Composition, Arranging and Sound Design 5 focuses on consolidation of all technical skills learned in the previous composition courses (1-4). Students will draw upon this array of skills in creating new works for small chamber ensembles. Projects will include work(s) for the ensemble(s) in residence, portfolio pieces and short written analysis exercises. A focus on contemporary techniques in classical composition forms the core of this course.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Produce professional quality creative work which reflects the student's individual musical interests and goals;
2. Analyse a diverse range of music using a number of relevant theories and methods;
3. Create and present compositions and arrangements which demonstrate the mastery of traditional and contemporary compositional techniques in a wide spectrum of styles and genres; and
4. Communicate clearly the creative decisions made in the course of composing, arranging and sound designs and how these relate to relevant historical traditions or precedents.

Research-Led Teaching

Advanced studies in contemporary composition require a professional-level connection to the trends and aesthetics of the field. Students will study contemporary scores and writings by living composers working in a variety of genres. Theoretical studies from recent research articles will complement in-class score studies. Students will develop a working familiarity with current theoretical and compositional research topics and apply these methods to their work as analysts and composers. 

 

Some questions –

·      What is a piece of music about?

·      How did it co­me into being?

·      What are the ideas that shape its form and content?

·      How are the sounds that are used, imagined or chosen, arranged into a completed work?

·      How are these questions relevant to the vision of the writer/composer in the conception of the piece?

·      Is the work a part of a series or is it an exercise or the vetting of an idea in coming to understand the workings and limitations of a musical instrument or a performance practice?These may be some of the many questions you might put as you undertake the development of a piece of music, its ‘writing’ or its ‘composition’.

Field Trips

Students are encouraged to attend concerts and performances of all types - music - theatre - film and television where relevant to their creative practice

Required Resources

Students should come to lectures, workshops and tutorial with manuscript paper (or equivalent). As some of the assessment tasks and workshop classes require the presentation of your work as a video format, students should have access to a video making facilities (such as smart phone). These materials can be borrowed from the technical department

Recommended Resources

Students should have access to a Digital Audio Workstation of their own in the form of a laptop or similar or be prepared to spend time in the computer labs provided by the School of Music. In such circumstances students should be mindful of the computer lab facilities and the timetabling of classes and usage of these facilities.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	WEEK 1 – Overview & GROOVE 1 · Overview of MUSI3314 · Assignments – Approach and Marking · Performance focus end of semester concert · Critical / Conceptual Thinking & Aesthetics · Consistent application in writing · Percussion – Tuned	Workshops address the assignment tasks and discussions arising from lecture topics
2	WEEK 2 – GROOVE 2 · Indigeneity Nationalism & Identity · Ideas: Planning / Arranging · Percussion – Non-tuned - Drum Kit 1 · Space Place & Time – Country & Sonic Traditions · Rhythmic concepts	Task 1a Percussion Due: 3 March
3	WEEK 3 – ELECTRO 1 · Ableton – Looping – Clips – Scenes · Analogue to sample · Sound Design, Processing & Structuring · Found / Made / Adapted / Hybrid & Noise · Narrative / Non-narrative · Music & meaning
4	WEEK 4 – ELECTRO 2 · Ableton – Plugins & Processing · Site Specific / Found Objects / Performance · Re-harmonisation / Arranging / Writing · Improvisation · Theory 1 – tones Playing Sample Library Instruments	Task 1b Electro Due: 17 March
5	WEEK 5 – ORCHESTRATION 1 · Set Theory & New complexity · Woodwind & Brass · Theory 2 - textures · 20th Century writing techniques 1 · Jazz – Popular – Film – Art Music – ED
6	WEEK 6 - ALL IN - ORCHESTRATION 2 · Strings · Electroacoustic · Responding to a brief / developing a portfolio · 20th Century writing techniques 2 · Mapping – masking - hybridisation	Task 1c Orchestration Due: 31 March
7	WEEK 7 SONG / CHOIR 1 · Set Theory & New complexity 1 · Form – Text – Rhythm – Pitch – Phrase - Accent · Looped & Processed Voice/s · Voicing – voice leading – blend - · Harmonic & Textural vocal structures
8	WEEK 8 SONG / CHOIR 2 · Minimalism / Maximalism · Making Sense – Counterpoint 1 · Developing a Sonic Language · Sacred and Spiritual Music	Task 1d Voice and Accompaniment Due: 28 April
9	WEEK 9 FOUR PERFORMERS1 · Visual Intelligence – sonic art / visual art · Perspectives on new music · Writing about texture & counterpoint · Minimalism / Maximalism · Orchestration – Small Group · Rhythm section – texture – voice - counterpoint
10	WEEK 10 ALL IN – FM 1st Hour – FOUR PERFORMERS 2 · Making Sense – Counterpoint 2 · Strings & Keyboards · Writing for voice / voices	Task 1e.1 Four Performers Demo Due: 12 May
11	WEEK 11 FOUR PERFORMERS 2 & FOLIO · AI – Text – Visual Imaging - Visiosonics · Writing about your work - Artistic Vision / Manifestos / Artists Statement - online profiling · Analysing your work · Combinations
12	WEEK 11 - CONCERT PERFORMANCE 10:00am – 4:00pm – Set up & sound check 7:00pm - 9:00pm – Concert	Task 1e.2 Four Performers Performance Due: 24 May

