Outline

Overview

Students will bring their composition, performance and music technology skills together to complete a variety of collaborative projects during the course of the semester. Students will be challenged to write with different collaborators each week with weekly tasks exploring different genres and creative ideas. The aim of this class is to equip students with new songwriting methods in their “toolkit” which they can draw from in their own original works. They will produce a high-quality demo recordings in a studio environment. Throughout the semester, students will engage in analysis and assessment of their own work and the work of others.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Contemporary Music
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	MUSC1402
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Bree Van Reyk, bree.vanreyk@sydney.edu.au
Guest lecturer(s)	Jade O'Regan, jade.oregan@sydney.edu.au
Guest lecturer(s)	Paul McDermott, p.mcdermott@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Toby Martin, toby.martin@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Bree Van Reyk, bree.vanreyk@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Sarah Belkner, sarah.belkner@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Marcus Whale, marcus.whale@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Creative assessment / demonstration	Collaborative Songwriting Tasks x 6 Participation, Composition, Production, Presentation	30%	Multiple weeks	N/A
Outcomes assessed:
Creative assessment / demonstration	Critical music analysis presentation In-Class Presentation (live or produced video)	20%	Multiple weeks Due date: 09 Apr 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 May 2025	8 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Recording/s of Creative Work Recording/s	40%	STUVAC Due date: 06 Jun 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 18 Jun 2025	6-8 mins (1-3 songs)
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Early Feedback Quiz Written musical analysis Canvas quiz #earlyfeedbacktask	10%	Week 03 Due date: 14 Mar 2025 at 23:59	400 words
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = AI allowed ? = 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

Early Feedback Task: ‘What is the Theme? How Does it Work?’ Students will create a written response (400 words) which identifies the key compositional theme/s in common across the three song examples provided. The aim of this assessment is to create a clear and concise argument for, and discussion of, a common musical aspect/s (as found across each of the given song examples), which is supported by at least one reference to recent and relevant discourse on the theme/artist/song. A title and full reference list (listing each of the songs, and other texts referenced and/or cited) must be provided.
Collaborative Songwriting Tasks (6): Using the SCM studios, students will work with different collaborators over six sessions across weeks 2-11 to write and/or produce original songs/music (WIP/demo form) based on the weekly theme. The ideas do not have to be fully developed, but some musical material which responds to the weekly theme must be created in collaboration with peers.
Critical music analysis presentation: Referring to relevant academic texts, recorded music, and other media sources, students will present an in-depth and nuanced mini-seminar (8 mins) on a key compositional concept/theme/device of their choice as found in 1-3 examples of existing contemporary music (any popular music from 1955 onwards - no jazz or blues), also of their own choosing. The mini-seminar must include audio excerpts of the music being discussed, and may be presented either live or as a pre-recorded video. A full reference list, which contains at least two academic sources, must be provided.
Creative Work Submission: Students will individually produce 6-8 minutes (1-3 songs) of original music which are developed from two of the song ideas they have created in the Collaborative Songwriting Sessions. The developed songs/music will make use audio stems and/or melodic/harmonic/rhythmic/lyrical aspects from the original sessions. The creative work will be accompanied by a short video rationale (up to 2 mins) which: briefly discusses the key themes/attributes of the music; demonstrates how the musical artefacts from the two original songs were integrated into the final work; demonstrates mixing and recording techniques used in the chosen DAW; identifies collaborators on the tracks.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Refer to Canvas for Assignment Assessment Criteria

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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:

As per USYD guidelines

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

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 Unit	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Collaborative Analytical Listening Session	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Lecture #2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Collaborative Songwriting Session	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Lecture #3	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Collaborative Songwriting Session	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Lecture #4	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Collaborative Songwriting Session	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Lecture #5	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Collaborative Songwriting Session	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Lecture #6	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Collaborative Songwriting Session	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Lecture #7	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	In-Class Presentations	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Lecture #8	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	In-Class Presentations	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Lecture #9	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Collaborative Songwriting Sessions	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Lecture #10	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Collaborative Studio Sessions	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Lecture #11	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Collaborative Studio Sessions	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Lecture #12	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Listening Session for Creative Work Submissions	Tutorial (2 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%.
Referencing: You must use full Chicago-style referencing (with footnotes) in your essay.

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. study relevant compositional themes, concepts, production considerations, and other musical attributes across a range of contemporary music styles
LO2. demonstrate understandings of compositional themes, concepts, production considerations, and other musical attributes across diverse forms of contemporary music
LO3. demonstrate ability to discuss key themes and musical attributes across a range of contemporary music styles
LO4. create original music based on thematic prompts in collaboration with peers
LO5. create, record and produce original music individually
LO6. demonstrate a developing level of aptness in using a chosen DAW in the composition, recording and mixing of original music
LO7. reflect critically on your music and music produced by your peers
LO8. document and maintain records of collaborative and individual music practice activities
LO9. source and correctly reference relevant academic texts and other information sources

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.

I have reviewed the UoS survey from the previous iteration of this course and made changes to the analytical framework and conceptual mode of the lectures.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas.

Work, health and safety

Please be mindful of volume levels while rehearsing, recording and mixing music. Wear earplugs during live sessions if need be and monitor mix sessions at a moderate volume.

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) and automated writing tools

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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MUSC2403: Contemporary Music Practice 3

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links