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 lessons, attendance at weekly Composition Seminars and Supplementary Classes, students are expected to progressively advance through Composition 5 to 8. Weekly Composition Seminars provide a forum for expert guests to present specialised knowledge. Supplementary Classes are delivered by the various members of our composition staff, and deal with a variety of topics related to craft, creativity, repertoire, workflow, technology and career. By the conclusion of the degree, students will have demonstrated a very high level of compositional ability, research capacity and notation/production skills.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Composition and Music Technology
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	CMPN3605
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 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Portfolio or journal	Composition portfolio A substantial portfolio of compositions, including score, recordings & interview	85%	Formal exam period	A minimum of 12 minutes recommended.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Small continuous assessment Ongoing small assessments/tasks related to seminar topics of presentations.	10%	Multiple weeks	Ongoing	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Composition major work plan Submit a semester 'major work' plan including milestones agreed upon by you and your tutor. See Canvas site for more details.	5%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 23:59	500 words max	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Application and engagement survey Self evaluation of application and engagement activities during semester	0%	Week 13	30	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Composition portfolios are assessed according to three criteria with the following weightings which account for 80% of your principal study mark:

Creativity: 40%
Craft: 30%
Presentation: 10%

The following guide provides a reference with regards marking expectations. However, it should be noted that staff may interpret the criteria as deemed appropriate to the creative form and media of the portfolio. The duration of 3rd-year portfolios is: at least 8-12 minutes (4th year: at least 10-12 min.) of music.

Creativity (40%)

Unacceptable (F): Generic, hackneyed, pastiche.
Acceptable (20-26): Engaged with contemporary music culture and ideas but may parrot rather than seek to extend the ideas of other composers.
Competent (26-30): Influences of other composers are evident, and display steps towards taking such influences into a new, personal direction.
Superior (30-34): Convincing musical logic and direction. Engagement with repertory goes beyond imitation.
Exceptional (34-40): An original contribution to musical thinking. Convincing, confident, imaginative, personal, bold, risk-taking, engaging.

Craft (30%)

Unacceptable (F): Fundamental technical errors evident in notation, digital production, understanding of instruments, musical form, etc.
Acceptable (15-20): Capacity to express musical ideas with appropriate instrumental and/or digital media.
Competent (20-23): Displays coherent structure and convincing clarity in orchestration/standard of production.
Superior (23-26): Musical structure is fluent and lucid throughout. Displays sophisticated ability to develop and manipulate material. Advanced use of colour.
Exceptional (26-30): Obvious and unequivocal command of resources. Technique is matched to creative intentions.

Presentation (10%)

Unacceptable (F): Illegible scores. Audio format errors.
Acceptable (5-6): Notation legible but may still include unnecessary ambiguity. Electroacoustic and non score-based work supported with appropriate documentation.
Competent (7): Attractive scores presented with clarity and supported with recordings. Non score-based work informed by concise and compelling supporting documentation.
Superior (8): Presentation of work demonstrates awareness of user-friendliness and attention to consistent and individual visual style.
Exceptional (9-10): The standard of a professional commercial publication or recording with coherent visual identity.

The remainder of your composition mark is based on Application: 20%

This is arrived at via:

1. Your individual tutor: reporting on your engagement throughout the semester (ie. punctual attendance, consistency of progress, willingness to learn, etc) AND

2. Your principal study coordinator (Daniel Rojas) and composition seminar facilitator/s: attendance at composition seminar and engagement in special projects, concerts, etc

Application (20%)

Unacceptable (F): Unmotivated, fails to work in a consistent fashion.
Acceptable (10-13): Attends lessons, seminars, workshop opportunities and demonstrates openness to learn from tutors although somewhat inconsistently. Only somewhat engaged with the composition community.
Competent (13-15): Demonstrates independent motivation and works consistently throughout the semester. Engaged in generating opportunities for public dissemination of work.
Superior (15-17): Is highly committed to composition as evidenced via engagement with the repertory, attendance at concerts, etc. Generally seizes opportunities to extend learning as they arise.
Exceptional (17-20): Is consumed by his or her artform and actively contributes to the music community at large.

Assessment criteria

Assessment grading - see Canvas for more specific information

FA	Fail	0 - less than 50	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, fail to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard established by the faculty. This grade, with corresponding mark, should also be used in cases where a student fails to achieve a mandated standard in a compulsory assessment, thereby failing to demonstrate the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard. In such cases the student will receive the mark awarded by the faculty up to a maximum of 49.
PS	Pass	Range from 50 to less than 65	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
CR	Credit	Range from 65 to less than 75	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
DI	Distinction	Range from 75 to less than 85	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
HD	High Distinction	Range from 85 to 100 inclusive	To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

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 penalty of 5% per day applies to assignments submitted late without prior written permission or agreement with the UoS Coordinator or Tutor. Please see the Conservatorium Handbook for further information regarding late penalties.

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	Learning outcomes
Weekly	Individual composition lesson 12 x 45 minute weekly sessions with a specialised composition tutor focusing on craft, creativity and presentation. Students can focus on notated or electroacoustic music. Application, contribution and engagement with the activities of this unit of study is an inherent part of this course.	One-to-one tuition (9 hr)
Weekly	Composition Seminar - Wednesday 12noon. The focus of this semester is on writing for saxophones and developing your own unique compositional voice. Weekly seminars will explore a variety of repertoire and composition techniques apropos of these instruments. In subsequent weeks, guest instrumentalists will workshop and perform short student compositions. Weeks 1 and 13 will be combined seminars with all other composition cohorts to focus on miscellaneous yet pertinent topics.	Seminar (12 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to 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

The following are not mandatory but very useful:

Behind Bars by Elaine Gould (Faber Music) is recommended as a reference for notation-based work. The presentation component of these units of study may be marked according to guidelines in this text.

The Study of Orchestration by Samuel Adler (W. W. Norton & Co.) is recommended as a reference for instrumentation and orchestration.

The Rest is Noise by Alex Ross (Fourth Estate) is recommended as a general reference for the development of compositional trends and developments throughout the 20th Century. This is an important guide to the century that preceded ours and hence provides helpful context to the musical milieu in which you are currently working.

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 very high level of compositional craft, research capacity, and notation and production skills
LO2. demonstrate good discernment in compositional decisions
LO3. demonstrate an appreciation of, and engagement with, a broad range of compositional traditions, genres, perspectives and practices
LO4. demonstrate confidence and independence in your creative practice
LO5. develop strategies to compose regularly and proactively
LO6. liaise with the performers of your compositions, emphasising clear communication and meet submission deadlines.

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.

Assessment tasks have been adjusted to include a composition plan and ongoing small assessment/tasks with corresponding mark weighting.

Additional information

Extensive information can be found on the Canvas Hubsite for Composition, Digital Music and Creative Industries. This includes further information regarding assessment criteria, unit of study details, and other content, such as composition/career opportunities.

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

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Assessment grading - see Canvas for more specific information

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

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CMPN3606: Composition 6

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Assessment grading - see Canvas for more specific information

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

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links