Outline

Overview

Music Notation builds student capacity to notate music at a professional industry standard. Through the study of published scores and textbooks on music notation, students learn the standards of music notation, and how to approach complex or difficult notational problems. This unit introduces professional music notation software. A series of short challenges develops skills in key areas of music notation, including the preparation of scores and parts, and piano reductions. Students will develop skills in notating music for chamber, solo and orchestral scores throughout the semester.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Composition and Music Technology
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	CMPN2604
Assumed knowledge ?	Concurrent study with CMPN1331 is recommended where possible. Students should own a professional music notation program (e.g. Sibelius, Dorico).
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Peggy Polias, peggy.polias@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
Creative work	Transcription Assignment Written notation-based assessment	30%	Formal exam period Due date: 14 Jun 2026 at 23:59	10 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task Online Quiz #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 02 Due date: 06 Mar 2026 at 23:59	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Pitch and Rhythm Written notation-based assessment	10%	Week 03 Due date: 15 Mar 2026 at 23:59	2 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Score Design and Articulation Written notation-based assessment	15%	Week 05 Due date: 29 Mar 2026 at 23:59	2 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Instrumental Notation Test In-class Test	20%	Week 08 Due date: 20 Apr 2026 at 17:00	50 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Parts Preparation Written notated-based assignment	15%	Week 12 Due date: 24 May 2026 at 23:59	2 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Attendance and Engagement Lecture and Tutorial attendance and engagement	10%	Weekly	Weekly	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

The Tutorial Quiz and the Online Quiz assess instrumental notation principles through a small number of short answer questions, error detection and notation examples
The written notation-based assessment tasks assess specific notation principles through short answer questions, error detection and multiple notation examples
The Parts Preparation task assesses instrument specific notation and parts production through a typesetting exercise
The Transcription task assesses accuracy in typesetting, score production and part production through the computer notation of a handwritten existing musical work

Assessment criteria

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 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:

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. Submission deadline is always 23:59 on the day indicated on the submission portal.

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	Introduction	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Introduction	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Notation Basics - Pitch	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Notation Basics - Pitch	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Notation Basics - Rhythm	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Notation Basics - Rhythm	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Notation Basics - Articulation	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Notation Basics - Articulation	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Score Setup and Design	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Score Setup and Design	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Instrumentation Notation - Strings	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Instrumentation Notation - Strings	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Instrumentation Notation - Woodwind and Brass	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Instrumentation Notation - Woodwind and Brass	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Instrumentation Notation - Keyboards, Harp and Percussion	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Instrumentation Notation - Keyboards, Harp and Percussion	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Score and Parts Preparation	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Score and Parts Preparation	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Graphic Scores and Publishing Technologies	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Graphic Scores and Publishing Technologies	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Film, Jazz and Popular Notation Conventions	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Film, Jazz and Popular Notation Conventions	Tutorial (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 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

Gould, Elaine. Behind Bars: General Conventions. London: Faber, 2023.

The Gould text (2023) is strongly recommended for the course.

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. Demonstrate high-level skills in music notation for professional contexts.
LO2. Demonstrate strong familiarity with idiomatic instrumental notation.
LO3. Apply critical thinking to solve problems in musical notation and score production.
LO4. Demonstrate advanced skills in the production of musical scores, parts, and notated information for various professional contexts.
LO5. Demonstrate strong abilities in standard conventions of musical notation practice, with reference to historical prededent.
LO6. Develop fluency in one or more music notation software programs, to support creative practice.

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.

Minor changes made to weekly content for the 2026 academic year.

Additional information

Students are strongly recommended to have access to professional music notation software (Sibelius, Dorico, MuseScore). Submitted work assessments are required to be produced using professional notation 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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CMPN2320: Music Notation

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links