Contemporary Music Production: Planning and Developing an Independent Project enables students to plan and develop a large music project that blends composition, recording, and performance. Students apply knowledge from the standalone skills they have learned in practical, research, and theoretical contexts during their degree to plan and develop a musical work. Large projects such as an album can form the cornerstone of a contemporary music career but require various creative, technical, and organisational skills. Students will develop a project in consultation with the course convenor that aligns with the student’s interests and course capacity. At the end of this course, students will have successfully developed a proposal and completed a project milestone. 

Learning Outcomes

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

1. demonstrate how to plan the scope of a contemporary music production project;
2. articulate project objectives of a contemporary music production project;
3. critically analyse appropriate techniques and approaches in a chosen contemporary music style; and
4. complete a milestone of a large contemporary music production project.

Research-Led Teaching

This course centers student autonomy, recognising that students are experts in their own artistic practice. The instructor functions as facilitator, mentor, and critical colleague rather than as authoritative evaluator. Students are given agency in shaping their projects, choosing research directions, and determining appropriate methodologies. Informed by contemporary and emerging ideas in the field of artistic research, this course treats artistic practice as a rigorous form of research that generates unique knowledge. Students learn to articulate how their creative work asks questions, explores problems, and produces insights that cannot be accessed through other research methods.

Field Trips

Students will be encouraged to attend concerts, art galleries, and other performances.

Recommended Resources

Students are encouraged to seek out recorded and notated musics in the library and via the internet throughout the course, as well as articles, books, interviews, etc.

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

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.

Other Information

All work submitted must be the student's own original creation. Use of AI tools for composition and other activities must be discussed, disclosed, and cited. Sampling or quoting of existing recordings must be acknowledged appropriately. Collaboration is encouraged, but individual assessment submissions must represent individual work. Please refer to University Academic Integrity policies for full details.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Intro to Music production
2	Scoping, Locating, and Contextualising Your Project
3	Identifying appropriate production and compositional techniques and technologies for your project
4	In Class presentations; workshop on production and compositional techniques	Assessment 1
5	Research Methods, Tools, and AI in Artistic Research; workshop on production and compositional techniques
6	Collaboration in Musical Practice; Academic Presentation Skills; workshop on production and compositional techniques
7	Workshop on production and compositional techniques
8	Funding Applications and Professional Practice; workshop on production and compositional techniques
9	Guest lecturer
10	Creating Your Discourse for a Project – Theory and Practice; workshop on production and compositional techniques
11	Documentation & Dissemination of a Project; Overview of Methodologies in Artistic Research
12	Reflection and Revision; In-class consultations on projects
13	Exam period	Assessment 2

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	Learning Outcomes
Work-in-Progress Presentation - 30%	30 %	02/04/2026	1,2,3
Formal Research Presentation - 70%	70 %	05/06/2026	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
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• 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 ‘Canvas’ 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

Participation in class activities is expected as part of meaningful engagement with this course.

Assessment Task 1

Work-in-Progress Presentation - 30%

Assessment 2: Work-in-Progress Presentation (30%)

Due: Week 4 (in-class presentation)

Description: Students are required to deliver a proposal presentation that outlines the relevant aspects of their project (body of composed work, performance, album, tour, multi-media event, cross-over, etc). This assessment involves a 7-minute presentation demonstrating current progress on their capstone project. This informal work-in-progress format emphasises process over product, encouraging students to share creative developments, research insights, challenges encountered, and questions that have emerged. Presentations should include audio/video recordings, scores, sketches, slides, or live demonstrations as appropriate to the project.

This assessment values transparency, critical reflection, and peer learning. Students are not expected to have 'polished' work at this stage. The emphasis is on honest engagement with process, willingness to take risks, and capacity for critical reflection. Vulnerability and transparency are valued over performative perfection.

Students should include:

1.       Location of the project within a cultural and social context that identifies:

• potential audience
• related works and practitioners
• relevant institutions and businesses (Venues, labels, studios, etc.)

2.       A speculative budget for the project

3.       A timeline/flowchart/Gant diagram with key milestones, dependencies and deadlines.

4.       Artist’s statement regarding the inspiration, motivation and intention behind the project.

Submission Requirements:

• 7-minute in-class presentation
• Supporting media as appropriate (audio, video, scores, slides, etc.)
• Submit presentation materials via Canvas by 5pm Friday week 4, including:
• Brief written reflection (250 words) addressing:
• What went well in your presentation?
• What would you do differently?
• What feedback was most useful and why?