Tutorial Registration

Tutorials 1300 - 1500 same day as lecture

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date
1 – Practical Exercises (Tasks 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e)	50 %	24/05/2022
Assessment Task 2: Composition Folio	40 %	02/06/2022
Assessment Task 3: Writing about your Portfolio	10 %	02/06/2022

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

1 – Practical Exercises (Tasks 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e)

1a: Percussion Piece – Assessment value 5%

 

Write a percussion piece for three players with the following orchestration:

Player 1 – Marimba or Vibraphone

Player 2 – Playing at least 3 non-tuned percussion instruments

Player 3 – Playing 1 tuned percussion and 2 non-tuned percussion instruments

 

Duration: minimum 1’00” to 1’30” – presented as a score and MIDI realisation of the score

as an audio recording

 

Assessment Criteria:

 

·      Technique and approach: appropriate use of instruments and technology, utilising techniques drawn from the course materials

·      Ability to answer and creatively respond to the brief

·      Creativity: the ability of the piece to stand on its own, as a self-contained work of a unique and developing compositional voice

·      Clear and well-formatted score and / or visual presentation (as appropriate)

·      Well-mixed audio presentation which includes the shaping of the dynamics and articulations of sample library instruments

 

Submission requirements:

 

A zipped folder uploaded to Wattle which includes the following:

o  Score with title page (PDF or other as appropriate)

o  An .wav, ‘Mp3 or .mp4 audio file of the work

 

Due date: 3 March 2023

___________________________________________________________________

 

1b - Electronic piece – assessment value 5%

 

Write and Produce an Electronic Music piece using Ableton Live or DAW of choice. The piece should be accompanied by a one-hundred-word synopsis explaining the work, its recording and the production process used in its development (screenshots of tracks / mix used in the DAW should also be included). The finished presentation should address the following:

 

1)   How the piece is devised from a concept or idea that shapes the intention of the work

2)   The use of sound processing, looping, recording analogue materials for the development of samples to be used in musical works  

3)    The use of counterpoint, a solid harmonic or textural underpinning, imitation (canon or fugue), independent rhythms and melodic contours.

