Digital Music Descriptions

Digital Music

Major

A major in Digital Music requires 48 credit points from this table, including:
(i) 6 credit points of 1000-level core units
(ii) 6 credit points of 1000-level selective units
(iii) 12 credit points of 2000-level selective units
(iv) 18 credit points of 3000-level selective units
(v) 6 credit points of 3000-level Interdisciplinary Project units: PERF3640 Industry and Community Projects.

Minor

A minor in Digital Music requires 36 credit points from this table, including:
(i) 6 credit points of 1000-level core units
(ii) 6 credit points of 1000-level selective units
(iii) 12 credit points of 2000-level selective units
(iv) 12 credit points of 3000-level selective units.

1000 level units of study

Core for major and minor
CMPN1013 Creative Music Technology

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Daniel Rojas Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1 hr lab/studio/wk Assessment: creative audio assignment (70%), formative skills assessment (20%), participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
In this unit of study students will be introduced to a range of music technologies and gain a basic proficiency in sound recording, editing and mixing. Students will learn to work with audio in a digital audio workstation, how to make good quality recordings with portable recording devices, and make use of these skills in service of a creative outcome. The unit will include an overview of software for notation/sequencing, as well as basic sound synthesis concepts. In the final assessment students will explore the creative possibilities of music technology by realising a sound work using either instrumental and/or environmental sound recorded and edited by them.
CMPN1014 Sound and Video Recording Fundamentals

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Ivan Zavada Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1 hr lect/wk, 1 hr lab class/wk Assessment: Stereo Recording (60%), Online Quiz (30%), Participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
In this unit of study students will be introduced to a range of audio technologies and gain a basic proficiency in sound recording, editing and mixing. Students will experience working in the Conservatorium sound studios, and learn how to make good quality recordings with portable recording devices. This unit of study also examines microphone design, stereo microphone techniques and digital audio recording. Students will experience prac-based recording sessions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the recording technology on offer at the Sydney Conservatorium.
Selective for major and minor
MUSC1501 Extended Fundamentals of Music

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Aidan Rosa Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1hr lecture and 2 x 1hr tutorials (aural and written)/wk Assumed knowledge: HSC Music 2 Assessment: Written and online music theory assessment (70%), aural assessment (30%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Through an integrated and research-based approach to music composition and analysis, student's knowledge of music theory and compositional techniques is extended. Skills in this area cover a range of musical styles including classical music (past and present), jazz, popular music and film music. The Written tutorials build on the topics covered in the lectures. The Aural tutorials develop the students ability to listen musically and critically.
MUSC1503 Fundamentals of Music 1

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Matthew Hindson Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1hr lecture and 2x 1hr tutorials (aural and written)/wk Assessment: Written and online music theory assessment (70%), aural assessment (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
An introduction to basic music literacy skills, including learning to read and write music, and an understanding of fundamental aspects of its structure and composition. The material covered in this unit of study concentrates upon the basics of music theory and listening to ensure that participants have a solid grounding for a firm understanding of music notation and organisation.
MUSC1504 Fundamentals of Music 2

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Aidan Rosa Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1hr lecture and 2 x 1hr tutorials (aural and written)/wk Assessment: Written and online music theory assessment (70%), aural assessment (30%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
A more advanced exploration of music literacy skills than MUSC1503. The material covered in this unit of study ranges from the broad to the specific: from an examination of musical elements and the way they are used in a variety of musical genres through to specific compositional aspects such as four-part writing. Analysis and compositional craft regarding melody, harmony and rhythm in classical and contemporary popular music are a central focus of this unit of study. Critical listening skills are developed in this unit of study.

2000 level units of study

Selective for major and minor
CMPN2631 Electroacoustic Music

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Daniel Blinkhorn Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 x 2 hr lab/studio class/week Prerequisites: MUED1002 or CMPN1013 or MUSC2653 Assumed knowledge: Proficiency in the usage of any industry standard DAW and attendant sound transformation and diffusion software Assessment: Composition demonstrating electroacoustic techniques (40%), electroacoustic composition drawing from any manner of materials discussed within the unit (60%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit will explore past and concurrent techniques in electroacoustic composition through the completion of various tasks in sound transformation and by composing new electroacoustic works. Whilst analysing manifold aesthetics and attendant compositional techniques implicit in the creation of electroacoustic music, emphasis will be placed on students developing a working knowledge of existent and emergent trends within the electroacoustic repertoire, and will gain insights into numerous aesthetic, recording and composing processes leading to the creation of new musical compositions in the field of electroacoustics.
CMPN2632 Computer Music Fundamentals

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Ivan Zavada Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 hr lect/wk, 1 hr lab class. Prerequisites: MUED1002 or CMPN1013 or MUSC2653 Assessment: 2 programming assignments (2x25%), final project (50%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit will focus on computer based music composition utilising formal processes to create music with computers. This unit investigates an interactive graphical programming environment for music, audio and media called Max, allowing the composer to program and implement interactive music processes quickly and with varying levels of sophistication, thus encouraging the student to explore real-time creative possibilities of digital music technology.
MUSC2663 Survey of Film Music

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Phillip Johnston Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1 x 2 hour lecture/week and 1 x 1 hour tutorial/week Assessment: Licensed music assignment 1,000 words + 3 minutes of audio (35%), final paper 2,000 words (50%), participation (15%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit is an introductory survey of the history and aesthetics of film music from the late 1890s to the present day. Topics for discussion will include the dramatic function of music as an element of cinematic narrative, the codification of musical iconography in cinematic genres, the symbolic use of pre-existing music, and the evolving musical styles of film composers.
MUSC2695 Popular Music Theory

