Unit outline_

CMPN2333: Composition for Creative Industries 3

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Sydney

Composition for Creative Industries 3 assists students prepare for commercially oriented work for the creative industries. The focus of this semester is on composing for the screen and concentrates on film, television, advertising and animation. Effective communication and briefing techniques that mirror those used in the industry are examined and implemented. Alongside teacher guidance and peer feedback, this unit offers extensive deliverable content, instruction and modelling.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Composition and Music Technology
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
CMPN1332
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Alison Cole, alison.cole@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Contribution hurdle task Participation & Attendance
1. Attendance at both lectures and tutorials 2. Presentation of work in tutorials - work in progress on assignments 3. Presentation of composition elements in tutorials 4. Participation in peer-to-peer feedback
10% Ongoing n/a AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
In-class quiz hurdle task Early Feedback Task Early Feedback Task - Canvas quiz
Canvas quiz #earlyfeedbacktask
10% Week 01
Due date: 24 Feb 2026 at 14:00
30 mins AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5
Creative work CREATING A SONIC IDENTITY - FINAL
Creating a 60-second sonic identity for a TV Channel
15% Week 04
Due date: 19 Mar 2026 at 23:59
60 seconds AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Creative work ORCHESTRAL COMPOSITION & SCORING TO PICTURE - FINAL
Composing a 58-sec orchestral score (to picture).
15% Week 10
Due date: 06 May 2026 at 23:59
90 secs AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Portfolio or journal SHOWREEL & REFLECTIVE STATEMENT
Completed work incorporating feedback + rationale + Creative Project
25% Week 13
Due date: 25 May 2026 at 23:59
Up to 4 mins/written rationale AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Creative work CREATIVE PROJECT
Compose a score for one of the short films provided
25% Week 13
Due date: 25 May 2026 at 23:59
Up to 3 mins AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
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: Students must complete the Early Feedback Task

Composition planning in different musical elements: Students will present several composition plans for specific genre composition  - rhythm, harmony, texture & instrumentation

Compositions: Students will complete and submit composition tasks:

  1. Composing a ‘sonic identity’ (SUBMIT-ASSESSMENT)
  2. Orchestral core to an animation movie with video (90sec) (SUBMIT-ASSESSMENT)
  3. Composing a contemporary film score from a brief that they have written for their 'Creative Project.'
  4. Assembling a Creative Portfolio, including their Creative Project, and any two chosen as their final semester submission. (SUBMIT-ASSESSMENT)

Showreel and Notes: Students will assemble a showreel from the individual tasks, incorporating feedback from the fortnightly showings. Students will submit their creative portfolio, including their Creative Project, and any two pieces they choose as their final semester submission. 

 

Assessment criteria

Showreel tasks will be assessed on:

  1. Musicality: The duration of music will be specified in the client brief, and students will be expected to develop a musical narrative, incorporating a beginning, middle & end.
  2. Fulfilling the client brief: did it tell the narrative? Was the genre accurate? Is the shape of the composition syncing with the pictures?
  3. Awareness of functionality: delivery, format, mixing and audio balance skills, i.e., ensuring music doesn’t fight with voiceover.
  4. Collaboration/constructive feedback: people skills/listening. Giving and receiving constructive feedback that aims to answer the creative brief is a vital component of working in creative industries, and the tutorial groups will be assessed in this light.
  5. Participation and professionalism: Students must attend weekly classes and work productively in tutorial groups. Students will be marked individually according to their involvement in and preparation for their group work. This includes bringing required resources and requested audio materials and following up on recommendations for tutorial sessions.

The following assessment criteria are used for original work in this unit of study:

Result name

Mark range

Description

High Distinction

85 - 100

Comprehensive and outstanding technical control and musical integrity to developmental expectations. Musical individuality is consistently projected to create a persuasive personal representation of the work. Performance flair is indicative of a broadcast/professional standard. A mark of 95 or above indicates extraordinary technical virtuosity and musical artistry.