 

Duration: minimum 1’00” to 1’30” – presented as a score and audio recording (.wav)

Assessment Criteria:

 

·      Technique and approach: appropriate use of instruments and technology, utilising techniques drawn from the course materials

·      Ability to answer and creatively respond to the brief

·      Creativity: the ability of the piece to stand on its own, as a self-contained work of a unique and developing compositional voice

·      Clear and well-formatted score and visual presentation (as appropriate)

·      Well-mixed audio presentation which includes the shaping of the dynamics and articulations of sample library instruments

·      Usefulness and appropriateness of analysis / synopsis explaining the work

·      Show evidence of a well-structured organisation of thoughts and ideas; Grammar, spelling and clarity of writing

 

Submission requirements:

 

A zipped folder uploaded to Wattle which includes the following:

o  Score with title page (PDF or other as appropriate)

o  An .wav, ‘Mp3 or .mp4 audio file of the work

Due date: 17 March 2023

___________________________________________________________________

 

Assessment Task 1c – assessment value 7.5%

Reimagine the piano piece given for medium sized ensemble. Arrange, analyse, score and produce a MIDI realisation of this piece for the following forces: (Ob, Cl, Bsn, Hrn, V1, V2, Vla, Vc, DB) presenting an original musical arrangement (duration 20 bars)

The final piece must be submitted as a professional finished score with a separate annotated piano score showing a harmonic analysis along with one-hundred and fifty words, outlining the stylistic considerations and approach taken in realising your orchestration. To be uploaded to Wattle.

 

Your Orchestration / Arrangement / Analysis submission should include:

1. Professionally prepared finished score (in C), appropriately phrased & articulated

2. An audio of the MIDI realisation of the score

3. A separate document containing one hundred and fifty words and an annotated copy of the given Piano piece, outlining the concept and the harmonic analysis used to underpin your orchestration, and harmonic and rhythmic approach used in your arrangement.

 

Assessment Criteria:

·      Technique and approach: appropriate use of instruments and technology, utilising techniques drawn from the course materials

·      Ability to answer and creatively respond to the brief

·      Creativity: the ability of the piece to stand on its own, as a self-contained work of a unique and developing compositional voice

·      Clear and well-formatted score and visual presentation (as appropriate)

·      Well-mixed audio presentation which includes the shaping of the dynamics and articulations of sample library instruments

·      Usefulness and appropriateness of analysis explaining your work

·      Show evidence of a well-structured organisation of thoughts and ideas: grammar, spelling and clarity of writing

 

 

Submission requirements:

 

A zipped folder uploaded to Wattle which includes the following:

o  Score with title page (PDF or other as appropriate)

o  Document with the annotated score and text about the approach taken (PDF or other as appropriate)

o  An .wav, Mp3 or .mp4 audio file of the work

 

Due date: 31 March 2023

 

___________________________________________________________________

Assessment Task 1d - Voice & Accompaniment piece – assessment value 12.5%

 

Write a piece for voice and accompaniment (minimum of three written / analogue or nine electronic parts), to be performed and recorded by yourself with fellow class members OR by students enrolled at ANU.

 

The work should demonstrate the following:

1)   A concept or idea that shapes the intention and meaning of the work. This could be contained in the title and description of the work or in the text / lyric of the vocal part/s, in the case of a song or in the visual / performance approach taken.

2)   An innovative approach in the use of the instruments and voices to create a dynamic performance work

3)   Be realised as connected to a visual and/or performance concept that underscores its possible meaning.

 

Duration: minimum 1’30” maximum 2 mins – presented as a score and video recording

 

Assessment Criteria:

 

·      Technique and approach: appropriate use of voice/s, instruments and technology, utilising techniques drawn from the course materials

·      Ability to answer and creatively respond to the brief

·      Creativity: the ability of the piece to stand on its own, as a self-contained work of a unique and developing compositional voice

·      Clear and well-formatted score and visual presentation (as appropriate)

·      Well-mixed audio presentation which includes the shaping of the dynamics and articulations of sample library instruments and vocal part/s

 

Submission requirements:

 

A zipped folder uploaded to Wattle which includes the following:

o  Score with title page (PDF or other as appropriate)

o  An .MP4 or .WMV (video / audio-visual presentation) file of the work

 

Due date: 29 April 2022

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

Assessment Task 1e (Part #1 and #2) Four Performers – assessment value 15%

 

Write a work to be performed by four performers. The orchestration and the nature of the performance is completely up to you. The assessment task consists of two parts which includes the writing of the work along with contributing and collaborating in the organization, programming, production and audience development of a live concert, showcasing your work and the works of fellow students.