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Daniel Rojas Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 x 1hr lecture, 1 x 1hr written tutorial, 1 x 1hr aural tutorial Prerequisites: MUSC1503 or MUSC1504 or MUSC1501 or MUSC2693 or MCGY1009 or JAZZ1621 or JAZZ1019 Assessment: Weekly assignment tasks (30%), 1 x Composition and Analysis final project (40%), weekly auralia tests (10%), 1 x mid-semester aural exam (5%), 1 x final aural exam (15%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The culmination of the Fundamentals of Music series, this unit of study is an exploration of musical language used in contemporary popular, film and world music repertoire from ca. 1960 to the present. The focus is on compositional techniques, analytical tools and workflow that relates to contemporary music practitioners. Lectures will examine the given topic for that week with references to examples drawn from a list of repertoire for that topic. These examples will be discussed further in the written tutorials and supported by weekly homework. An important outcome of this unit of study is the final assignment, in which students apply the knowledge accrued over the semester in an original composition, which they also analyse. Aural Tutorials will draw on these topics to develop skills relating to the student's ability to perceive and interpret musical elements and procedures.

3000 level units of study

Selective for major and minor
CMPN3634 Interactive Media and Sound Installations

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Benjamin Carey Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2 hr lect/wk Prerequisites: CMPN1013 or MUSC2653 Assessment: Sound Apparatus Project Presentation (25%), Relation Agents Group Project Presentation (25%), Final Project Public Presentation/Performance (50%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: The unit makes use of interactive programming techniques and other technical skills taught in CMPN2631/2632. Enrolling concurrently in one of these subjects alongside CMPN3634 is recommended.
This unit will focus on electronic music composition involving new paradigms brought about by real-time performance, installations, network technology, human computer interaction, gestural control and integration with visual arts and video animations. This unit of study will also investigate the available literature on topics such as multimedia, interactive and installation work in the context of contemporary sound art practice.
CMPN3635 Writing Music for the Moving Image

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Daniel Blinkhorn Session: Semester 1 Classes: 6 x 1 hour lectures for the first six weeks; 6 x 2 hour tutorials thereafter Prerequisites: MUED1002 or CMPN1013 or MUSC2653 or MUED4002 Assessment: Written paper (20%), Presentation (30%), Final Music (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The unit provides a practical introduction into the creation of, and aesthetics for music and
moving image. Topics for discussion will include, but are not be limited to: relationships
between image and sound, diegetic and non-diegetic sound, thematic development,
partnerships between composers, directors and other such collaborations within the creative
sector, sound design, music for games and animation, and non-commercial applications of
music for image (audiovisual art, cymatics etc). The unit seeks to enable
students the ability to develop a skillset within their own studio spaces for the creation and
dissemination of their projects; both at a sector ready, as well as a technically proficient level.
Importantly, students will be presented with a variety of possible projects and collaborations
with industry partners across differing creative sectors.
CMPN3636 Live Electronic Music Performance

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Benjamin Carey Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 x 1hr lecture per week, 1 x 2hr tutorial per week Prerequisites: (CMPN1013 or MUSC2653) and (CMPN1631 or CMPN1632) Assumed knowledge: Students enrolling in this Unit of Study are expected to have previous experience with music technology, including recording and music creation software. Students will be expected to perform Assessment: 1 x 1500 word essay (30%), 1 x Group Performance (30%), 1 x Solo Performance and Reflective Diary (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Live Electronic Music Performance is an innovative and diverse area of contemporary performance practice. Posing significant and exciting challenges for the rendering of music using digital technology, Live Electronic Music Performance requires genuine interdisciplinary skills such as technical development and problem solving, improvisation, musical composition, live sound reinforcement and ensemble communication. This area of performance employs a wide range of technologies, musical styles and performance methodologies. This unit aims to give students the skills necessary to navigate the various tools and techniques available in order to create innovative live performances using electronic and digital technologies.
MUSC3603 Advanced Digital Music Techniques

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Damian Barbeler Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3 hr lecture/demonstration/wk Prerequisites: MUSC2653 or CMPN1013 Assessment: Creative assignments (80%), Weekly review and presentation of work (20%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit is an advanced exploration of digital sound and music in creative and multimedia contexts. It is a subject in which students are expected to make sophisticated use of sound creation and manipulation tools in pursuit of their own musical ideas. Students will undertake creative projects as a means to learning. An ability to read music at a basic level and an understanding of fundamental musical terminology is an advantage in this unit of study.
MUSC3630 Popular Music and the Moving Image

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Charles Fairchild Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 x 2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1 x 1000wd musical analysis (20%), 1 x 1000wd industrial critique (20%), 1 x listening and viewing test (20%), 1 x 3000wd final project (30%), overall participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The range of media channels through which we experience, popular music has prolifereated in recent years. The emotive power of music is used to tell stories, sell products and connect people to one another. This unit will analyse the use of popular music in a broad range of multimedia forms from film and television to video games and the use of digital media to disseminate a multitude of musical multimedia productions.
Interdisciplinary Project for major
PERF3640 Industry and Community Projects

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ian Whitney Session: Intensive February,Intensive July,Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prerequisites: 72 credit points Corequisites: Interdisciplinary Impact in any major Assumed knowledge: upper-level disciplinary knowledge Assessment: 1 x group presentation (10%), 1 x group plan (20%), 1 x group project (50%), 1x individual statement (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This interdisciplinary unit provides students with the opportunity to address complex problems identified by industry, community, and government organisations, and gain valuable experience in working across disciplinary boundaries. In collaboration with a major industry partner and an academic lead, students integrate their academic skills and knowledge by working in teams with students from a range of disciplinary backgrounds. This experience allows students to research, analyse and present solutions to a realworld problem, and to build on their interpersonal and transferable skills by engaging with and learning from industry experts and presenting their ideas and solutions to the industry partner.