Composing for Ensembles addresses a range of topics and skills necessary when composing for musical ensembles. In this course students will analyse the work of historical and contemporary composers as well as critically reflect on their own practice. Students will develop tools and techniques needed to organise an ensemble, compose a new work, run rehearsals, and present both live and recorded versions of their work. Composer-ensemble dynamics will be explored through direct participation in both group and individual projects where each student will spend time in both performer and composer roles, while critically examining their work alongside the ensemble dynamic.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- recognise and apply specialised terminology, concepts and skills fundamental to the composition of works for small ensemble;
- work independently and collaboratively to acquire and utilise skills and knowledge for use in the composition, performance and recording of new works for small ensemble;
- experiment with musical materials to take aesthetic and conceptual risks in the development of new works for small ensemble; and
- critically analyse and discuss the musical works of one’s self and others.
Work Integrated Learning
Simulation/Virtual
This course gives students real world experience composing a new work for live ensemble, organising a performance in a professional venue. Students gain experience necessary to prepare them for careers as composers.
Indicative Assessment
- Rehearsal journal (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Tutorial ensemble project (30) [LO 1,2,3]
- Final project and exegesis (50) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses 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. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks including lecture, tutorial, rehearsal and workshop activities
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Available on Wattle
Majors
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 12
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
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.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7422 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |
