Outline

Overview

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

Academic unit	Composition and Music Technology
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	CMPN2333
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Andrew Robertson, andrew.robertson@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Creative work	Assessment 4 - Arranging for Orchestra + Vocals Arrange for Pops Orchestra + Vocals	25%	STUVAC Due date: 16 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 26 Nov 2025	see Canvas for details	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task - Canvas Quiz Early Feedback Task - Canvas Quiz #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 03 Due date: 18 Aug 2025 at 23:59	10-15min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Assessment 1 - String section arrangement Create an arrangement for a string section based on a given piece.	15%	Week 03 Due date: 24 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 03 Sep 2025	see Canvas for details	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Assessment 2 - Arranging for String and Rhythm Ensemble Create and record and orchestration using strings and rhythm section.	40%	Week 08 Due date: 28 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 08 Oct 2025	see Canvas for details	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Assessment 3 - Vocal and Rhythm Ensemble Arrangement Orchestration for a vocal ensemble and rhythm section.	20%	Week 11 Due date: 26 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 05 Nov 2025	see Canvas for details	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle 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

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 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:

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

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

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. 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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Assessment grading

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CMPN2334: Composition for Creative Industries 4

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Assessment grading

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links