Outline

Overview

The unit will focus on producing music for emerging media: composing and designing sound for online media, virtual/augmented reality, and other evolving digital platforms incorporating technologies such as AI. This unit specialisation allows students to perfect the technical skills, creative abilities, and industry knowledge to become versatile and in-demand composers, producers, and sound designers in the rapidly evolving world of digital and electronic music.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Composition and Music Technology
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	CMPN2234 or CMPN2223
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ivan Zavada, ivan.zavada@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
In-class quiz	Early Feedback Task In class quiz querying digital composition techniques explored do far in the degree and levels of achievements and expectations for technology based activities in the semester.	0%	Week 02 Due date: 06 Mar 2026 at 23:59	15 minutes in-class Quiz	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Technical and critical perspective on sound design methodology Creative assessment 1: Technical and critical perspective on sound design methodology: Investigate existing sound design methodologies and propose an extended compositional technique based on foundational principles of sound design. 1500-word document wit	30%	Week 04 Due date: 20 Mar 2026 at 23:59	1500-word document with sound examples	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	Pre-production presentation Presentation of pre-production and sound design project based on feedback from assignment 1, including demonstration of sounds within an informed stylistic context and historical background.	30%	Week 07 Due date: 17 Apr 2026 at 23:59	20 minutes	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Final Project Final Project of Sound Design rendered in a complete industry-ready presentation and/or distribution format. Division Showcase.	40%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Hurdle tasks: Students must achieve a minimum mark of 50% in hurdle tasks to pass this unit.

1- Technical and critical perspective on sound design

2- Presentation of pre-production

3- Final Project and Division Showcase.

Assessment criteria

HD	High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
DI	Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
CR	Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
PS	Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
FA	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:

Standard SCM Late penalties apply 5% per day late and a total or 0 after 10 days.

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	Lecture: Overview of the course and learning outcomes and assessments and introduction to music production for emerging media. Tutorial: Exploring the landscape of digital media platforms and their specifications.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Lecture: Music production techniques for augmented digital environments. Mastering digital audio workflows and software choices. Tutorial: Develop templates for advanced music production workflows.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Lecture: Integrating AI in music composition. Understanding AI-powered music generation and its applications. Tutorial: Experimenting with AI tools and techniques for project development.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Lecture: Composing for virtual and augmented reality – survey of existing and emerging technologies. Tutorial: Discuss the challenges of VR/AR environments and uses with mobile technology. Explore the techniques for creating immersive and interactive audio experiences. Formative Assessment 1	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Lecture: Sound design for digital media based on foundational theories. Principles of sound design and its role in digital music composition. Tutorial: Experimenting with sound manipulation and synthesis through available resources at SCM and individual sources and toolsets – sharing of resources and ideas.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 06	Lecture: Adaptive and interactive music composition with a focus on designing music that responds to user interactions and environmental factors. Tutorial: Implementing dynamic (and non-linear) music systems for digital environments.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Lecture: Presentations of pre-production and feedback session. Tutorial: Students discuss options to change current work through peer and instructor feedback on creative and technical aspects. Formative Assessment 2	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Lecture: Advanced sound production techniques. Mastering audio mixing and processing for digital media. Tutorial: Implement above audio production techniques for various digital platforms and devices.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Lecture: Advanced sound production techniques (continued) Mastering audio mixing and processing for digital media. Tutorial: Implement above audio production techniques for various digital platforms and devices.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Lecture: Professional practices in digital music composition. Understanding industry trends and best practices in the sector. Tutorial: Preparing for a career as a versatile digital music composer and sound designer.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Lecture: Final project supervision. Tutorial: Revise individual digital music composition projects Refining creative and technical aspects based on peer and lecturer feedback.	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Summative assessment: presentations/showcase of final works. Group presentation of individual projects.	Lecture (3 hr)

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

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. Develop advanced music and sound production skills for emerging digital media platforms including integration of AI methods for project development.
LO2. Integrate music technology and digital techniques proficiently to create compelling, innovative compositions for digital environments.
LO3. Understand creative and technical considerations to effectively communicate digital composition project outcomes with peers.
LO4. Experiment with sound design techniques to push digital music composition boundaries.
LO5. Apply industry knowledge and professional practices in a final digital music production.

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.

N/A New Unit of Study first time offered in 2026

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

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

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CMPN3235: Digital Music Composition 5

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links