Bachelor of Applied Music (Composition)

Subject Details

First Year core subjects

plus 2 subjects chosen from electives

MUZ101 – Music language studies 1 - (52 hours)

This is the first of six units of Music Language Studies. In this subject students will study aural and theoretical concepts, knowledge and skills in the context of developments in early Western music. Links will be made between music from these periods and contemporary music. Topics covered will include aural and theoretical recognition, notation and performance of intervals, scales, chords, melodies, rhythms, and four-part harmony. Students will also demonstrate an awareness of stylistic conventions, form, analysis, major composers and historical and social contexts of early Western music up to, and including, the Baroque period.

MUZ102 – Music language studies 2 - (52 hours)

This subject will build on the aural and theoretical concepts, knowledge and skills developed in Music Language Studies 1, by examining the use of similar musical elements in jazz genres from the last century. Other topics will include aural and theoretical recognition, notation and performance of scales, extended chords, chord progressions, rhythms and melodies derived from conventions in jazz; further harmonisation and an awareness of stylistic conventions, form, analysis, major composers and historical and social contexts of jazz in the 20th Century.

MUZ103 – Music technology 1 - (52 hours)

Students will acquire conventional keyboard techniques and knowledge and skills that enable the keyboard to be used as a tool for studying musical elements and as an interface with computer software. Students will learn basic performance on the keyboard to enable input for MIDI with the purpose of realisation of composition.

MUZ104 – Performance platforms - (52 hours)

This subject provides a performance platform for students to develop technical and interpretative skills in preparing and performing (or producing) solo and ensemble works to an audience. Through collaboration, students will develop the necessary skills and stagecraft to direct a cohesive performance. Performance of established repertoire as well as original material will be supported by students who are developing an understanding of the operation of sound reinforcement and recording systems, staging and lighting as related to live performance. Students will also be involved in a range of workshops which could include: choir, a cappella groups, rhythm-sections, guitar, keyboard, percussion, woodwind, brass, Big Band, funk groups and student run ensembles.

MUZ121 – Principles of songwriting 1 - (26 hours)

This subject provides an analytical overview of the musical devices and conventions that exist in popular song forms and genres. Analysis of elements such as: melody, structure, rhythm, harmonic progression and style will inform the student in the composition of songs in designated popular song styles.

MUZ122 – Principles of songwriting 2 - (26 hours)

Continuing directly from the previous unit, students will extend their abilities to compose songs within a variety of genres. They will further develop greater understanding of characteristic harmonic, melodic and rhythmic treatment of lyrics within various song genres, and learn to apply these conventions with their own writing.

MUZ123 – Composition and arranging for film 1 - (39 hours)

A focus on film music studies from the 1920-1950s will give students the capacity to evaluate film scores with reference to established conventions, compositional techniques and their application in defined contexts. A solid foundation in basic composition and arranging techniques will be explored and subsequently applied to short film cue excerpts. This subject is the first of a series of six subjects building a compositional language for screen composition.

MUZ124 – Composition and arranging for film 2 - (39 hours)

This subject focuses on film music studies post-1950 and will include evaluation and analysis of the role and function of music in varying dramatic contexts. Composition and arranging techniques will be further extended from those concepts commenced in Composition and Arranging for Film 1. The application of SMPTE and other issues pertaining to synchronisation, ‘clicks’, tempo mapping and free-timing will also be covered.

Second Year core subjects

plus 2 subjects chosen from electives

MUZ201 – Music industry studies 1 - (39 hours)

In this subject students will learn to plan, organise, prepare, facilitate and present music to discriminating audiences. Students will develop confidence in undertaking self-initiated and self-directed work: the critical evaluation of this work, and the fundamental principles in small business organisation, management and administration.

MUZ202 – Music industry studies 2 - (39 hours)

This subject continues directly from Music Industry Studies 1. Students will develop greater maturity in undertaking self-initiated and self-directed work: the critical evaluation of this work, and the principles of more complex business organisational structures. In addition, the basics of project management will be introduced as a means to evaluate long-term sustainability of the small-business enterprise model.

MUZ211 – Music language studies 3 - (52 hours)

Students will expand their aural and theoretical recognition, knowledge and skills through progressive assignments in transcribing music; expand their harmonic practice and develop more sophisticated musical analysis skills in the context of the common practices used during the Classical and Romantic periods of Western music. Other topics will include further development in aural and theoretical recognition: notation and performance of scales, chords and modes in prescribed inversions, tonalities and patterns; more complex rhythmic passages in simple and compound metre; harmonisation as a process for ‘voicing’; the use of extended and altered chords and part writing conventions.

MUZ212 – Music language studies 4 - (52 hours)

Focusing on the musical developments in the 20th Century, students will acquire aural and theoretical skills that extend beyond the conventions and imperatives of diatonic music. The study will incorporate music from both western art music and rock and popular music, and will include topics such as aural and theoretical recognition: notation and performance of scales, chords and modes; tonalities and patterns as exhibited in twelve-tone music; the use of modes and polytonality, contemporary harmonic devices and the use of polyrhythm and mixed metre.

