Unit outline_

CMPN5014: Music Technology Design

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Sydney

This unit provides a comprehensive overview and exploration of the role of technology in modern music-making, focusing on the latest trends in sound and visual technologies. As advancements reshape the music landscape, understanding their impact on production, composition, and performance is essential for 21st-century musicians.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Composition and Music Technology
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
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
The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Creative work group assignment Final Portfolio
Design a group project implementing music Technology in one of the areas explored during the semester: music production, software instrument design, AI in music, health based music tech (meditative apps), interactive systems for performance or composition
50% Formal exam period 10-20 minutes AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO5
Practical skill Early Feedback Task Early Feedback Task
Students work in pairs to create/continue a 1-minute composition using a virtual instrument plugin (e.g., Kontakt, Serum). Students document their process in relation to the creative process and design concept, formalising it as a 1 slide presentation
0% Week 03 30 minutes AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4
Practical skill Survey of existing technologies
Provide a succinct literature review for at least 5 sources, including journal articles, conference proceedings, book chapters, magazines, interviews, blogs, etc… and use the correct terminology to describe the technical aspects of the chosen topic
15% Week 06 500 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Practical skill group assignment Production plan
Provide an overview of the proposed project involving music technology with a production plan, timeline, diagrams where necessary and a listing of group members with each individual role clearly described to enable the completion of the final project
15% Week 08 600 words including diagrams AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4
Conversation group assignment Project presentation
Design a group project implementing music Technology in one of the areas explored during the semester: music production, software instrument design, AI in music, health based music tech (meditative apps), interactive systems for performance or composition
20% Week 12 10 minutes AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Assessments are practical group led discussion and production based projects aimed at simulating real world production design applications.

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.

AF

Absent fail

0 - 49

When you haven’t completed all assessment tasks or met the attendance requirements.

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.

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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Music Technology – Overview of the unit and the evolution of music technology in the 21st century. Ref: "Creative Music Production" (David Miles Huber 2013), "The Audio Expert" (Ethan W. Edwards 2013) Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Historical Technology Mapping: students create a timeline of music technology milestones from 2000 to 2025, using lecture references and external resources via Miro board. Present and discuss a notable 21st-century music production innovation. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1
Week 02 Current Trends in Music Technology Analyse recent developments and their implications for musicians. Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) Demonstrate common music software features and functionalities. Ref: Logic, Cubase, Ableton, FL Studio manuals and tutorials "Music Technology from Scratch" (David Miles Huber 2013) Lecture (1 hr) LO1
DAW Feature Exploration In pairs in computer lab, students explore one DAW (e.g., Ableton or Logic) and start creating a short 1 minute track using 3 features highlighted in the lecture (e.g., MIDI sequencing, sound synthesis, audio effects). They present their track to the group – (not graded) Tutorial (2 hr) LO1
Week 03 Software Instruments and Plugins Understand virtual instruments and their applications in music production. Ref: "The MIDI Manual" (David Miles Huber 2010) Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Virtual Instrument Experimentation Students work in pairs to create/continue a 1-minute composition using a virtual instrument plugin Tutorial (2 hr) LO1
Week 04 Literature Review in Music Technology Survey of key texts and research trends in music technology. Ref: Organised Sound Journal, Computer Music Journal, Leonardo Music Journal Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Students select an article in groups from one of the journals and critically analyse its methodology and findings. They group according to topics of articles to find common interests. T4.2 Open Pitch for preliminary project development (test run for group allocations) Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 05 The Role of AI in Music Production Discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming music creation and production. Ref: "Artificial Intelligence and Music Ecosystem" Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Students experiment with an AI music tool (e.g., AIVA, Amper) to generate a short piece, documenting strengths and limitations based on Miranda’s insights. Discuss ethical principles as well as the Core Principles for Music Creation Tutorial (2 hr) LO3
Week 06 Interactive Music Systems Understand the design and implementation of interactive music technologies. Ref: "Interactive Music Systems: A Guide to Music Technology" Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4
Students begin developing their own projects using the technologies learned. Ref: "The Complete Guide to Music Technology" Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 07 Students begin developing their own projects using the technologies learned under external tutor guidance. Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 08 Students begin developing their own projects using the technologies learned under external tutor guidance. Tutorial (8 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 09 Music Technology and Health Sciences Examine the therapeutic applications of music technology in health and wellness. Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO5
Students design a concept for a music tech tool for therapeutic use (e.g., an app for anxiety reduction) with a mock-up sketch in any computer language for prototyping (a simple case study). Pitch session from each group – 3 minute pitch sessions with 3-4 slides and exchange coordinates Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 11 Music Visualization and Multimedia Explore the integration of visual elements in music performance and production. Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 12 Presentation and Feedback Students present their final projects with Q&A from peers and examiner. Lecture (1 hr) LO5
Week 13 Final Project presentation based on previous weeks feedback to close the loop. Lecture (1 hr) LO5

Attendance and class requirements

90% attendance requirements for all lectures and tutorials.

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 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.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Situate the role of technology from a theoretical, applied and analytical perspective
  • LO2. Evaluate and refer to current publications in the field of music technology
  • LO3. Understand the role of AI in music production
  • LO4. Use sound and video technology to support their creative work and understand how to develop these skills further
  • LO5. Generate creative outputs based on music technology learned in the unit

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

N/A

No prior experience necessary as this unit of study relies on generic postgraduate knowledge of music and related technology, non specific to AI and studios. Projects are based on each individual prior experience or work in progress.

Work, health and safety

N/A

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.

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