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Unit of study_

CMPN2334: Composition for Creative Industries 4

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Sydney

Concepts of Music Through Composition 4 assists students prepare for commercially-oriented work for the creative industries. Its particular focus is songwriting and arranging.

Unit details and rules

Unit code CMPN2334
Academic unit Composition and Music Technology
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
CMPN2333 or PERF2602
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Ivan Zavada, ivan.zavada@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Andrew Robertson, andrew.robertson@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment hurdle task Assessment 4 - Arranging for Orchestra
Create a film score based on a given brief.
40% STUVAC
Due date: 10 Nov 2023 at 23:59
see Canvas for details
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Assessment 1 - String section arrangement
Create an arrangement for a string section.
15% Week 03
Due date: 20 Aug 2023 at 23:59
see Canvas for details
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Assessment 2 - Arranging for String and Rhythm Ensemble
Create an orchestration using strings and rhythm section
25% Week 06
Due date: 10 Sep 2023 at 23:59
see Canvas for details
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Assessment 3 - Vocal and Rhythm Ensemble Arrangement
Orchestration a vocal ensemble and rhythm section.
20% Week 09
Due date: 08 Oct 2023 at 23:59
see Canvas for details
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas

 

Assessment criteria

Akari Curriculum

Assessment grading

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

The arrangement is of outstanding professional standard as evidenced by a high degree of artistic, aesthetic and technical perspicacity. The presentation of score, parts and audio (whichever are relevant) is exceptional.  

Distinction

75 - 84

The arrangement is of a high standard as evidenced by a competent demonstration of artistic, aesthetic and technical perspicacity. The presentation of score, parts and audio (whichever are relevant) is pragmatic and intelligible.  

Credit

65 - 74

The arrangement is of a good standard as evidenced by an acceptable demonstration of artistic, aesthetic and technical acuity. The presentation of score, parts and audio (whichever are relevant) is intelligible.  

Pass

50 - 64

The arrangement is of a fair standard as demonstrated by an amateur-level treatment of artistic, aesthetic and technical acuity. The presentation of score, parts and audio (whichever are relevant) is questionable but acceptable.  

Fail

0 - 49

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

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

 

For more information see guide to grades.

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:

The Assessment Procedures 2011 provide that any written work submitted after 11:59pm on the due date will be penalised by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded. Please visit the following site for further details: https://www.sydney.edu.au/policies/default.aspx?mode=glossary&word=Coursework

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction – what makes an effective orchestration – listen to and study examples Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 02 Orchestrating for strings, Part 1 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 Orchestrating for strings, Part 2 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Orchestrating popular songs – use of rhythm section Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Arranging for winds and brass Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Arranging for voices Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Orchestrating for live concerts plus discussion of transposed scores Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Orchestrating for recording studio - use of overdubbing Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Arranging for Orchestra: protocol and workflow for live performances, Part 1 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Arranging for Orchestra: protocol and workflow for live performances, Part 2 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 MIDI rendition, Score and Parts Preparation, for a Film Recording Session, Part 1 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 MIDI rendition, Score and Parts Preparation, for a Film Recording Session, Part 2 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Please see attandance information on Canvas and the Coursework Policy: https://www.sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2014/378&RendNum=0

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

There are no prescribed readings for this unit of study. However, the following books are highly recommended and used as reference materials in this course:

Gould, Elaine. Behind Bars: The Definitive Guide to Music Notation. London: Faber Music, 2011. 

Adler, Samuel. The Study of Orchestration. WW Norton and Co.

These books are available from our Conservatorium Library.

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. understand and implement apposite workflow, protocols and principles relevant to a given project
  • LO2. conceive and execute musical arrangements that are technically and artistically informed
  • LO3. navigate musical idiosyncrasies inherent to different ensemble types
  • LO4. create midi mockups of arrangements for reference
  • LO5. effectively notate and format professional standard full scores and parts.

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.

More emphasis on student feedback in class, now made possible with an extra hour of class per week. Keeping the class sizes small-medium.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.