Outline

Overview

This unit offers an engaging introduction to creative music and sound production through the use of digital tools and techniques. Designed as a hands-on course, students will undertake creative projects that facilitate learning while allowing them to explore and express their unique artistic voice. Participants will encounter a range of genres and formats, and gain practical experience with industry-standard tools and techniques including basic sound recording, manipulation and mixing. This course is suitable for individuals looking for an introductory experience while providing a solid foundation for working professionally in sound production.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Composition and Music Technology
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	MUSC3603
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Damian Barbeler, damian.barbeler@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
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task - Canvas quiz Canvas quiz	0%	Week 03 Due date: 12 Feb 2026 at 11:59	10-20mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Creative Work 1 - Make your own Extreme Contrast track. Compose a work (70%). Process diary (30%).	20%	Week 04 Due date: 16 Mar 2026 at 11:59	2-3 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Creative Task 2 - "Music for Forgotten Benches" collaborative Dark Ambient Group work. Compose a dark ambient soundscape for an ARG (60%). Video Process Diary (40%)	30%	Week 08 Due date: 20 Apr 2026 at 11:59	4 - 7 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Visual Mix Map Task Listen to tracks and make a visual mix map in response in small groups.	10%	Week 09 Due date: 28 Apr 2026 at 11:59	30 minutes activity and short responses	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Composing task 3 - Compose a work based on 4 options Composing new work from given options (70%) Video Process Diary (30%)	40%	Week 13 Due date: 31 May 2026 at 11:59	3-5 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = 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

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The following assessment criteria are used for composing and mixing in this unit of study:

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Comprehensive and outstanding musical integrity. Musical individuality consistently projected to create a persuasive personal artistic voice. A mark of 95 or above indicates extraordinary, captivating musical invention and clarity of presentation of materials. A professional broadcast standard of mixing and mastering as well as compositional construction. Willingness to explore music with inventiveness as well as seek bespoke high quality sound sources. A clear and powerful artistic vision. Use of ideas from class like “Layer Cake Orchestration”, “Complimentary Constrast” etc. Willingness to explore new creative ideas and THEN these crafted beautifully. Extensive evidence of self-directed learning of technical onformation and software and bespoke creative workflows which suit the work at hand. Online process diary has a clear artistic vision and demonstrates how this artistic vision is manifest in an inventive practical application of techniques and use of the digital tools. Evidence in the process diary of self-directed learning.
Distinction	75 - 84	Excellent technical, musical and stylistic achievement. Consistently coherent and expressive. Generally a distinctive personal artistic voice. Generally a high and consistent level of structure, mixing and sound quality to a broadcast level. Inventiveness and clear artistic intent. Use of composition principles learned in class including “Layer Cake Orchestration”, “Complimentary Constrast” etc. Willingness to explore new musical ideas yet with flaws in complete crafting of those adventurous ideas. Evidence of self-directed learning of technical onformation and software and bespoke creative workflows which suit the work at hand. Sound sources are generally bespoke with some reliance on presets and premade loop libraries. Online process diary describes a clear artistic vision and demonstrates how this artistic vision is manifest in the practical application of techniques and use of the digital tools. Evidence in the process diary of self-directed learning.
Credit	65 - 74	Confident technique with evidence of solid musicality and general clarity in structure and presentation of musical materials. Occasional lapses indicative of unresolved technical, artistic and/or stylistic issues. Projects potential for further development. Lacking a well defined artisttic vision. Close to a broadcast level of mixing but with a few key flaws. Some general application of compositional principles learned in class. Signs of willingness to explore new musical ideas but inconsistent crafting of those into the work. Some evidence of self-directed learning of technical onformation and software and bespoke creative workflows which suit the work at hand. Reliance on a large number of premade sound sources like loop libraries or preset synthetic instrumental sounds. Online process diary describes an artistic vision which is not completely focused or is realitvely weak artistically. Some explanation how this artistic vision is manifest in the practical application of techniques and use of the digital tools. Evidence in the process diary of self-directed learning.
Pass	50 - 64	Satisfactory level of basic compositional technique. Some inconsistencies in structure, style and/or technique. Lack of development of core musical materials. Musical imagination developing though with some insecurity in this area. A general sense that basics and idea from class have been applied but inconsistently and without deep creative insight and with some imperfections. Not reaching a broadcast level of mixing or presentation. Lack of willingness to explore new musical sounds or ideas. Little evidence of self-directed learning of technical onformation and software and bespoke creative workflows which suit the work at hand. Heavy use of preset sounds and inbuilt loop libraries. Online process diary lacks an explanation of artistic vision. Little description of how the practical digital tool where ised. No indication of the sources of sounds. Little evidence in the process diary of self-directed learning.
Fail	0 - 49	Unsatisfactory technical achievement and/or unsatisfactory level of musical and artistic engagement based on above criteria. Limitations may be of such a scale and consistency as to call into question the student’s future direction in this artistic direction. No application of compositional principles taught in class. No evidence of self-directed learning of technical onformation and software and bespoke creative workflows which suit the work at hand. Heavy use of preset sounds. Incomplete duration or compositional structures. Brief, poorly written, incomplete or absent process diary.

