Composition Industry Project provides composition students with a taste of working in the music industry with a commission project. Students will receive a commission brief with a strict timeline and guidelines for deliverables. In the context of this real world scenario, students will work independently and collaboratively to develop new work which satisfies the commission while exploring and extending their personal musical voice and vision.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively to fully realise a new work based on a brief;
- demonstrate a critical understanding of one's intersection with the composition industry (eg; concerts, internships, studio visits, volunteering, performance, recording);
- experiment with musical materials to take aesthetic and conceptual risks in the context of a commissioned work brief; and
- critically analyse and discuss the musical works of one’s self and others.
Recommended Resources
We will be referring to various Scores, Texts, Recordings. You will need Internet Access for assignments and some class work.
These do not have to be purchased as are in library and/or section.
* Actual listening examples, copious score excerpts and reading examples as presented in lecture sessions or for limited time on the class Wattle site.
* Access to music library texts and scores.
* Relevant Orchestration texts (Stiller, Lovelock, Keenan, Solomon, Piston, Rimsky-Korsakov, Mancini, others)
* Robert P. Morgan Anthology of Twentieth Century Music (New York and London: W.W. Norton & Co. Inc., 1992)
* Paul Griffiths Modern Music and After (New York: Oxford University Press, 2010)
*Arnold Whittall Musical Composition in the Twentieth Century (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999).
Note: Students are encouraged to source their own relevant examples. Others will be distributed as per need.
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 | Introduction and overview of course. Options in working with tonal qualities (scales, modes, series, pitch sets, harmonies, voice-leading) and considering the melodic and harmonic preparation/front material for composing. |
See schedule in this document for the weeks that assessments are due. |
2 | Short single movement orchestral forms (traditional including works by Handel, Elgar, Canteloube) with a focus on form, instrumentation, texture and tone colour. | |
3 | Larger single movement orchestral forms (traditional including Sibelius, Mills) with a focus on form, instrumentation, texture and tone colour. | |
4 | Listening, analysis and modelling practice (LAMP) on short and larger single movement orchestral forms (traditional), and traditional orchestration exercises. Research performance opportunities. | |
5 | Chamber music short movement forms (including Webern, Ligeti, Walton) | |
6 | Listening, analysis and modelling practice on short movement forms in chamber music, and chamber music orchestration. Research performance opportunities. | |
7 | Breaking down larger music forms in opera/music theatre, also prosody/word painting, orchestration and countermelody in opera. | |
8 | Berio's folk song arrangements in focus. | |
9 | Listening, analysis and modelling practice with an orchestration focus. Research performance opportunities. | |
10 | Listening, analysis and modelling practice with an orchestration focus. | |
11 | Demystifying trajectories in C20th and C21st music composition. | |
12 | Student presentations of original scores (performed, audio versions, in score), revisions and consolidation. |
Assessment Summary
Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment | Learning Outcomes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment Task 1: Complete set exercises in listening, analysis and modelling practice (compositions and orchestrations). | 30 % | 28/03/2025 | 16/04/2025 | 1,2,3 |
Assessment Task 2: Create a single movement work for chamber orchestra or chamber ensemble, with or without voice (4 to 8 minutes depending on forces, and as negotiated with lecturer) | 60 % | 23/05/2025 | 13/06/2025 | 1,2,3 |
Assessment Task 3: Exegesis | 10 % | 23/05/2025 | 13/06/2025 | 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
- Extenuating Circumstances Application
- 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
Attendance and active participation is advised.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3
Assessment Task 1: Complete set exercises in listening, analysis and modelling practice (compositions and orchestrations).
Complete set modelling exercises in composition and/or orchestration
Details of Task: Each task will be set and must be done with reference to listening and score analysis in class, and composition and orchestration techniques covered in such score analysis. Hard copies to be handed in to lecturer. Due 28.03.25.
Assessment Criteria:
- Demonstrated understanding of concepts from the course
- Employment of craft as studied in the course
- Demonstration of original thinking
- Scoring must be to benchmark standards (eg; Sibelius software, musescore)
Word limit : N/A
Value: 30%
Presentation requirements: Hard copy, benchmark scoring.