 

Part #1 – MIDI Demo - assessment value 5%

Live presentation to class outlining the following:

1.    The piece you wish to submit for the concert, score, design, and audio recordings

2.    Names of performers to be involved - a proposed schedule of rehearsals and why you have chosen to work with this piece and these performers

3.    A first draft of programme notes describing the work, its genesis and any significant information about the work

 

Part #2 - The concert Performance - assessment value 15%

1.    Direct and realise the performance of your work

2.    Take responsibility for a role in producing your work and the event

3.    Contribute to the profiling of the event and the development of an audience

4.    Demonstrating the ability to solve problems and negotiate with colleagues

5.    Contribute to the running and technical realisation of the concert

6.    Finished programme notes

7.    Write a 300-word evaluation of the experience

 

 

Assessment Criteria:

·      To demonstrate and communicate clarity of thought and a considered approach for establishing an artistic, creative music identity within a live performance format

·      Present a music piece that demonstrates an ability to engage an audience

·      To both lead and collaborate within a group of peers

·      To be innovative in engaging an audience with your musical presentation 

·      Written text should demonstrate appropriate use of grammar, spelling and clarity of expression

·      Usefulness and appropriateness of analysis explaining your work

·      Show evidence of a well-structured organisation of thoughts and ideas

Submission requirements:

A zipped folder uploaded to Wattle which includes the following:

·      Part #1 – 13 May - Score as .pdf files with audio realisation (wav, Mp3 or .mp4 audio)

·      Part #2 – 1 June - The 300-word evaluation of the experience as a pdf file

 

 

Assessment Task 2

Assessment Task 2: Composition Folio

Folio of Original Works - assessment value 40%

 

This assessment calls for a completely unconstrained folio of original works (minimum of two 4min pieces) which should show the culmination of your skills and experiences this semester. Focus on clarity of ideas and techniques. You are completely free to find and use your unique compositional voice. There are absolutely no stylistic guidelines. Each piece to be submitted must be discussed with the Lecturer as a work-in-progress.

Assessment Criteria:

 

·      Technique and approach: appropriate use of voice/s, instruments and technology, utilising techniques drawn from the course materials

·      Ability to answer and creatively respond to the brief

·      Creativity: the ability of the piece to stand on its own, as a self-contained work of a unique and developing compositional voice

·      Clear and well-formatted score and visual presentation (as appropriate)

·      Well-mixed audio presentation which includes the shaping of the dynamics and articulations of sample library instruments and vocal part/s

 

Submission requirements:

 

A zipped folder uploaded to Wattle which includes the following:

o  Score with title page (PDF or other as appropriate)

o  An .MP4 or .WMV (video / audio-visual presentation) file of the work

Assessment Task 3

Assessment Task 3: Writing about your Portfolio

- Writing about your folio of works - assessment value 10%

 

Students to present a six-hundred-word analysis / summary of the folio works of each of the two Folio works, 1200 words in total. This document must include a discussion of each of the following points:

1.    Compositional techniques used and reasons for adopting the approach taken

2.    Theoretical devices used within your piece/s 

3.    Style and idea (genre/s explored in each piece) 

4.    Context within the repertoire (cite pieces similar to your own) 

5.    A discussion about the scoring and presentation

 

Assessment Criteria:

·      To demonstrate and communicate clarity of thought and a considered approach for establishing an artistic, creative music identity

·      Present documentation that demonstrates the origin or genesis of portfolio pieces and their development to final presentation

·      Show evidence of the research used in the development of the works

·      Show evidence of a clear context for the work

·      Usefulness and appropriateness of analysis

·      Show evidence of a well-structured organisation of thoughts and ideas; Clearly referenced work (Chicago Style); Grammar, spelling and clarity of writing

 

Submission requirements:

 

A zipped folder uploaded to Wattle which includes the following:

 

·      Printed copy of the text as a .pdf file

·      Appropriate use of text and music notation in that document

 

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Two weeks after presenting

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students