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.

Field Trips

Students are encouraged to attend as many concerts as possible, both on and off campus.

Additional Course Costs

Students will require manuscript paper and pens for this course. Additional costs for binding of scores and parts, for the final portfolio, will be discussed during the semester.

Recommended Resources

• manuscript paper
• note paper
• pens, pencils, ruler (transparent), eraser
• access to music notation software such as; Sibelius (version 5 and later), Finale

Staff Feedback

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

• Written comments
• Feedback to the entire class
• Verbal comments, in office hours/meetings

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). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Referencing requirements

While ANU does not require a specific citation style, research in Music Theory/Composition is typically cited using the Chicago Manual of Style or the MLA Style. See the following link for details:

https://academicskills.anu.edu.au/resources/handouts/referencing-style-guides

Preliminary Reading

Kennan, Kent. The Technique of Orchestration. (any edition, preferably 4th, 5th, or 6th) New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 1990, 1996, 2002. [Music Library Reserve]

Blatter, Alfred. Instrumentation and Orchestration. New York: Schirmer, 1997.

Gould, Elaine. Behind Bars. London: Faber, 2011. [Music Library Reserve]

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	· P (Philosophy) - Research and Creative Practice · C (Creative Concepts) - What is a Compositional Practice? · SK (Skills - Writing Techniques) - Overview of what is to be covered · ST (Styles) - Overview of what is to be covered · M (Project Management) - Sketchbook - Artistic Vision / Manifestos / Each week the lecture and tutorial will focus on a central topic – Rhythm – Melody – Counterpoint – Bass – Texture explored through a combination of the areas as outlined above Artist’s Statement - Developing an online profile	Tutorials support the topics discussed in lectures through: · Practical exercises and discussion · Analysis of chosen works Student presentations of work-in-progress
2	WEEK 2 - RHYTHM · P- Indigeneity Nationalism & Identity · C- Ideas: Planning / Arranging · SK - Keyboards –Theory: scales & voicings · ST - Impressionism - Small and Large Ensemble M- Responding to a brief / developing a portfolio
3	WEEK 3 - RHYTHM · P- Space Place & Time - Sonic Traditions / Hierarchies / Collaboration / Individualism · C- Producing / Realising · SK - Strings & Keyboards · ST - Expressionism - Small and Large Ensemble · M- Responding to a brief / developing a portfolio
4	WEEK 4 - MELODY · P- Critical Thinking Aesthetics & Analysis · C- Narrative / Non-narrative · SK - Woodwind & Strings · ST – Ultra-Rationalism - Small and Large Ensemble
5	WEEK 5 - MELODY · P- Critical Thinking Aesthetics & Analysis · C- Drawing / Theatre · SK - Brass & Woodwind – Acoustic Voice & Voices · ST - Minimalism - Small and Large Ensemble
6	WEEK 6 - COUNTERPOINT · P- Critical Thinking Aesthetics & Analysis · C- Making Sense · SK- Percussion & Drum Kit & Brass · ST- Maximalism - Small and Large Ensemble	Assessment 2 due (TBC based on ensemble availability)
7	WEEK 7 - COUNTERPOINT · P- Critical Thinking Aesthetics & Analysis · C- Visiosonic Intelligence - Sonic Art / Visual Art · SK– Tuned Percussion & Percussion / Drum Kit · ST- Set Theory - Small and Large Ensemble · M- Sketchbook - Artistic Vision / Manifestos / Artists Statement - Developing an online profile
8	WEEK 8 - BASS · C- Site Specific / Found Objects / Performance · SK - Guitar and Plucked Strings & Tuned Percussion - Looped & Processed Voice/s · ST- Jazz - Small and Large Ensemble
9	WEEK 9 - BASS · C- Programming Sound Design & Structuring · SK- Noise / Environments / Soundscapes & Guitar and Plucked Strings - Looped & Processed Voice/s ST- Popular & Folk Forms - Small and Large Ensemble
10	WEEK 10 - TEXTURE · C- Programming Sound Design & Structuring · SK- Found / Made / Adapted / Hybrid & Noise / Environments / Soundscapes ST- All styles - Small and Large Ensemble
11	WEEK 11 - TEXTURE · C- Site Specific / Found Objects / Performance · SK- Digital / Electronic / Analogue & Found / Made / Adapted / Hybrid · ST- All Styles - Small and Large Ensemble · Sketchbook - Artistic Vision / Manifestos / Artists Statement - Developing an online profile
12	Review – discussion and evaluations	Assessments 1, 3 and 4 due

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Folio of Original Works	30 %	02/06/2019	16/06/2019	1,2,3
Commission Piece	30 %	07/04/2019	21/04/2019	1,2,3
Sketch Book and Online Presence	25 %	02/06/2019	16/06/2019	1,4
Exegesis and Program Note	15 %	02/06/2019	16/06/2019	2,4

* 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 Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

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 ANU Online website. Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

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

Folio of Original Works

This assessment calls for a completely unconstrained folio of original works which should show the culmination of your skills and experiences this semester. The size and length of this folio should be approved by the Course Convenor before submission. Focus on clarity of ideas and techniques, rather than duration.

