at 10:00	Equivalent to 500 words	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Portfolio 2: Library Music Portfolio Submission of portfolio of works with embedded metadata and track descriptors	30%	Week 12 Due date: 01 Nov 2026 at 23:59	Equivalent to 3000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = 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

Early Feedback Task: In-class Canvas quiz
Library Music Composition: A short musical composition as detailed on the canvas site.
Library Music Composition 4: Completed in-class - see details on Canvas
Library Music Portfolio: A portfolio of short musical compositions incorporating library music compositions and two additional short musical compositions.
Process Diary: a diary of critical thinking, reviews, reflection and process from throughout the semester.
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 Requirements

All assessment tasks must be attempted. Failure to submit or attend any assessment task will normally result in an Absent Fail (AF) or failure of the unit.

If a task is specified as a hurdle requirement, you must obtain a minimum mark of 50% in that task to pass the unit, even if your overall mark is higher.

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

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.

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	Small group tutorials will be an opportunity for students to participate in presentation of their work, peer learning, analysis, critical thinking skills and more detailed technical and practical skill development in the composition of production music.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 01	Lectures will cover multiple areas of production (library) music: analysis, composition, AI as well as the technical requirements for composing in this field.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Small group tutorials will be an opportunity for students to participate in presentation of their work, peer learning, analysis, critical thinking skills and more detailed technical and practical skill development in the composition of production music.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Lectures will cover multiple areas of production (library) music: analysis, composition, AI as well as the technical requirements for composing in this field.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Small group tutorials will be an opportunity for students to participate in presentation of their work, peer learning, analysis, critical thinking skills and more detailed technical and practical skill development in the composition of production music.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Lectures will cover multiple areas of production (library) music: analysis, composition, AI as well as the technical requirements for composing in this field.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Small group tutorials will be an opportunity for students to participate in presentation of their work, peer learning, analysis, critical thinking skills and more detailed technical and practical skill development in the composition of production music.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Lectures will cover multiple areas of production (library) music: analysis, composition, AI as well as the technical requirements for composing in this field.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Small group tutorials will be an opportunity for students to participate in presentation of their work, peer learning, analysis, critical thinking skills and more detailed technical and practical skill development in the composition of production music.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Lectures will cover multiple areas of production (library) music: analysis, composition, AI as well as the technical requirements for composing in this field.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Small group tutorials will be an opportunity for students to participate in presentation of their work, peer learning, analysis, critical thinking skills and more detailed technical and practical skill development in the composition of production music.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Lectures will cover multiple areas of production (library) music: analysis, composition, AI as well as the technical requirements for composing in this field.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Small group tutorials will be an opportunity for students to participate in presentation of their work, peer learning, analysis, critical thinking skills and more detailed technical and practical skill development in the composition of production music.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Lectures will cover multiple areas of production (library) music: analysis, composition, AI as well as the technical requirements for composing in this field.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Small group tutorials will be an opportunity for students to participate in presentation of their work, peer learning, analysis, critical thinking skills and more detailed technical and practical skill development in the composition of production music.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Lectures will cover multiple areas of production (library) music: analysis, composition, AI as well as the technical requirements for composing in this field.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Small group tutorials will be an opportunity for students to participate in presentation of their work, peer learning, analysis, critical thinking skills and more detailed technical and practical skill development in the composition of production music.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Lectures will cover multiple areas of production (library) music: analysis, composition, AI as well as the technical requirements for composing in this field.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Small group tutorials will be an opportunity for students to participate in presentation of their work, peer learning, analysis, critical thinking skills and more detailed technical and practical skill development in the composition of production music.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Lectures will cover multiple areas of production (library) music: analysis, composition, AI as well as the technical requirements for composing in this field.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Small group tutorials will be an opportunity for students to participate in presentation of their work, peer learning, analysis, critical thinking skills and more detailed technical and practical skill development in the composition of production music.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Lectures will cover multiple areas of production (library) music: analysis, composition, AI as well as the technical requirements for composing in this field.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Small group tutorials will be an opportunity for students to participate in presentation of their work, peer learning, analysis, critical thinking skills and more detailed technical and practical skill development in the composition of production music.	Tutorial (2 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 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

Digital Audio Workstation software Logic Studio Pro or Cubase is mandatory for this unit. Software is available for student use in multiple bookable studios.

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library's reading list system Leganto, available on Canvas.

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. organise a number of different musical elements
LO2. explore vertical and horizontal pitch relationships
LO3. analyse and demonstrate the relationship between pitch and form
LO4. outline, critique and demonstrate the organisation of musical elements for dramatic effect
LO5. analyse and combine compositional techniques across a range of musical styles
LO6. utilise, compare and critique a range of resources on commercial music production
LO7. compose short pieces with Digital Audio Workstations
LO8. understand how to use a range of software synthesisers for commercial music production
LO9. evaluate and deploy a range of creative collaborative strategies

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.

Updates to delivery dates, assessment descriptions, number of assessments

Additional information

Additional costs

Students need to provide their own professional Digital Audio Workstation software package (Cubase or Logic Pro) and free software synth libraries OR use the facilities provided by the SCM.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CMPN1332: Composition for Creative Industries 2

Semester 2, 2026 [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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links