Unit outline_

CMPN2233: Digital Music Composition 3

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Sydney

Digital Music Composition 3 supports the sustained development of compositional craft and creativity through the practical integration of music technology and digital music techniques in the preparation of sound based compositions to be submitted throughout the semester. This unit will introduce students to historical and current modular synthesis techniques and the use of computers to generate and synthesise sounds. Students will investigate a range of compositional approaches associated with different styles of digital music and apply these to their own work throughout Semester.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Composition and Music Technology
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
CMPN1232 or CMPN1221
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Benjamin Carey, benjamin.carey@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz hurdle task Early Feedback Task Early Feedback Task - Canvas Quiz
Canvas quiz covering content from weeks 1 & 2
10% Week 03
Due date: 14 Mar 2026 at 23:59
10-15mins AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement Preset Analysis Task - Demonstration and Q+A/Viva Voce
In-class demonstration and analysis of a synthesiser 'preset' + Q+A Viva Voce
20% Week 05
Due date: 28 Mar 2026 at 13:00
10mins AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Creative work Sound Synthesis Portfolio 1
Composition Task: compose a short portfolio of sound synthesis 'studies': 2-3 works, 5-8mins in length.
30% Week 08
Due date: 24 Apr 2026 at 23:59
5-8mins AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO2 LO4
Creative work Sound Synthesis Portfolio 2
Composition Task: compose a portfolio of compositions using techniques learned in class. 2-3 works, 8-10mins + 500 word report.
40% Week 13
Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59
8-10 minutes + 500 word reflection AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
early feedback 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: Canvas quiz covering content form weeks 1 & 2 #earlyfeedbacktask
  • Preset Analysis Task - Demonstration and Q+A/Viva Voce:  Demonstrate and analyse a single 'preset' from a software synthesiser of your choice, breaking down its specific signal flow and sonic potential for the class in an interactive demonstration. Presentation followed by a Q+A/Viva Voce
  • Sound Synthesis Portfolio 1: Compose a short portfolio of sound synthesis 'studies'. The portfolio should comprise 2-3 works, totalling 5 to 8 minutes in duration. Each work must be constructed solely using the synthesis techniques learned so far in class.
  • Sound Synthesis Portfolio 2: Compose a portfolio of 2-3 compositions, totalling 8-10mins. Each work must make use of at least 3 synthesis techniques/approaches studied in class. The portfolio must be accompanied by a 500 word reflection, detailing the composition/production process.

Assessment criteria

 

See Canvas for more specific assessment rubrics.

 

HD

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, including Craft and Creativity, Technical Execution, Process and Presentation.

DI

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, including Craft and Creativity, Technical Execution, Process and Presentation.

CR

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, including Craft and Creativity, Technical Execution, Process and Presentation.

PS

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, including Craft and Creativity, Technical Execution, Process and Presentation.

FA

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory 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.

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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Course overview: Synthesising sound, composing with synthesisers - a survey of historical and contemporary approaches to sound synthesis. Synthesisers as tool and method; preset analysis; analogue vs digital/software vs hardware; control and chaos. Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Practical activities. Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 02 Additive, amplitude modulation (AM/RM), and subtractive synthesis Deep Dive; envelopes, LFOs and modulation basics; noise sources and filtering; Introduction to VCV Rack. Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Additive, amplitude modulation (AM/RM), and subtractive synthesis Deep Dive: Practical activities. Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 Frequency Modulation (FM) synthesis Deep Dive. Generating harmonic and inharmonic spectra, understanding modulation matrices, advanced modulation techniques. Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Frequency Modulation (FM) synthesis Deep Dive: Practical activities. Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Wavetable synthesis Deep Dive: Wavetables as timbral terrain; combining subtractive and wavetable techniques; creating your own wavetables. Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Wavetable synthesis Deep Dive: Practical activities. Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Preset Analysis Presentations + Q+A/Viva Voces Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Preset Analysis Presentations + Q+A/Viva Voces Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Granular synthesis Deep Dive: History and theory; granular synthesis vs granulation; granular synthesis techniques in practice; manipulating timbre and time; live granulation; pulsar synthesis. Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Granular synthesis Deep Dive: Practical activities. Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Physical Modelling Deep Dive: History and techniques; karplus-strong and modal synthesis; synthesis method as audio effect. Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Physical Modelling Deep Dive: Practical activities. Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Composition workshop: guided personal work towards Assignment 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Composition workshop: guided personal work towards Assignment 1 Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Modular synthesis Deep Dive 1: History and theory of modular synthesis; control voltage; signal types and terminology; SCM modular systems; modular methods in VCV Rack. Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Modular synthesis Deep Dive 1: Practical activities. Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Modular synthesis Deep Dive 2: VCV Rack continued; modulating the modulators; feedback in modular systems; randomisation, chance and probability. Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Modular synthesis Deep Dive 2: Practical activities. Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Advanced sound design with synthesisers: stereo tricks; FX in the chain; oscillator sync; multi-timbrality. Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Advanced sound design with synthesisers: Practical activities. Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Composition workshop: guided personal work towards Assignment 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Composition workshop: guided personal work towards Assignment 2 Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

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.

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. Identify the role of sound synthesis in various media contexts
  • LO2. Recognise and utilise various tones and noise generators across different platforms
  • LO3. Build synthesis patches using standard production software
  • LO4. Learn to reflect critically on previous work and identify new avenues for experimentation and learning
  • LO5. Develop an original artistic voice by composing short studies based on synthesis techniques explored in class

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 is the first time this unit has been offered

Disclaimer

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