You are completely free to find and use your unique compositional voice. There are absolutely no stylistic guidelines.

 

Assessment Criteria:

 

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

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

·      Clear and well-formatted score (as appropriate)

·      Well-mixed audio file (or video, if working to visual media)

 

Value: 30%

 

Submission requirements:

 

·      A zipped folder including the following:

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

o  Media file (.WAV or other as appropriate)

 

Due date: 2 June (Week 12)

 

• Estimated return date: Within two weeks of submission of complete folio

Assessment Task 2

Commission Piece

This assessment calls for an original piece that shows your skills and experience in the creation of a work for the instrumental forces of ensemble you are writing for. The nature and ambition of the work should be approved by the Course Convenor before submission. Focus on clarity of ideas and techniques, use of instrumental forces as managed in regards appropriate scoring for the instruments and / or sound design or technologies employed, form and design of the work, effectiveness of the arrangement and ensemble orchestration. You are completely free to establish your own unique compositional voice. There are absolutely no stylistic guidelines.

 

Assessment Criteria:

 

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

·      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 (as appropriate)

·      Well-mixed audio file (or video, if working to visual media)

·      Appropriate use of workshop and reading session time with the ensemble

 

Value: 30%

 

Submission requirements:

 

·      Printed copy of the score and parts for the ensemble

·      A zipped folder including the following:

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

o  Media file (.WAV or other as appropriate)

 

Due date: 7 April (Week 6) – TBC based on availability of the ensemble

 

• Estimated return date: Within two weeks of submission of complete folio

Assessment Task 3

Sketch Book and Online Presence

This assessment is made up of two parts, a Sketch Book and an Online Presence. The nature and approach taken in documenting the Sketch Book and the Online Presence should be approved by the Course Convenor before submission. You are completely free to establish and present your work and your professional identity in these formats, as you see appropriate. There are absolutely no stylistic guidelines.

 

Assessment Criteria:

·      To demonstrate and communicate clarity of thought and a considered approach for establishing an artistic, creative music identity supported by a documented working process that acknowledges research as part of the creative process in the production of your work.

 

Value: 20%

 

Submission requirements:

 

Sketch Book

 

·      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 involved

·      Document the development of thoughts and motivations for taking particular creative decisions in the realisation of your portfolio

 

Online Presence

 

·      Present a website that has at least three navigable pages

o  ‘About’ – an Artist Statement or short biography

o  ‘List of Works’ – URLs that point to your works uploaded to sites such as SoundCloud, YouTube or similar

o  ‘Links’ – URLs that links to research areas used in the development of your work

 

Due date: 2 June (Week 12)

 

Estimated return date: Within two weeks of presentation

Assessment Task 4

Exegesis and Program Note

Your exegesis will contextualise and analyse your original work. In this 1000 word document you will (using Chicago Style citations) build a context for your work, and describe how your works combines and/or builds on existing works and traditions. As a starting point, it may be helpful to describe and explain choices you’ve made in terms of:

 

·      Structure

·      Instrumentation

·      Pitch/Sonic content

·      Melody/Harmony

The program note should be around 200 words in length, and can include any information you think the audience might want access to.

 

Assessment Criteria:

 

·      Establishment of a clear context for the work

·      Usefulness and appropriateness of analysis

·      Organisation of thoughts and ideas

·      Clearly referenced work – Chicago Style

·      Grammar, spelling and clarity of writing

 

Value: 20%

 

Submission requirements:

 

·      1000 word exegesis – submitted via Turnitin

·      200 word program note – submitted via Turnitin

·      Citations (for the exegesis only) in Chicago Style

 

Due date: 2 June

 

Estimated return date: Within two weeks of presentation

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

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) as submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (notated scores, exercise worksheets, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate. For the assignments affected, these cases will be notified in writing through Wattle. Such hard copy assignments must be submitted in class, at the beginning of class time. Assignments must include the cover sheet available here. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

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. No submission of assessment tasks involving the ensemble, without an extension after the due date will be permitted. If an assessment task is not submitted by the due date, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

With the exception of the Portfolio and Commission pieces, assessed work will be graded following the scheduled class time. Student work will be returned in person during the weekly class meetings. If a student is absent, they should contact the course convenor to arrange an alternate time for returning the assessed work.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. The Course Convener may grant extensions 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.

Resubmission of Assignments

Assignments may not be resubmitted.

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 Diversity 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