Distinction

75 - 84

Excellent technical, musical and stylistic achievement. Consistently coherent and expressive performance. Some personal interpretation of the work suggests professional potential. 

Credit

65 - 74

Confident technique with evidence of solid musicality and some stylistic achievement. Occasional lapses indicate unresolved technical, artistic and/or stylistic issues. Projects potential for further development.

Pass

50 - 64

Satisfactory level of preparation and musical engagement. Some inconsistencies in musicianship, style and/or technique. Musical imagination and overall performance sense develop through some insecurity in this area.

Fail

0 - 49

Unsatisfactory technical achievement and/or inadequate level of musical and artistic engagement. Limitations may be of such a scale and consistency as to call into question the student’s future direction in the programme.

The following assessment criteria are used for written work in this unit of study:

Result name

Mark range

Description

High Distinction

85 - 100

Demonstrates a 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 questions and ability to review material about underlying assumptions and values critically; analyses material concerning 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, and some evidence of independent thought and good referencing. A high credit (70-74) shows some evidence of problem-solving and thinking 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:

Given the expectations of this industry, students are urged to learn to meet the stipulated deadlines. Students will receive a 5% deduction for each extra day taken to submit their work.

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 Composing For Screen - Introduction Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO6 LO5
Composing For Screen - Introduction - The Elements of Genre Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO6 LO5
Week 02 Composing in a Genre - How Genre Works When Composing For Screen Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO6 LO5
Composing in a Genre - How Genre Works When Composing For Screen Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO6 LO5
Week 03 Creating a Sonic Personality - Creative Strategies For Screen Composition Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO6 LO5
Creating a Sonic Personality - Creative Strategies For Screen Composition Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO6 LO5
Week 04 Composing / Creating a Sound Logo - What, Why & How Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO6 LO5
Composing / Creating a Sound Logo - What, Why & How Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO6 LO5
Week 05 Film Composition - How Narrative Works Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO6 LO5
Film Composition - How Narrative Works Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO6 LO5
Week 06 Film Composition - The Narrative - Creative Project Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO6 LO5
Film Composition - The Narrative - Creative Project Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO6 LO5
Week 07 Advertising and Composition - the TVC Part 1 - The Creative Brief Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO6 LO5
Advertising and Composition - the TVC Part 1 - The Creative Brief Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO6 LO5
Week 08 Advertising and Composition - the TVC Part 2 - Realising A Creative Brief Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO6 LO5
Advertising and Composition - the TVC Part 2 - Realising A Creative Brief Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO6 LO5
Week 09 TV Channel Identity and Composition - Shaping A Musical Personality Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO6 LO5
TV Channel Identity and Composition - Shaping A Musical Personality Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO6 LO5
Week 11 Composition for Animation - Orchestral Composition in a DAW Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO6 LO5
Composition for Animation - Orchestral Composition in a DAW Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO6 LO5
Week 12 Feedback Session Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO6 LO5
Feedback Session Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO6 LO5
Week 13 Creative Project Self-directed learning (6 hr) LO3 LO4 LO1 LO2 LO6 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend at least 90% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted an exemption by the Dean, Head of School, or the professor most concerned. The Dean, Head of School, or the most concerned professor may determine that a student fails a unit of study due to inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items if attendance is below 90%.

Resources: 

Special Consideration PortalLinks to an external site.

Professional LeaveLinks to an external site.

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. Demonstrate a range of creative and technical composition skills, strategies and workflows relevant to screen music, and be able to deliver a project to professional standards
  • LO2. Understand professional industry expectations regarding delivery schedules and industry technical standards
  • LO3. Interpret and respond creatively and strategically to a brief
  • LO4. Work productively and proactively in collaborative environments
  • LO5. Navigate competently through a broad range of musical genres
  • LO6. Compile a high quality personal showreel of original work.

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 year, the focus is on composing for various screen applications. I am creating and facilitating more opportunities for the students to feel more engaged.

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.