Composition Studies (MUSI40073)

HonoursPoints: 12.5On Campus (Southbank)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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This subject introduces students without previous composition tuition to strategies for thinking about and constructing original music. Students will write chamber music based on instruments available within the class.

The subject will be divided into three 4-week modules, each beginning with a process of sketching and culminating in a short completed project to be performed in class.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • develop practical strategies for writing original music;
  • develop an ability to structure self-imposed guidelines for composing new work;
  • communicate clearly to performers through professionally presented music notation;
  • rehearse and perform new music in a group context;
  • respond critically and creatively to new music by others.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject students should have developed:

  • the ability to expand small ideas into larger realities;
  • the ability to absorb new ideas and respond to them in a thoughtful and personal way;
  • the ability to communicate effectively;
  • the ability to be resourceful and creative.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

PERMISSION OF COORDINATOR: Students are required to apply for permission to enrol in this subject. Students must submit proof of permission with an Enrolment Assistance form to Stop 1:

Link to Enrolment Assistance form

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MUSI20122 Composition Studies
Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank)
 12.5

Recommended background knowledge

Ability to read and write musical notation and general understanding of music theory terminology is assumed.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Project 1: solo –(sketches (5%) + project (20%))

  • 28 hours (of work required)
Week 425%

Project 2: duo – (sketches (5%) + project (25%))

  • 34 hours (of work required)
Week 830%

Project 3: quartet – (sketches (5%) + project (30%))

  • 40 hours (of work required)
Week 1235%

Engagement – consisting of EITHER participation in tutorial readings of students' projects as required OR attendance at and 300-word written review of one School of Music composers' concert

  • 11 hours (of work required)
Throughout the teaching period10%
Hurdle requirement: Students must submit all elements of assessment to be eligible for a pass in this subject. For the purposes of meeting this hurdle requirement, each submitted assessment must be complete and constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task. Submitting only part of an assessment (e.g. only the title page) or an assessment on an irrelevant topic will not meet this hurdle requirement.Throughout the teaching periodN/A

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorElliott Gyger
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Southbank)
    Contact hours24 hours, comprising one 2-hour workshop per week.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    Elliott Gyger: egyger@unimelb.edu.au 

    Students are required to seek permission from the coordinator to enrol in this subject. Proof of permission must be attached to an Enrolment Assistance form.

What do these dates mean

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  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Additional delivery details

Delivery

This subject is co-delivered with MUSI20122 Composition Studies.

 

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 4 March 2025