Outline

Overview

The development of compositional techniques is integral to the ability to best express musical ideas and material. The focus of this unit is the creative work of students which is developed through the study of a range of compositional topics. Aspects of pitch, rhythm, counterpoint, notation, instrumentation and structure are considered both in the abstract and in relation to a variety of music.

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	Natalie Williams, natalie.williams@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Portfolio or journal	Composition Portfolio Notated music composition portfolio	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 09 Jun 2026 at 23:59	3-4 minute duration	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task Online quiz	5%	Week 02 Due date: 08 Mar 2026 at 23:59	Self-directed	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Small Assignment 1 Short compositions focused on pitch-based techniques	10%	Week 05 Due date: 23 Mar 2026 at 23:59	Two minute duration	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Small Assignment 2 Small composition on motivic development	10%	Week 08 Due date: 20 Apr 2026 at 23:59	Two minute duration	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Major work draft Draft of composition portfolio	10%	Week 09 Due date: 26 Apr 2026 at 23:59	Minimum two minute duration	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Small Assignment 3 Small Composition for Solo Instrument	10%	Week 12 Due date: 18 May 2026 at 23:59	Two minute duration	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Lesson Participation Engagement and participation in composition studio lessons	5%	Week 13 Closing date: 29 May 2026	Throughout semester	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Reflection Paper Reflection and review of semester portfolio and compositions	10%	Week 13 Due date: 31 May 2026 at 23:59	500 words	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

Hurdle tasks: Please note that hurdle tasks in this unit require a minimum mark of 50% to pass this unit.

Composition - major work: A notated music score and live recording of at least one piece that represents aspects of material studied during this unit of study. This composition should, ideally, be performed by live players. A video of a performance is an acceptable alternative mode of presentation, as is a hybrid of live and midi playback (if necessary). A concert space and time will be provided by the unit co-ordinator during semester for students to present their work. The composition is not to be written for instruments requiring amplification unless special permission is given by the unit co-ordinator. Writing for percussion instruments is discouraged at this level unless composer is working with a percussion major student. Seek advice about percussion writing options from the UoS co-ordinator. Submit a score (PDF) and audio (mp3 file).
Composition - small assignments: Small composition assignments, as set out on the Canvas site. Submit scores and audio in PDF and mp3 files. No links or zip files.
Application/participation: Assessment focused on preparedness for tutorials and composition studio lessons, plus participation in concert preparation as outlined on the Canvas site.

Due date and other information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The Composition Portfolio submission will be graded according to the criteria below. An assessment rubric will be provided on Canvas.

Creativity (40%)

Exceptional (34-40): An original contribution to musical thinking. Convincing, confident, imaginative, personal, bold, risk-taking, engaging.

Superior (30-33): Demonstrated convincing musical logic and direction. Engagement with repertory goes beyond imitation through application and development of compositional techniques.

Competent (26-29): Influenced by compositional techniques and uses such techniques with an individual approach.

Acceptable (20-25): Engaged with contemporary musical culture and ideas, but copies rather than seeks to extend the ideas of other composers.

Unacceptable (19 or less): Generic, unoriginal, pastiche.

Craft (40%)

Exceptional (34-40): Professional-level command of resources. Technique is matched to creative intentions.

Superior (30-33): Musical structure is fluent and lucid throughout. Displays sophisticated ability to develop and manipulate material. Advanced use of musical materials.

Competent (26-29): Displays coherent structure and convincing clarity in orchestration/instrumentation and standard of presentation.

Acceptable (20-25): Basic capacity to express musical ideas with appropriate instrumental and/or digital media.

Unacceptable (19 or less): Fundamental technical errors evident in presentation, understanding of instruments, musical form. Work is incomplete or unfinished.

Presentation (20%)

Exceptional (18-20): Professional level score (parts) prepared with coherent visual identity. Front matter or supporting documentation is of professional quality.

