This course addresses skills required to compose music for: guitar solo or for guitar plus one (ww or string), and either string quartet or small mixed ensemble (four to five instruments). Students will also create an acoustic sonic art piece/ installation that articulates a proposed concept. It is encouraged (although not compulsory) for this to be in a collaborative setting. (Collaboration with students of visual arts or community groups is encouraged, and opportunities will be provided). Related to these creative tasks students will be guided in analysis of pieces that employ a range of nineteenth- and twentieth-century compositional techniques in a range of genres and styles. Also, relating to the sonic art work students will be guided in analysis of works that incorporate a concept and the articulation of the concept through the structural and expressive properties of the work. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1.  aurally identify and understand compositional and orchestration techniques involved in writing music for up to six parts, with reference to genre and style;
2. analyse and critique compositions written in four to six parts as well as sonic artworks;
3. apply compositional and orchestration techniques to create original compositions for up to six independent voices that include guitar, string quartet, mixed chamber groups, and sonic art pieces (the last being in collaborative settings and/or for community music groups); and
4. articulate key decisions taken during the creative process (both technical and expressive) through an exegesis.

Research-Led Teaching

Lecturer teaches from the core material of his research

Field Trips

Nil

Recommended Resources

These do not have to be purchased as are in library and/or section. Yet it is recommended that students purchase the Black and Gerou text on Orchestration, plus one of the following music textbooks.

Reading Lists:

* Actual copious listening examples, copious score excerpts as presented in lecture sessions.

* Relevant Orchestration and Composition texts (Lovelock, Keenan, Solomon, Piston, Rimsky-Korsakov, Mancini, Stiller, Blatter, Black& Gerou, Hindson & Blom, 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)

* Robert P. Morgan (ed) Anthology of Twentieth-century Music (New York: WW Norton and Company Inc, 1992).

*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	String quartet - tonal era
2	String quartet - tonal era
3	Counterpoint techniques in two parts, also Canon
4	Writing for String Orchestra, or strings plus soloist (in concerto style)
5	String Quartet - post tonal era
6	Writing for Guitar	Assessment 1 due in week 6
7	Writing for Scratch Orchestra, Community or Student Groups
8	Collaborations in Music with other artists from other art forms
9	Music Publishing as a Composer
10	Arranging techniques
11	Arranging techniques
12	Student presentations, revision	Assessments 2 and 3 due in week 12.

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	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
String quartet	45 %	30/08/2023	13/09/2023	1,3,4
Sonic art piece, or community ensemble piece (no time limit)	45 %	25/10/2023	15/11/2023	1,3,4
Exegesis of 600 - 800 words	10 %	25/10/2023	15/11/2023	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

Face to face

Examination(s)

N/A

Assessment Task 1

String quartet

Due: 30/08/23

Value: 45%

Presentation requirements: 4mins duration. Must be scored to benchmark standards (eg; Sibelius or Finale templates, or good hand). Hand in a bound copy with name clearly marked (not U number). Must be accompanied by indicative electronic sounding version (or live recorded version) as an mp3. This should be emailed to lecturer as a standalone mp3, not as a link, or handed in with score on a USB taped to score and labelled. Does not have to have been performed live.

Rubric

HD	D	C	P	N
Work of exceptional quality imbued with exceptional understanding of concepts, exceptional employment of craft as studied in CASD 4, 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 CASD 4, 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 CASD 4, 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 CASD 4. 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 CASD 4. Scoring is unsatisfactory.

Assessment Task 2

Sonic art piece, or community ensemble piece (no time limit)

Due: 25/10/23

Value: 45%

Presentation requirements: If scored it must be scored to benchmark standards (eg; Sibelius or Finale templates, or good hand). Bound copy with name if scored. If sounding it must be accompanied by indicative electronic sounding version (or live recorded version) as an mp3. Mp3 should be emailed to lecturer as a standalone mp3, not as a link, or handed in with score on a USB taped to score and labelled. Does not have to have been performed.

Note: for the collaborative piece students should also write 150 – 200 words about the work (whether about the concept, the music, any meetings, issues, the scoring, perhaps construction, staging, rehearsals, realization, documentation, revising, etc). This work may in fact not be scored, but be an installation, a recording, the creation of an instrument, a sonic event with the other collaborator/s, in a concert space, in a park, etc. The documentation of the work must be clearly articulated to lecturer – concept and technical requirements. This may include sketches, design, photographs, minutes of meetings, word docs of email exchanges with a collaborator, a journal, etc.

A community ensemble piece may be for a local concert band, a recorder ensemble, a choir, a scratch ensemble, etc.

Your project must be negotiated with lecturer.

Rubric

HD	D	C	P	N
Work of exceptional quality imbued with exceptional understanding of concepts, exceptional employment of craft as studied in CASD 4, 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 CASD 4, 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 CASD 4, 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 CASD 4. 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 CASD 4. Scoring is unsatisfactory.

Assessment Task 3

Exegesis of 600 - 800 words

Due: 25/10/23

Value: 10%

Details of task: Written word document, perhaps with score excerpts. Articulate key decisions taken during the creative process (as technical, expressive, contextual) through an exegesis on one work of the portfolio. 600-800 words. 

Rubric

HD	D	C	P	N
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).	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).	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).	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, 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, 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.

Returning Assignments

Scores will be handed back in class and/or workshop sessions. Students who are not in attendance may collect them from lecturer in Office Consultation hours.

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