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:

In line with University standard policy, a penalty of 5% of the maximum mark will be applied for every calendar day late. Work more than 10 days late will be given a mark of zero.

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, Course outline, structures and styles of activities. Creative process in the digital music environment. Inspiration. Digital Workflow overview. Overview of current technology and tools. Small group creative activity. Case study listening/discussion.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Practical activity related to lecture. Listening practice with the Visual Mix Map	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Topics: Inspiration, Art Practice, Human Expression and Creativity in Music. 1st assignment introduction. Case study listening/discussion. Mix Lab (mixing basics prac): Basics of Digital Audio Workstations and Mixing.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Practical activity related to lecture.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Topics: Creativity Techniques and Ideas (Contrast, Foreground, Middle-ground, Background). Case study listening/discussion. Mix Lab (mixing basics prac): EQ.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Practical activity related to lecture. Feedback on student drafts.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Topics: Basic Physics of Sound, Composing Concepts (Colour Recipes, Layer-cake Orchestration). Case study listening/discussion. Mix Lab (mixing basics prac): Compression	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Practical activity related to lecture. Feedback on student drafts.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Topics: Workflow, Signal Chains, Healthy Creative Workflows in the Studio. Case study listening/discussion. Mix Lab (mixing basics prac): Reverb. Tutorial: Feedback on assignment 1 drafts.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Group planning for ambient ARG track assignment.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Industry Guest Lecturer	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Group preparation for assignment.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Topic Focus: Musical Structures, Composing with non-musical sound sources. Case study listening/discussion. Tutorial: Feedback on assignment drafts.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Practical activity related to lecture. Feedback on assignment drafts.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Topic Focus: Composing Techniques (Imaging, Transitions, Fun FX). Case study listening/discussion. Mix Lab (mixing basics prac): Fx	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Practical activity related to lecture. Feedback on assignment drafts.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Topics: Overview of music technologies: where we have come from, where we are, where are we headed in future. Case study listening/discussion. Tutorial: Feedback on assignment 2 drafts.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	in class assessment	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Topics Focus: Composition Techniques (arranging, doubling, colouring). Case study listening/discussion. Final assignment introduction. Tutorial: developing ideas for final assignment.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Practical activity related to lecture. Sound effects practice. Feedback on assignment drafts.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Topic Focus: Creative sound effects / plugins techniques. Case Study Listening Tutorial: Assignment 3 consultation.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Feedback on assignment drafts.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Topic Focus: Composing Techniques (musical development in digital music). Final Audio Preparation and Delivery. Tutorial: Final assignment feedback.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Feedback on assignment drafts.	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance:
This is a highly active class with a great deal of discussion and practical activity. Attendance in person is therefore of paramount importance.
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.

Required readings

Students will need personal access to a basic Digital Audio Workstation software package, for example GarageBand or Cakewalk. Any DAW may be used.

You will need good quality headphones. Bring these to class.

Students will be expected to research additional technical information about Digital Audio Workstations, digital filters and so forth as they relate to their creative composition assignments. This includes sources such as Youtube and published texts. Students will get credit for such research in their assignments via a process diary.

Key references include:

Benade, Arthur. Fundamentals of Musical Acoustics 2019.

Katz, Bob. Mastering Audio: the art and science, third edition 2015.

Wessel Oltheten Mixing with Impact: Learning to Make Musical Choices 2018.

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. Learn fundamentals of sound, Learn and employ basic acoustic terminology and relate such terminology to real-world audio situations.
LO2. Record, document and edit muli-track studio-style recording using different recording methods and industry-standard stereo editing software
LO3. Consider delivery of content via a variety of modern distribution mediums, including online media platforms.
LO4. Learn the fundamentals of sound and applying those to mixing an audio track. This includes techniques for hearing and practical techniques for achieving a good basic mix.
LO5. Document the process using online social media and other “social composing” contexts
LO6. Analyse the structure of model works and gain an understanding of the way such works may be created, including textural concepts and the possibilities in using such works as model for further composition
LO7. Use various essential Digital composing "intruments" and filters to create a work of electronic dance music based on a model
LO8. Learn to devise creative workflows which suit your personal creative style and which result in a healthy, productive creative approach to composing.
LO9. Establish the differences between 'real" audio and midi (musical instrument digital interface) information, including a basic introduction to synthesis
LO10. Understand the development of a variety of electroacoustic music trends and patterns across the twentieth century across a wide variety of genres, as well as learn to research appropriately material
LO11. Use audio material efficiently with coniserdation of intellectual property and creative use of appropriated 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.

In recent times the course has been modified to include more information about mixing and student creative interaction in class has been increased. Composition tasks have been adapted to allow students more scope to compose works which suit their current stylistic or artistic interests.

Additional information

Study commitment:

Additional costs

There is not specific cost outlays. From time to time students do choose to purchase their own software or hardware elements if it is relevant to their personal musical practice and future goals in this field: for example the purchase of mixing monitors.

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MUSC2653: Introduction to Digital Music Techniques

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links