Composition, Arranging and Sound Design 6 concludes the major composition sequence. Students will shape a large-scale individual project, for medium to large-sized ensemble which may include the ensemble(s) in residence. Drawing upon multiple compositional skills acquired from previous classes in the major sequence, students have the opportunity to shape their own projects, under faculty guidance. Classwork will focus on professional skills development, score and parts creation, advanced notation, issues of aesthetic and technique, along with industry skills development.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, 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.

Field Trips

Students will be encouraged to attend concerts, art galleries, and other performances, as well as to move around in their homes and neighbourhoods to experience and think about new sonic events.

Required Resources

A small notebook (fits in your pocket); a large notebook (ideally graph paper); pens and pencils; a computer with: notation software (Sibelius, Musescore, Finale, etc.) and Digital Audio Workstation software (Reaper, Logic, Protools, Ableton, etc.); a MIDI keyboard; headphones; a field recorder (or app and windscreen for your mobile phone)

Recommended Resources

Students are encouraged to seek out recorded and notated musics in the library and via the internet throughout the course, as well as articles, books, interviews, etc.

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

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	Group discussion of course content and schedule
2	Group planning session
3	Workshops on works in progress and meetings with project supervisors
4	Workshops on works in progress and meetings with project supervisors
5	Crit presentations and meetings with project supervisors	Assessment 1 due in class
6	Crit presentations and meetings with project supervisors	Assessment 1 due in class
7	Group check-in and meetings with project supervisors
8	Workshops on works in progress and meetings with project supervisors
9	Workshops on works in progress
10	Workshops on works in progress
11	Meetings with supervisors
12	Group check-in and meetings with project supervisors	Assessment 2 due
13	Exam period: Concerts and other public presentations of final projects	Assessment 3 due

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Crit presentation - 20%	20 %	30/08/2024	1,2,3,4
Exegesis and program notes - 30%	30 %	24/10/2024	1,2,3,4
Final project, reflection and consultation - 50%	50 %	15/11/2024	1,2,3,4

* 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.

Participation

Participation in class activities is expected as part of meaningful engagement with this course.

Assessment Task 1

Crit presentation - 20%

During week 5 or 6 you will be asked to give a 15min presentation on your plans for the final project. Given how early in the semester this is, you are not expected to have a complete plan yet (and are encouraged to develop and change your plan after this presentation), but we ask you to talk us through your thinking and plans at this time. This will be followed by 10min of questions from your peers and the lecturer. You will also be asked to post your materials on the course Teams platform for additional comments, and will be required to give constructive feedback on at least two other students' work.

Assessments submission:

• 15min in-class presentation with relevant media (media files, scores, sketches, etc.)
• Posted materials (audio and PDF files) on Teams
• At least two constructive comments on other students' works via Teams

Assessment criteria:

• Clear and well-organised in-class presentation with appropriate materials (media files, scores, sketches, etc.)
• Demonstration of relevant research and considered plans for future work
• Materials (audio and PDF files) posted on Teams the week of your crit presentation
• Active in-person participation during crits, and constructive feedback on at least two of your classmates' work via Teams

Assessment Task 2

Exegesis and program notes - 30%

Your exegesis will discuss, contextualise, and analyse your original work(s). In this 2000-word document you will (using Chicago Style in-text citations) build a context for your work and describe how your project combines and/or builds on existing works and traditions.

Your document should describe and explain choices you’ve made in terms of, as well as other relevant information:

 

• Structure
• Instrumentation
• Pitch/Sonic content
• Melody/Harmony
• Relationships
• Public presentation model/setup
• Context (relationships to other works, current political climate, societal issues, etc.)

  

Of the (at least) 15 required sources in your bibliography, at least 5 cannot be scores or recordings.

Your accompanying 200-word program note may include any information you think the audience would like to know about your piece, and should also be presented to the audience during the public performance of your final project during the exam period.

 

Assessment Criteria:

 

• Establishment of a clear context for the work
• Usefulness and appropriateness of analysis, including images, diagrams, annotations, and score excerpts
• Organisation of thoughts and ideas, grammar, spelling, and clarity of writing
• Clearly referenced work (Chicago Style) with in-text citations and a well-formatted bibliography (at least 15 sources)

 

Value: 30%

 

Submission requirements:

 

·    Single document (submitted via Turnitin) containing your: 200-word program note; 2000-word exegesis with Chicago Style bibliography (at least 15 sources)

Assessment Task 3

Final project, reflection and consultation - 50%

This assessment calls for a new original work or folio of works which should show the culmination of your skills and experiences during this semester and your undergraduate composition studies. The size and duration of this work(s) should be approved by the Course Convenor before the end of week 6. Focusing on sophistication and clarity of ideas and techniques, rather than duration is recommended, though 30min of music is a rough guide.

 

As part of this project you will be responsible for presenting this new work to the public. This may take a number of forms including a recital in a School of Music venue, an installation at a local art gallery, a site-specific happening, a sound walk, a website, etc. Note that part of your exegesis (Assessment 2) is the discussion and justification of the model by which your work is presented. Though you will have support from School of Music staff, you will be responsible for finding musicians, running rehearsals and organising your performance at the end of the semester.

After the public presentation of your work you will be asked to meet with the course convenor for a 30min conference to check-in and see how you felt about the final project and the course and degree in general. You will be asked to bring your journal notebooks (small and large) as well as any digital notes (e.g. OneNote). Before the meeting you will be asked to complete a reflection form which will encourage you to think about how you feel you went with the materials and the projects.

Note that your creative work (assessment criteria 1,2,3,4 - see below) will be assessed collaboratively by members of the composition faculty with feedback and marks moderated by the course convenor.

 

Assessment Criteria:

 

·    Technique and approach: appropriate and innovative use of instruments and technology (relative to the performer(s) involved)

·    Creativity: the ability of the work to stand on its own, as the demonstration of a unique and developed compositional voice

·    Clear and well-formatted score and parts (or other analytical/instructive document(s)e as appropriate), and submission of an appropriate program note for live audience viewing

·    Public presentation of your work with demonstration of appropriate logistical preparation and execution

·    Participation in the final conference and evidence of critical reflection

 

Submission requirements:

 

·   A live presentation/performance of your work - with program notes or equivalent for the public

·   Participation in the final one-to-one conference in the exam period

·   A zipped folder including the following:

• Score with title page and performance note (PDF or other as appropriate)  
• Parts, as appropriate
• Program note of ~200 words

 

Due date:

 

·    Score submission, 5pm 1 November

·    Live presentation of work, 1-12 November

·    Final conference attendance, 13 November

 

Estimated return date: Within two weeks of submission

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.

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