MUZ221 – Principles of songwriting 3 - (26 hours)

Students will consolidate their writing skills in tandem with developing greater skills in recording and sequencing their musical ideas within various digital audio environments. More sophisticated mock ups of original ideas will be expected as well as complete realisations of songs both in printed and audio format. The art of collaboration will be introduced.

MUZ222 – Principles of songwriting 4 - (26 hours)

Students will integrate concepts, knowledge and skills acquired in the previous three units. Students will be required to craft complete arrangements of their original songs with fully notated instrumental parts and audio realisations. Collaboration with other writers is a requirement within this subject.

MUZ223 – Composition and arranging for film 3 - (52 hours)

Knowledge and skills in film scoring will be expanded through study and application of conventions in writing for orchestral sections. The use of appropriate ‘voicings’ and timbral combinations applicable to various film genres will be studied in detail. Student assignments will focus on more extended film cues, including cut-away cues and cues requiring more than one point-of-view (POV).

MUZ224 – Composition and arranging for film 4 - (52 hours)

Building on previous studies in this subject, students will examine and apply conventions in composing for alternate or mixed ensembles. Student assignments will focus on the use of soft-synth. and audio-sample libraries to build substantial ‘mock ups’. Contemporary arranging concepts, as evidenced in modern cinema, will be introduced.

Third Year core subjects

plus 2 subjects chosen from electives

MUZ301 – Research and application of industry principles 1 - (52 hours)

Using collaborative, investigative, planning and management methods students will acquire and apply knowledge and skills that prepare them for entry into the music industry. Students will develop a three-tiered project incorporating team-based event management and planning, the planning of a self-promotional CD and the planning of a solo public event, students will integrate knowledge and skills that underlie production and management processes in the music industry. Students will also draft a significant research project relevant to individual goals, preferences and expertise.

MUZ302 – Research and application of industry principles 2 - (52 hours)

The plans for the three-tiered project incorporating team-based event management, a self-promotional CD and a solo public event developed during the first unit of this subject will be implemented. Students will gain practical experience in the music industry in a variety of situations including the development of a related business plan and the delivery of a short series of lessons in their area of expertise. The production of a researched and substantiated body of work will provide students with knowledge in their major area of study as preparation to enter the music industry.

MUZ311 – Music language studies 5 - (52 hours)

Students will build upon concepts, knowledge and skills acquired in previous studies by examining the use of similar musical elements in musical genres of the 20th century. Students will acquire an understanding of both commonalities and differences in the ways elements of music are used in the creation of different musical styles. Historical developments in music theatre, cabaret and popular music will be examined with reference to social, political and cultural influences. Students will gain insights into ways in which common musical elements are used to achieve diverse aesthetic and expressive outcomes. Students will learn how to write for 2 to 5 parts using a variety of chord voicings.

MUZ312 – Music language studies 6 - (52 hours)

In this subject, students will gain a more global understanding of the musical forces shaping contemporary musical practice. Students will be expected to build upon concepts, knowledge and skills acquired in previous studies by examining musical languages from other cultures and acknowledging their historical context. The history and aural components of this subject will focus specifically on the Classical music of North India; and harmony component is a continuation of the Berklee School of Music system of harmonic analysis.

MUZ321 – Contemporary composition 1 - (39 hours)

This subject comprises two components. The first component examines the history of game audio, various game platforms and midi orchestration in relation to the production of game audio. Students will be required to produce mock-up sound designs within narrow time frames, thereby emulating real conditions in the game audio industry. The second component focuses on 20th Century compositional processes. Students will develop analytical skills by dealing directly with the harmonic language of contemporary music theory including musical set theory. Students will be required to compose works in a variety of styles using post tonal compositional techniques.

MUZ322 – Contemporary composition 2 - (39 hours)

This subject comprises two components. The first component continues the study of compositional processes and applications of game audio and sound design, including substantial hands-on practise with current game titles. The second component continues an examination of compositional processes with specific reference compositional practices developed since the second half of the twentieth century.

MUZ323 – Advanced film scoring 1 - (26 hours)

Students will create music cues/sound design for multimedia projects for both in-house and external clients on demand. The project brief and synopsis will be client designed, who will liaise and contract music students to create the music/sound design. Projects may include multimedia CD-ROM titles, DVD projects, podcasts (with Apple’s Garage Band software), streaming media, performance installations or exhibitions.

MUZ324 – Advanced film scoring 2 - (26 hours)

Students will create music for a film score in collaboration with both in-house and external clients. The project brief will be for a music score (film, corporate DVD or TV project) and require the student to facilitate all aspects of the process including, budgets, contracts, spotting, creative design, musical arrangement and final recorded soundtrack.

