Outline

Overview

The focus of Composition for Creative Industries 5 is on composing music for theatrical contexts. Theatre extends beyond traditional plays and venues to encompass a wide range of performance arts that are live (now) and present (here), conveying a story or emotional experience to an audience. This broader definition includes conventional dramas performed in theatres, but also street performances, immersive and site-specific theatre, dance theatre, operas, musicals, puppetry, mime, and even certain forms of performance art. In this unit, we will focus on music for dance, live performance and live experiences. Students will develop a range of technological, compositional and collaborative skills, including the use of industry-standard software Qlab. The music industry demands professional standards of professional collaboration in addition to music composition, production technique, mixing ability, and the capacity to produce a high volume of work while meeting tight deadlines. During the weekly classes and assignments, students will develop a range of pertinent professional attributes essential to flourishing as composers within the creative industries.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Composition and Music Technology
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	CMPN2334
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Fiona Hill, f.hill@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
Creative work	Theatrical Context - Final Composition Submit composition including screenshots, archive plan and self-review	30%	Formal exam period Due date: 09 Jun 2026 at 23:59	5 minute composition + 500 word review	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task - file management quiz Early Feedback Task - file management quiz	0%	Week 02 Due date: 08 Mar 2026 at 23:59	Approx 15mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Collaborative partnership case study Collaborative partnership case study video presentation	10%	Week 04 Due date: 22 Mar 2026 at 23:59	5mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Q&A for theatrical Context - WIP composition Q&A for theatrical Context - WIP composition	5%	Week 08	5mins	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Theatrical Context - WIP composition Delivery of work in progress composition for theatrical contexts	10%	Week 08 Due date: 20 Apr 2026 at 23:59	2 mins minimum	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Q&A for Contemporary Dance WIP Composition presentation Q&A for Contemporary Dance WIP Composition presentation	5%	Week 09	5mins	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Contemporary Dance - Work in progress (WIP) presentation Contemporary Dance WIP Composition presentation	10%	Week 09 Due date: 27 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Apr 2026	2 min minimum WIP composition	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Contemporary Dance- Final performance Delivery/submission of final composition for contemporary dance performance	30%	Week 12 Due date: 18 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 21 May 2026	5 min minimum composition	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

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

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Canvas will include rubrics tailored for each assessment based on these general descriptors:

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Learning outcomes are demonstrated at an exceptional standard
Distinction	75 - 84	Learning outcomes are demonstrated at a very high standard
Credit	65 - 74	Learning outcomes demonstrated at a good standard
Pass	50 - 64	Learning outcomes demonstrated at an acceptable standard
Fail	0 - 49	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met 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:

• 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.

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 to music in theatrical contexts	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Exploring theatrical contexts, file management systems	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Intro to dance, compositional processes and planning large scale work, accomodating changes	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Planning, shared languages for collaboration, composition tools, planning	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Composer choreographer collaborative processes	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Collaboration activities	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Non-linear composition 1	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Non-linear composition tutorial 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Sound and Noise	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Collaboration activities	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Non-linear composition 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Non-linear composition tutorial 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Working with space	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Working with space tutorial	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Documenting your work and using noise	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	WIP Feedback (theatrical contexts)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Collaborative communication: feedback and changes	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Informal feedback for dance WIPs	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	WIP Showings (Dance)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Professional expectations	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Deepening collaborative practice	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Final feedback on dance compositions	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Final performances of compositions	Tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned. The Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned 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%.

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. analyse and evaluate composer-creative relationships in theatrical contexts
LO2. develop and justify effective communication and collaboration methods
LO3. compose linear and nonlinear music using appropriate musical forms, composition techniques and DAW production processes
LO4. experiment with specialised software associated with theatrical and live entertainment industries
LO5. examine music created within theatrical contexts
LO6. construct, enact and assess a file management plan
LO7. plan the spatialisation and delivery of music for a variety of environments
LO8. select and arrange sounds and noises with meaningful connections to the theatrical context
LO9. explain, appraise and adapt creative work based on self-reflection and peer review

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.

This unit has been re-designed to widen the scope of composition for creative industries contexts. Video presentation is now earlier in semester to coincide with Sydney Dance Company collaboration.

Additional information

This unit requires collaboration with cross-disciplinary artists. It is expected that composers are responsive and communicative and approach composition tasks as they would a professional industry engagement.

Additional costs

Students must have a professional Digital Audio Workstation: Logic Studio Pro or Cubase.

Site visit guidelines

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all site visits.

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

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CMPN3335: Composition for Creative Industries 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

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links