Outline

Overview

This unit of study provides students support to plan and create a major work at the culmination of completing previous principle study units, Contemporary Music Practice 1, 2, 3 and 4. Students will create a “concept EP’ throughout the semester that they write, perform and produce themselves. This concept can be many things – an aesthetic, a focus on an instrument, the creation of a persona, a specific lyrical theme, and so forth. Students must adhere to this over-arching concept through the creation of their EP. This process will be supported by ongoing instructor and industry feedback, as well as written critical self-reflection. Students will be asked to consider, justify and situate their practice and production of music within both broad and specific contexts. At the conclusion of this unit, students will have developed a cohesive body of work (approximately 20-30 minutes of music).

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Contemporary Music
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	MUSC2404
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Paul McDermott, p.mcdermott@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Paul McDermott, p.mcdermott@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
Participation	Weekly Preparation and In-Class Participation Weekly Preparation and In-Class Participation	10%	Ongoing	1500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Pitch and schedule In-Class EP Pitch and Schedule	10%	Week 03 Due date: 14 Mar 2025 at 23:59	5-10 Minutes/500 Words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Concept EP Part 1 Concept EP	25%	Week 07 Due date: 13 Apr 2025 at 23:59	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Research, Credits and Listening Notes Part 1 Research, Credits and Listening Notes	10%	Week 07 Due date: 13 Apr 2025 at 23:59	750 words.
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Individual Self-Reflection Notes Part 1 Individual Self-Reflection Notes	5%	Week 07 Due date: 13 Apr 2025 at 23:59	250
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Concept EP Part 2 Concept EP	25%	Week 13 Due date: 01 Jun 2025 at 23:59	10 mins
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Credits and Listening Notes Part 2 Credits and Listening Notes	10%	Week 13 Due date: 01 Jun 2025 at 23:59	750 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Individual Self-Reflection Notes Part 2 Individual Self-Reflection Notes	5%	Week 13 Due date: 01 Jun 2025 at 23:59	250 words
Outcomes assessed:
= AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Weekly preparation and in-class participation: Students will be marked on their preparation and participation in classes over the course of the semester.
Pitch and schedule: Students are required to develop and present a plan for a ‘concept extended play’ based on defined creative restrictions (instrumentation, practice, aesthetic etc.) and a schedule for completing the project before the end of the semester.
Concept extended play: Students are expected to write, perform and produce a ‘concept extended play’ unified by previously defined creative restrictions (instrumentation, practice, aesthetic etc.).
Credits and listening notes: Students are required to compile listening notes for each track of their ‘concept extended play’ using the template that will be provided on Canvas.
Individual Self-Reflection notes: Students are required to self-reflect on the success of collaborative strategies, techniques and behaviours.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

For specific assessment criteria please refer to Canvas

The following assessment criteria are used for written work in this unit of study:

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Demonstrates high level of initiative in research and reading; sophisticated critical analysis of evidence; high level engagement with theoretical issues, innovative use of reading/research material and impressive command of underlying debates and assumptions; properly documented and written with style, originality and precision.
Distinction	75 - 84	Demonstrates initiative in research and wide, appropriate reading; complex understanding of question and ability to critically review material in relation to underlying assumptions and values; analyses material in relation to empirical and theoretical contexts; properly documented; clear, well-developed structure and argument with some signs of literary style.
Credit	65 - 74	Evidence of broader understanding than pass level; offers synthesis with some critical evaluation of material; coherent argument using a range of relevant evidence; some evidence of independent thought, good referencing. A high credit (70-74) shows some evidence of ability to problematise and think conceptually.
Pass	50 - 64	Written work meets basic requirements in terms of reading/research; relevant material; tendency to descriptive summary rather than critical argument; makes a reasonable attempt to avoid paraphrasing; reasonably coherent structure; often has weaknesses in particular areas, especially in terms of narrow or underdeveloped treatment of question; acceptable documentation.
Fail	0 - 49	Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: Unacceptable paraphrasing; irrelevance of content; poor spelling; poor presentation; grammar or structure so sloppy it cannot be understood; failure to demonstrate understanding of content; insufficient or overlong word length.

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.

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 Course and Assessment: What is a "Concept Album"?	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	Meeting your group partner and planning your Concept EP	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	In-Class Pitch & Schedule presentation	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Workshop - group working on EP project.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Workshop - group working on EP project.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Workshop - group working on EP project.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Preparing to submit Concept EP Part 1	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Workshop - group working on EP project.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Workshop - group working on EP project.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Workshop - group working on EP project.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Workshop - group working on EP project.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Group working on EP project	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Preparing to submit Concept EP Part 2	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: 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 illness or misadventure, 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

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.

Audio Production Principles by Stephane Elmosnino.

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. apply digital audio workstation production techniques including comping, bussing and automation
LO2. apply sound synthesis, dynamics processing, equalisation and effects to music projects
LO3. mix and rough master studio recordings
LO4. present musical ideas to your peers
LO5. give and receive thoughtful critical feedback on creative work
LO6. demonstrate project design and management skills
LO7. self-produce a concept ‘extended play’ of original music.

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.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas.

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

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

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

MUSC3405: Contemporary Music Practice 5

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

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