Electives

MUZ252 – Negotiated project 1 - (26 hours)

This subject involves close discussion and planning sessions in consultation with a supervisor who will approve an independent project or a group project in which participants' individual roles are clearly defined. The project may involve the planning and implementation of a public performance event, the development of a significant music industry initiative, collaboration with an affiliated industry group in producing a significant work or event, scoring for film, recording songs and original compositions, producing recordings for other students or the production of a significant music resource.

MUZ253 – Negotiated project 2 - (26 hours)

This subject involves close discussion and planning sessions in consultation with a supervisor who will approve an independent project or a group project in which participants' individual roles are clearly defined. Project 2 can be an extension of the activity commenced in Negotiated Project 1. The project may involve the planning and implementation of a public performance event, the development of a significant music industry initiative, collaboration with an affiliated industry group in producing a significant work or event, scoring for film, recording songs and original compositions, producing recordings for other students or the production of a significant music resource.

MUZ152 – Digital audio platforms 2 - (26 hours)

This subject is recommended for those who wish to extend knowledge and skills learnt in Digital Audio Platforms 1. The subject explores a range of computer music systems and software. Content will change from year to year depending on the latest tools available to assist musicians develop their artistic product.

MUZ249 – Computer music production systems 1 - (26 hours)

Students will study the application of computer hardware and software to assist them in realising their musical ideas. Students will learn to manipulate MIDI and audio data; develop basic skills in the interactive control of the computer in real-time; develop an introductory knowledge in the concepts of sound design, and become familiar with issues in non-linear music making.

MUZ250 – Computer music production systems 2 - (26 hours)

Students will begin to acquire skills in computer music programming as a means to integrate prior knowledge with the demands, and opportunities, in the emergent areas of sound design for the multimedia and telecommunication industries. Areas of study include digital signal processing and the expressive integration of different media.

MUZ241 – Ensemble 1 - (26 hours)

The focus for this subject is to develop concepts, skills and understanding in the ensemble performance of music in a variety of musical contexts. Students will develop stylistic awareness, musical expertise and ensemble protocols. Composition students may use the ensemble for direction of performance of original works. Ensemble workshops may include: choir, a cappella groups, rhythm-sections, guitar, keyboard, percussion, woodwind, brass, Big Band, funk groups and student run ensembles.

MUZ242 – Ensemble 2 - (26 hours)

This subject is a continuation of Ensemble 1. The performance skills and associated protocols will be consolidated and repertoire will be expanded. Composition students may use the ensemble for direction of performance of original works. Ensemble workshops could include: choir, a cappella groups, rhythm-sections, guitar, keyboard, percussion, woodwind, brass, Big Band, funk groups and student run ensembles.

MUZ141 – Instrumental studies 1 - (26 hours)

Through performing in ensembles students will acquire concepts and knowledge about the practical application of arranging and composing or live recording. Learning a second study instrument will give students the experience of an instrument with which they are unfamiliar, equipping them with fundamental understanding that is integral to their specialised disciplines.

MUZ142 – Instrumental studies 2 - (26 hours)

This subject is a continuation of Instrumental Studies 1. Through performing in ensembles students will acquire concepts and knowledge about the practical application of arranging and composing or live recording. Learning a second study instrument will give students the experience of an instrument with which they are unfamiliar, equipping them with a fundamental understanding that is integral to their specialised disciplines.

MUZ145 – Production principles 1 - (26 hours)

In this subject students will acquire the basic concepts of Acoustics as they relate to musical instruments and the environments in which they are played. Students will learn the core principles of recording with analogue and digital systems; theories of audio production and practice, live sound and live recording techniques in performance environments.

MUZ146 – Production principles 2 - (26 hours)

Consolidating and extending the concepts and knowledge acquired previously, students will further apply these principles in practise, using both analogue and digital recording methods as the basis for an introduction to mixing environments. Practical recording assignments make up a significant component of the course.

MUZ247 – Production styles 1 - (26 hours)

In this subject students will learn to apply principles of recording studio and session management; from pre-production and design, through to session engineering and production. Students will work with digital audio workstations undertaking various recording assignments. With reference to music recordings that exemplify the evolution of, and current practice in audio production, students will develop discrimination in identification of the use of a wide range of principles and methods of creative audio recording technologies and techniques.

MUZ248 – Production styles 2 - (26 hours)

Students will consolidate the skills and knowledge acquired to this point, developing greater independence in managing recording projects and fluency within the studio environment. More creative resources will be introduced; with access to an increasing number of external plug-in environments, for the analysis and the re-creation of seminal production ‘sounds’. Students will develop an appreciation of the techniques and aesthetic qualities inherent in internationally recognised award winning albums.

MUZ151 – Digital audio platforms 1 - (26 hours)

This subject is recommended for those who wish to extend knowledge and skills learnt in Music Technology 1. The subject explores a range of computer music systems and software. Content will change from year to year depending on the latest tools available to assist musicians develop their artistic product.

MUZ251 – Music publishing - (26 hours)

Students will focus on various music publishing software including advanced functions in Sibelius. Outcomes include the preparation of music scores to a publishable standard.