Estimated return date: 16.04.25
Rubric
HD 80 - 100 | D 70 - 79 | C 60 - 69 | P 50 - 59 | N 0 - 49 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Work of exceptional quality imbued with exceptional understanding of concepts, exceptional employment of craft as studied in MUSI3314, and exceptional original thinking. Scoring must be to benchmark standards. | Superior work with evidence of superior understanding of concepts, considerable employment of craft as studied in MUSI3314, and considerable original thinking. Scoring must be of very good quality, nearing benchmark standards. | Work of good quality with evidence of good understanding of concepts, good employment of craft as studied in MUSI3314, and developing original thinking. Scoring must be legible and of good quality. | Work of satisfactory quality with satisfactory evidence of understanding of concepts, satisfactory employment of craft as studied in MUSI3314. Scoring is only satisfactory. | Work which is incomplete, or which is inadequate with little evidence of understanding of concepts, little ability to employ craft as studied in MUSI3314. Scoring is unsatisfactory. |
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3
Assessment Task 2: Create a single movement work for chamber orchestra or chamber ensemble, with or without voice (4 to 8 minutes depending on forces, and as negotiated with lecturer)
Details of task: Create a single movement work for chamber orchestra or chamber ensemble, with or without voice (4 to 8 minutes depending on forces). Bound hard copy handed in labelled with name (not u-number). Live audio or e-audio version emailed to lecturer (labelled with name of student and piece). Due 23.05.25
Assessment Criteria:
- Demonstrated understanding of concepts from the course
- Employment of craft as studied in the course
- Demonstration of original thinking
- Scoring must be to benchmark standards as per published scores
- Collaborate and negotiate performance of work.
Word limit : 4 - 8 mins
Value: 60%
Presentation requirements: See Details of task above.
Estimated return date: 13.06.25
Rubric
HD 80 - 100 | D 70 - 79 | C 60 - 69 | P 50 - 59 | N 0 - 49 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Work of exceptional quality imbued with exceptional understanding of concepts, exceptional employment of craft as studied in MUSI3314, and exceptional original thinking. Scoring must be to benchmark standards. Work is staged and performed. | Superior work with evidence of superior understanding of concepts, considerable employment of craft as studied in MUSI3314, and considerable original thinking. Scoring must be of very good quality, nearing benchmark standards. Work is being negotiated to be staged and performed. | Work of good quality with evidence of good understanding of concepts, good employment of craft as studied in MUSI3314, and developing original thinking. Scoring must be legible and of good quality. Work is being negotiated to be staged and performed. | Work of satisfactory quality with satisfactory evidence of understanding of concepts, satisfactory employment of craft as studied in MUSI3314. Scoring is only satisfactory. Little effort in negotiation of work to be staged and performed. | Work which is incomplete, or which is inadequate with little evidence of understanding of concepts, little ability to employ craft as studied in MUSI3314. Scoring is unsatisfactory. No negotiation of work to be staged and performed. |
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 2,3,4
Assessment Task 3: Exegesis
Details of task: Exegetical writing on your composition. Expectations are analysis of the music (specific elements), and/or a reflection of the journey in your composing including how you arrived at the creative decisions you made. Due 23.05.25
Assessment Criteria:
- Demonstrated comprehensive understanding of subject matter
- Sophisticated analysis
- Communication and presentation (concise theme, formulation of ideas or arguments, excellent presentation)
Word limit (1000 to 1200 words):
Value: 10%
Presentation requirements: Word doc via turnitin.
Estimated return date: 13.06.25
Rubric
HD 80 – 100 | D 70 – 79 | C 60 – 69 | P 50 – 59 | N 0 – 49 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Work of exceptional quality, demonstrating comprehensive understanding of subject matter, and sophisticated analysis. Also outstanding quality in communication and presentation (concise theme, exceptional formulation of ideas or arguments, excellent presentation). | Superior work, demonstrating a thorough knowledge and very good understanding of subject matter. Proficient analysis. Very good quality in communication and presentation (concise theme, well formulated ideas or arguments, very good presentation). | Work of good quality, work which displays a good understanding of the subject matter. Competent analysis. Good quality in communication and presentation (good theme, good formulation of ideas or arguments, some grammatical errors and structural problems, good presentation). | Work of satisfactory quality, which displays adequate understanding of most of the subject matter. Fair analysis. Adequate quality in communication and presentation. (adequate theme, adequate formulation of ideas or arguments, presentation has obvious grammatical errors and structural problems). | Work which is incomplete, and/or which displays inadequate understanding of the subject matter. Inadequate analysis. Inadequate quality in communication and presentation. (inadequate theme, inadequate formulation of ideas or arguments, presentation has many grammatical errors and structural problems). |
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. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
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 Accessibility 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 supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students
Convener
![]() |
|
|||
Research InterestsComposition, Australian Music, Indigenous Australian Music, Contemporary Guitar Music |
Prof Christopher Sainsbury
![]() |
|
Instructor
![]() |
|
|||
Research Interests |
Prof Christopher Sainsbury
![]() |
|