Overview
In this unit, you will build upon fundamental music theory and production knowledge and begin to develop skills in the area of songwriting and electronic music composition. You will study a range of musical styles that will inform the development of your own original composition in a chosen genre. You will continue classes in music production and begin to explore advanced audio signal flow and studio practice.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2020
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student feedback
The songwriting components and music production components of this unit could be separated allowing a deeper level of engagement in specialised content.
Create a music production major that will allow students the opportunity to more specialise in either music or music production.
- Evaluate song writing processes of contemporary popular music styles
- Apply song writing processes in the creation of an original song and electronic music composition
- Apply appropriate notation to represent your original compositions
- Demonstrate an understanding of audio signal flow and multi-microphone techniques in the recording studio.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 25% | ||||
| 2 - Creative work - 25% | ||||
| 3 - Creative work - 25% | ||||
| 4 - In-class Test(s) - 25% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 25% | ||||||||||
| 2 - Creative work - 25% | ||||||||||
| 3 - Creative work - 25% | ||||||||||
| 4 - In-class Test(s) - 25% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
Writing better lyrics
Edition: 2nd (2009)
Authors: Pat Pattison
Cincinnati : Writer's Digest Books
Cincinnati Cincinnati , Ohio , United States of America
ISBN: 9781599631660
Binding: eBook
The recording engineer's handbook
Second edition (2009)
Authors: Bobby Owsinski
Course Technology
Boston Boston , MA , United States of America
ISBN: 1598639293
Binding: eBook
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Headphones
- Creative Arts Studio Facility
- Pro Tools software
- Ableton Live software
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
p.preece@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Production: Module 1 - Studio practice
Songwriting: Module 1 - Roman numeral harmonic analysis
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Production: Module 1 - Studio practice
Songwriting: Module 1 - Roman numeral harmonic analysis
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Production: Module 1 - Studio practice
Songwriting: Module 2 - Modulation
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Production: In class test.
Songwriting: Module 3 - Lead sheet basics.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
In Class Test 1: Console signal flow
The signal flow test will be held during regular class time.
Module/Topic
Production: Module 2 - Recording.
Songwriting: Module 3 - Lead sheet basics.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Production: Module 2 - Recording.
Songwriting: Module 3 - Lead sheet basics.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 1: Song Analysis due.
Friday
Song Analysis Due: Week 6 Friday (24 Apr 2020) 11:55 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Production: In class test.
Songwriting: Module 4 - Melody writing.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
In Class Test 2: Drum micing
The test will be held during regular class time.
Studio Signal Flow Due: Week 7 Wednesday (29 Apr 2020) 2:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Production: Module 2 - Recording.
Songwriting: Module 4 - Melody writing.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Production: Module 3 - Electronic Music Production.
Songwriting: Module 4 - Melody writing.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Production: Module 3 - Electronic Music Production.
Songwriting: Module 5 - Rhythmic styles in pop and jazz genres.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2: Original Song Composition due.
Friday
Original Song Composition Due: Week 10 Friday (22 May 2020) 11:55 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Production: Module 3 - Electronic Music Production.
Songwriting: Module 5 - Rhythmic styles in pop and jazz genres.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Production: EMP feedback session.
Songwriting: Module 5 - Rhythmic styles in pop and jazz genres.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 3: Original Electronic Music Composition due.
Wednesday
Original Electronic Music Composition Due: Review/Exam Week Wednesday (10 June 2020) 11:55 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
You are to choose a popular song from the following list of artists and write a 1000 word analysis. The artists you may choose from are Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Nick Cave, Adele and Archie Roach.
Your analysis should consider:
- Harmonic progression
- Lyrical content
- Form
- Motif
- Historical / sociological context
Your analysis should use primary sources to support your argument. Your assessment (1000 words) must be submitted as a Microsoft Word Document (.docx) and:
- Must use 12 point Times New Roman font
- Must use 1.5 spacing for the body of the assignment
- May use sub-headings to organise your assignment clearly
- Must adhere to the CQUniversity APA Style Guide.