Assessment Criteria:

• Demonstration of Progress
• Evidence of substantial engagement with project
• Tangible creative work or research outcomes to show
• Honest and accurate acknowledgment of where project currently stands
• Clarity about what has been accomplished and what remains to be done
• Critical Reflection
• Thoughtful analysis of own creative/research process
• Identification of key decisions, challenges, and discoveries
• Articulation of what you're learning through making/researching
• Awareness of how project is evolving
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Clear and engaging presentation within time limit
• Effective use of media and examples
• Ability to explain complex ideas accessibly
• Confidence and presence
• Engagement with Feedback
• Responsiveness to questions during Q&A
• Openness to peer and instructor feedback
• Thoughtful reflection on feedback received (in 250-word written reflection)
• Active listening during others' presentations
• Research and Contextual Awareness
• Evidence that research is informing creative practice
• Connections to in-class discussions and relevant artistic research frameworks
• Positioning of work within relevant contexts

Assessment Task 2

Formal Research Presentation - 70%

Assessment 3: Formal Research Presentation (70%)

Due: Examination Period (exact day/time TBC)

Description: Students are required to deliver a 20min presentation that identifies a project milestone achieved and evaluates the progress and overall success of the project. This presentation should demonstrate sophisticated integration of practice and research, articulating how your creative work generates knowledge and engages with broader questions in music. Presentations will be followed by 10 minutes of questions from the lecturers and your peers. Your presentation should also include a live or recorded demonstration of your creative work-in-progress with relevant media (scores, sketches, etc.). This assessment represents the culmination of semester-long learning and ensures projects are at a stage ready for completion as part of MUSI3326 next semester.

This presentation must include:

1. An overview of the project (body of composed work, performance, album, tour, multi-media event, cross-over, etc) identifying both positive and negative experiences and what is needed for completion.
2. Evaluation of various aspects of the project including:
3. Technical matters
4. Interpersonal and organisational matters
5. Planning and logistics
6. Aesthetic matters
7. Any external 3rd party involvement
8. Other

Example Presentation Structure:

• Introduction (2-3 min): Research question(s) and project overview
• Contextual positioning (4-5 min): How your work relates to existing artistic/scholarly discourse
• Methodology (3-4 min): Your approach to artistic research and project development
• Creative work presentation (5-6 min): Examples from your practice with analysis
• Emerging insights (3-4 min): What you're learning, questions that have emerged
• Next steps (1-2 min): Plans for project completion in MUSI3326
• Q&A (10 min): Respond to questions from your lecturer and peers

Submission Requirements:

• 20min formal presentation with 10min Q&A
• Written components submitted via Canvas before presentation:
• Abstract (200 words) - conference-style summary of presentation
• Slide deck or other presentation materials (PDF)
• Annotated bibliography (at least 12 sources with 50-100 word annotations explaining relevance to project)
• Creative work examples appropriate to project stage (recordings, scores, videos, documentation, etc.)

Assessment Criteria:

• Artistic and Intellectual Sophistication
• Depth and originality of creative work
• Sophistication of research questions and objectives
• Evidence of critical thinking and artistic maturity
• Quality of creative work relative to project stage
• Integration of Practice and Research
• Clear articulation of how practice constitutes research
• Demonstration that creative work generates knowledge/insight
• Effective balance between making and critical reflection
• Meaningful engagement with artistic research frameworks
• Contextual Positioning and Scholarly Engagement
• Thoughtful positioning within artistic, cultural, and scholarly contexts
• Engagement with relevant literature and creative precedents (at least 12 sources)
• Critical synthesis rather than mere summary of sources
• Awareness of how project contributes to broader conversations
• Presentation Quality and Communication
• Clear, organised, and engaging presentation
• Effective use of media, examples, and visual aids
• Professional presentation skills and confidence
• Adherence to timing requirements
• Ability to respond thoughtfully to questions
• Methodological Clarity and Planning
• Clear explanation of research methodology
• Realistic and detailed plans for project completion
• Awareness of practical, logistical, and conceptual challenges
• Evidence of reflective practice and documentation throughout semester

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. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

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.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission of assessments is possible with approval of course convener. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss resubmitting any of your work.

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 Accessibility 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 supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students