Competent (15-17): Work is presented with clarity and supported with adequate front matter. Non score-based work is informed by concise and compelling supporting documentation. May include some errors of notation, layout, and missing content.

Acceptable (10-14): Notation legible but includes ambiguity and poor editing / formatting. Front matter is incomplete. Electroacoustic and non score-based work supported by appropriate documentation.

Unacceptable (9 or less): Illegible scores and/or incomplete or unformatted submissions.

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:

As per the University’s Assessment Procedures 2011 policy, Clause 7A, http://sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2012/267&RendNum=0: (1) It is expected that unless an application for Special Consideration has been approved (needs to be made in advance of the deadline) students will submit all assessment for a unit of study on the due date specified, by 11.59pm. If the assessment is completed or submitted within the period of extension, no academic penalty will be applied to that piece of assessment. (2) If an extension is either not sought, not granted before the deadline or is granted but work is submitted after the extended due date, the late submission of assessment will result in an academic penalty as follows: A penalty of 5% of the maximum mark will be applied per calendar day the assessment is late. After 10 calendar days, mark of zero is given for that assessment.

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
Multiple weeks	210 minutes of one to one tutorial time, divided into either 30 or 45 minute blocks. Usually five to seven sessions.	One-on-one music lesson (3.5 hr)
Week 01	Week 1 - Introduction, Principles of Limitation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Week 2 - Limited Pitch (Modes)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Week 3 - Limited Pitch (Intervals)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Week 4 - Tutorial I (Small Assignment 1)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Week 5 - Motivic Development I	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Week 6 - Motivic Development II	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Week 7 - Tutorial II (Small Assignment 2)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Week 8 - Concert Organisation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Week 9 - Instrumental Workshop I	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Week 11 - Instrumental Workshop II	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Week 12 - Major Works	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 13	Week 13 - Reflection and Evaluation	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students must 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%.
In addition to the rule above, full (100 per cent) and punctual attendance is a requirement in all activities where students have a role as active participants in the class or activity (e.g. tutorials). Active participation includes situations where the student's contribution is to perform, rehearse or direct rehearsals in a small or large ensemble, or to give seminar and tutorial papers or presentations or undertake assessment tasks. Active participation also includes all one-to-one studio teaching and supervision. Except in cases of special consideration, failure to attend activities or classes where a student is an active participant will be seen as failure to meet the requirements of the unit of study.
Students are expected to attend all mandatory Composition and Music Technology Forums at the start and end of semester (Wednesday, 12.00-1.00pm, Week 1 and Week 13). An attendance roll will be taken on the days of the common forum.

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

– Students must arrange access to a professional music notation software package (Sibelius, Dorico – don’t purchase limited versions). Students using MuseScore should consider swapping to a professional package by the beginning of Semester 2.

– Note Performer 4 playback engine recommended.

– Please see Canvas for the class Reading List

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. Utilise a broad range of compositional techniques and approaches in the construction of your creative work, developing a personal compositional voice
LO2. Analyse, assess, and communicate your learning of compositional techniques and approaches from existing compositions
LO3. Present score-based music to a high standard using computer music notation software and/or handwriting
LO4. Engage with your own musical development through required attendance at lessons and classes, demonstrating consistent working practices
LO5. Refine your compositional craft by reflecting and revising work to incorporate feedback from tutors, performers, and peers as appropriate
LO6. Arrange and oversee public performance of compositions, demonstrated through presentation(s) of your original work at recital events on campus

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 assessment criteria have been made to concur with new early assessment process. Information regarding the use of AI included.

Additional information

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.

Learning Support

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.

Using AI Responsibly

Study Commitment

Additional costs

Purchasing of music notation software is at students' own cost. Alternatively, students may use the computer lab software.

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

Learning Support

Simple Extensions

Special Consideration

Using AI Responsibly

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CMPN1601: Composition 1

Semester 1, 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

Learning Support

Simple Extensions

Special Consideration

Using AI Responsibly

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links