The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Week 6 Friday (24 Apr 2020) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 8 Friday (8 May 2020)
After they have been marked results will be uploaded to the Moodle gradebook.
Appropriate description of musical material (40%)
Appropriate description of lyrics (20%)
All submission criteria met (20%)
Use of primary sources to support argument or theme (20%)
- Evaluate song writing processes of contemporary popular music styles
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
2 Creative work
In this assessment, you are required to create an original composition in a chosen style. The composition will be at least 32 bars in length and contain both music and lyrical elements developed over the term.
You must submit:
- A lead sheet for the song. This may be created on a music notation program (e.g. Sibelius) or by hand and scanned. This should be in pdf format.
-
Lead sheet should include chords, melody, time signature, lyrics, key signature, tempo and feel indication, section markings and dynamics
Week 10 Friday (22 May 2020) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 12 Friday (5 June 2020)
After they have been marked results will be uploaded to the Moodle gradebook.
Contextually appropriate harmony (25%)
Musical and technically informed melody (25%)
Accurate notation of rhythm, harmony and melody (25%)
Lead sheet presentation including time signature, key signature, tempo and feel indication, section markings and dynamics (25%)
- Apply song writing processes in the creation of an original song and electronic music composition
- Apply appropriate notation to represent your original compositions
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Information Technology Competence
3 Creative work
Most modern popular music contains some element of electronic music production. In this assessment, you are required to create an original composition using electronic music making software such as Ableton Live or Pro Tools.
The composition must be in produced in the style of a popular genre and display genre specific production techniques. The genre may be chosen by the student and must be approved by your lecturer by week 3.
The composition should include:
- At least 5 parts composed using software instruments
- At least 1 acoustic part, such as a vocal or acoustic guitar
- Display genre specific production techniques
- Be at least 3 minutes in length
Review/Exam Week Wednesday (10 June 2020) 11:55 pm AEST
Exam Week Friday (19 June 2020)
After they have been marked results will be uploaded to the Moodle gradebook.
Composition demonstrates genre specific production techniques (40%)
Musically and technically informed melody and harmony (40%)
Recordings should be free from extraneous noise and distortion (10%)
Session Handling (10%)
- Apply song writing processes in the creation of an original song and electronic music composition
- Apply appropriate notation to represent your original compositions
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Information Technology Competence
4 In-class Test(s)
Assessment four of CART12003 is comprised of two practical in-class tests held during your normal lesson times in week 4 and 7.
Console signal flow
The signal flow test will be held during regular class time in Week 4. You are required to perform a series of tasks as instructed by your lecturer that are normally required in an analogue recording studio environment. These tasks may include:
- Routing signal to tape
- Monitoring signal post tape
- Creating a head phone mix
- Assigning IO in Pro Tools
Drum Micing
The drum micing test will be held during regular class time in Week 7. You are required to perform a series of tasks as instructed by your lecturer that normally required to mic up a drum kit for a recording session. These tasks may include:
- Choosing appropriate microphone for each instrument
- Choosing appropriate placement for each microphone
- Using a stereo overhead configuration
- Line checking each microphone
Further information:
- Marks are assigned based on the difficulty of the question and the format.
- A time limit of 30 minutes will be assigned per test.
- Only one attempt will be permitted of each test.
- The two in-class tests will collectively contribute 25% of a student’s mark.
Week 7 Wednesday (29 Apr 2020) 2:00 pm AEST
In class tests are held during regular class time in week 4 & 7.
Week 9 Friday (15 May 2020)
After they have been marked results will be uploaded to the Moodle gradebook.
Students are assessed on practical studio skills covered in class. This includes both analogue console signal flow and drum micing.
Signal flow is weighted at 15% of the final unit mark.
Drum micing is weighted at 10% of the final unit mark.
No submission method provided.
- Demonstrate an understanding of audio signal flow and multi-microphone techniques in the recording studio.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
