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

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Creative work	Creative Work #1 + #2 Recordings of Creative Works #1 + #2. Each song/piece/work must reflect and respond to an identified theme/style/concept/investigation, which is discussed in an accompanying text rationale.	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 08 Jun 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 12 Jun 2026	6-8 mins (1-3 songs)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Q+A on presentation topic Following their in-class presentation, students will respond to tutor-led questions relating to their presentation topic.	5%	Multiple weeks	5 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Collaborative Songwriting Tasks x 5 During tutorials in weeks 1-6 students will collaborate in small groups on a creative task, as set by the tutor, which responds to the lecture topic for that week.	25%	Multiple weeks	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Critical music analysis presentation In-Class critical music analysis presentation. Students will present an in-depth and nuanced mini-seminar (8 mins) on a key compositional concept/theme/device of their choice.	20%	Multiple weeks Closing date: 08 May 2026	8 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Quiz Written musical analysis Canvas quiz	0%	Week 03 Due date: 04 Mar 2026 at 23:59	400 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	In-class Presentation and Discussion of Creative Work #1 Demo/WIP Students will play/perform a demo/work-in-progress version of their Creative Work #1, followed by a discussion of the concept and production attributes.	5%	Week 07 Due date: 15 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 24 Apr 2026	6 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	In-class Presentation and Discussion of Creative Work #2 Demo/WIP Students will play/perform a demo/work-in-progress version of their Creative Work #2, followed by a discussion of the concept and production attributes.	5%	Week 13 Due date: 27 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 May 2026	6 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = 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 songs in the chosen set. The aim of this assessment is to identify and analyse the commonalities and contrasts which are most notable, important or otherwise of interest to the listener.
Collaborative Songwriting Tasks (6): During tutorials in weeks 1-6 students will collaborate in small groups on a creative task, as set by the tutor, which responds to the lecture topic for that week. The musical ideas do not have to be fully developed or realised, 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 in-class either live or as a pre-recorded video. A full reference list, which contains at least two academic sources, must be provided. Following their in-class presentation, students will respond to tutor-led questions relating to their presentation topic (5 mins).
Creative Works #1 + #2: Students will individually produce and submit 2 songs (6-8 minutes in total) of original music, accompanyied by a text rationale (600-800 words). For Creative Work #1 the developed songs/music must make use audio stems and/or melodic/harmonic/rhythmic/lyrical aspects from one of the song ideas they have created in the Collaborative Songwriting Sessions. Creative Work #2 must be based on a different theme/topic/concept of the student's choosing (it could be a response to a different lecture topic, a student presentation, or a separate area of interest/inquiry. The text rationale must concisely discuss: the key themes/attributes of the music; the mixing and recording techniques used in the chosen DAW; key collaborators, influences, and references for the tracks; in the case of #1, how the musical artefacts from the original songs was integrated into the final work. Students will play/perform a demo/work-in-progress version of their Creative Works in-class during weeks 7 (#1) and 13 (#2). This will be followed by a brief discussion of the concept and production attributes of the work.

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)

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:

As per USYD guidelines

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 Unit	Lecture (1 hr)
	Collaborative Songwriting Session	Tutorial (2 hr)
	CMP Lab	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 02	Lecture #2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Collaborative Songwriting Session	Tutorial (2 hr)
	CMP Lab	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 03	Lecture #3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Collaborative Songwriting Session	Tutorial (2 hr)
	CMP Lab	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 04	Lecture #4	Lecture (1 hr)
	Collaborative Songwriting Session	Tutorial (2 hr)
	CMP Lab	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 05	Lecture #5	Lecture (1 hr)
	Collaborative Songwriting Session	Tutorial (2 hr)
	CMP Lab	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 06	Lecture #6	Lecture (1 hr)
	Collaborative Songwriting Session	Tutorial (2 hr)
	CMP Lab	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 07	Lecture #7	Lecture (1 hr)
	Listening + Discussion: Creative Work #1 demo/WIP	Tutorial (2 hr)
	CMP Lab	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 08	Lecture #8	Lecture (1 hr)
	In-Class Presentations	Tutorial (2 hr)
	CMP Lab	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 09	Lecture #9	Lecture (1 hr)
	In-Class Presentations	Tutorial (2 hr)
	CMP Lab	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 11	Lecture #10	Lecture (1 hr)
	Collaborative Studio Sessions	Tutorial (2 hr)
	CMP Lab	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 12	Lecture #11	Lecture (1 hr)
	Collaborative Studio Sessions	Tutorial (2 hr)
	CMP Lab	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 13	Lecture #12	Lecture (1 hr)
	Listening + Disussion: Creative Work #2 (demo/WIP)	Tutorial (2 hr)
	CMP Lab	Workshop (1 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)

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, 2026 [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)

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