Outline

Overview

Principal Study Composition supports the sustained development of compositional craft and creative voice through the preparation of composition(s) to be submitted at the end of each semester. Via one to one (individual) lessons, attendance at the weekly Composition Seminar and Supplementary Classes, students are expected to progressively advance through Composition 3 to 8. By the conclusion of this degree, students will have demonstrated a very high level of compositional ability, research capacity and notation/production skills. In Composition 3, weekly Supplementary Classes cover a range of topics relevant to craft and creativity. Small homework tasks are set to consolidate the topics covered.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Composition and Music Technology
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	CMPN1602
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Natalie Williams, natalie.williams@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
Portfolio or journal	Composition Portfolio Maximum of two works, recommended maximum of six musical lines/voices	50%	Formal exam period Due date: 09 Jun 2026 at 23:59	7-10 minutes of music	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Early Feedback Task Early Feedback Task	5%	Week 02 Due date: 06 Mar 2026 at 23:59	self-determined	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Small Assignment - Form and Pitch Small composition assignment	15%	Week 06 Due date: 30 Mar 2026 at 23:59	Two-minute duration	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Small Assignment - Texture and Extended Techniques Small composition assignment	15%	Week 10 Due date: 04 May 2026 at 23:59	Two-minutes duration	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Oral test	Composition Interview Interview with Composition Tutor on Draft Composition Portfolio	10%	Week 11 Closing date: 17 May 2026	15 minutes (oral)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Lesson Participation Engagement and participation in composition studio lessons	5%	Week 13 Closing date: 29 May 2026	Throughout semester	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

Hurdle tasks: Please note that hurdle tasks in this unit require a minimum mark of 50% to pass.

Composition Portfolio: students are required to submit a portfolio of original work/s (see further details below)
Small Assignments: students are required to submit short creative assignments according to specific parameters and criteria
Score Presentation: students are required to submit a draft of the full final composition portfolio, and also briefly present the portfolio (in progress) within a secure assessment
Attendance and Engagement: students are required to complete an Early Feedback Task, attend weekly lectures, class tutorials and private lessons, and present their composition portfolio at a final concert

Composition Portfolio details: a portfolio submission of new and original creative work, composed throughout the semester, that draws upon the techniques and materials studied within class. The portfolio should be of 7-10 minutes duration and be composed for a recommended maximum of six musical lines/voices (keyboards are equivalent to two voices). The portfolio should comprise no more than two separate musical works. The musical lines may include electronic components, but the majority of the portfolio should be written for live instrumental performers. Amplification and/or extensive performance requirements must be approved by the Unit of Study Co-ordinator prior to the final concert. Details regarding the final concert presentation will be provided during the semester. The use of percussion instruments must be sought through a percussion major student – please seek advice from the Unit of Study coordinator before committing to writing for percussion instruments. The portfolio submission should include a PDF score/s, plus an accompanying recording/s (MP3 file). The recording should be taken from the final concert performance, but MIDI substitutes can be submitted if the performance recording is unavailable.

Assessment criteria

Composition portfolios are assessed according to three grading criteria below. An assessment rubruc will be provided on Canvas.

Creativity: 15/50

Craft: 20/50

Presentation: 15/50

Creativity (15/50)

• Unacceptable (7-0 (F)): Generic, unoriginal, pastiche.

• Acceptable (9-8): Engaged with contemporary music techniques and concepts but copies rather than seeks to extend the ideas of other composers.

• Competent (11-10): Influenced by compositional techniques and uses such techniques with an individual approach.

• Superior (13-12): Demonstrated convincing musical logic and direction. Engagement with repertory goes beyond imitation through application and development of compositional techniques.

• Exceptional (15-14): An original contribution to musical thinking. Convincing, confident, imaginative, personal, bold, risk-taking, engaging.

Craft (20/50)

• Unacceptable (9-0 (F)): Fundamental technical errors evident in presentation, understanding of instruments, musical form. Work is complete or unfinished.

• Acceptable (13-10): Basic capacity to express musical ideas with appropriate instrumental and/or digital media.

• Competent (15-14): Displays coherent structure and convincing clarity in orchestration/instrumentation and standard of production.

• Superior (17-16): Musical structure is fluent and lucid throughout. Displays sophisticated ability to develop and manipulate material. Advanced use of musical materials.

• Exceptional (20-18): Professional-level command of resources. Technique is matched to creative intentions.

Presentation (15/50)

• Unacceptable (7-0 (F)): Illegible scores and/or incomplete or unformatted submissions. Audio format errors.

• Acceptable (9-8): Notation legible but includes ambiguity. Electroacoustic and non score-based work supported with appropriate documentation. Front matter is incomplete or excluded.

• Competent (11-10): Work is presented with clarity and supported with adequate front matter. Non score-based work informed by concise and compelling supporting documentation. May include some errors of notation, layout and missing content.

• Superior (13-12): Presentation of work demonstrates high levels of accuracy and attention to consistent and individual visual style. Front matter is compelling and detailed.

• Exceptional (15-14): Professional-level score and part prepared with coherent visual identity. Front matter or supporting documentation is of professional quality.

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:

A 5% penalty per calendar date applies for late submissions. Please see the Student Handbook for further details.

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
Multiple weeks	Seven hours of individual composition lessons with assigned tutor throughout the semester	One-on-one music lesson (7 hr)
Week 01	Introduction. Form I	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Form II	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Pitch I (Bitonality)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Pitch II (Serialism)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Tutorial I (Small Assignment I)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Texture in Instrumentation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Composing with Extended Techniques	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Textural Composition	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Tutorial II (Small Assignment II)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Score Production	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Major Works Preparation	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 13	Review and Reflection	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students must attend a minimum of 90 per cent of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Associate Dean (Education) or relevent delegated authority. The Associate Dean (Education) 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 per cent.

In addition to the rule above, full (100 per cent) and punctual attendance is a requirement in all activities where students have a role as active participants in the class or activity. Active participation includes situations where the student's contribution is to perform, rehearse or direct rehearsals in a small or large ensemble, or to give seminar and tutorial papers or presentations or undertake assessment tasks. Active participation also includes all one-to-one studio teaching and supervision. Except in cases of specal consideration, failure to attend activities or classes where a student is an active participant will be seen as failure to meet the requirements of the unit of study.

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.

Read, Gardner. Music Notation: a Manual of Modern Practice. New York: Taplinger, 1979.

Stone, Kurt. Music Notation in the Twentieth Century: a Practical Guidebook. New York: Norton, 1980.

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 a high level of compositional craft, research capacity, musical notation and score production skills.
LO2. Demonstrate discernment in compositional decisions, informed by the analysis and study of creative techniques.
LO3. Demonstrate an understanding of, and engagement with, a broad range of compositional traditions, genres, perspectives and practices, especially from music of the past century.
LO4. Demonstrate confidence and independence in creative practice through written presentation of methods and techniques.
LO5. Develop working strategies to compose regularly and proactively, evidenced by a completed folio of new composition(s).
LO6. Plan, compose, notate and produce one or more new and original compositions to professional level, working with performers in a concert presentation of work(s).

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 revisions to content and assessment made for the 2026 course offering. Prior student feedback incorporated.

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CMPN2603: Composition 3

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links