CQUniversity Unit Profile
CART12004 Music Creation 2
Music Creation 2
All details in this unit profile for CART12004 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

In this unit, you will continue to develop and refine your music theory and production knowledge as applied to songwriting and studio recording. You will study a range of musical styles that will inform the development of your own original composition in a chosen genre. You will explore a range of recording techniques and develop your skills in project management as you create a portfolio of recorded work.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 2
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

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 2 - 2019

Cairns

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).

Class and Assessment Overview

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

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 25%
2. Creative work
Weighting: 25%
3. Portfolio
Weighting: 30%
4. In-class Test(s)
Weighting: 20%

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.

Previous Student Feedback

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 Students

Feedback

The lyric class delivered by an external facilitator and industry leader, was integral to the students experience.

Recommendation

Continual engagement of industry professionals should continue as it increases student satisfaction and engagement.

Feedback from Staff and DDLT

Feedback

The unit is large with too broad a range of focus.

Recommendation

Review the unit and refine its focus.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Evaluate song writing processes of contemporary popular music styles
  2. Apply song writing processes in the creation of an original music composition
  3. Apply advanced recording techniques in the creation of a recorded and mixed piece of music
  4. Demonstrate genre specific mixing and production techniques.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Written Assessment - 25%
2 - Creative work - 25%
3 - Portfolio - 30%
4 - In-class Test(s) - 20%

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 - Portfolio - 30%
4 - In-class Test(s) - 20%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Creative Arts Studio Facility
  • Pro Tools software
  • Muse Score software
Referencing Style

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.

Teaching Contacts
Patty Preece Unit Coordinator
p.preece@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 15 Jul 2019

Module/Topic

Songwriting Class: Lead sheet writing
Lyric Class: Introduction to songwriting
Production: Term overview and analogue studio revision

 

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 22 Jul 2019

Module/Topic

Songwriting Class: Lead sheet writing continued
Lyric Class: Methodology and brainstorming
Production: EQ workshop

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 29 Jul 2019

Module/Topic

Songwriting Class: Numeric melodic analysis
Lyric Class: What is a song?

Chapter

Pat Pattison: Essential Guide to Lyric and Form Structure, pg 82-8 

Events and Submissions/Topic

In class test 1

Week 4 Begin Date: 05 Aug 2019

Module/Topic

Songwriting Class: Numeric melodic analysis continued
Lyric Class: Lyrical building blocks
Production: Recording the piano
 

Chapter

Pat Pattison: Essential Guide to Lyric and Form Structure, pg 88-98

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 12 Aug 2019

Module/Topic

Songwriting Class: Functional roman numeral analysis
Lyric Class: The hook
Production: Compression workshop
 

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 19 Aug 2019

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 26 Aug 2019

Module/Topic

Songwriting Class: Functional roman numeral analysis continued
Lyric Class: Write the song

Chapter

Pat Pattison: Essential Guide to Lyric and Form Structure, pg 135 - 145

Events and Submissions/Topic

In class test 2

Technical Song Analysis due


Technical Song Analysis Due: Week 6 Friday (30 Aug 2019) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 7 Begin Date: 02 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Songwriting Class: Introduction to harmonisation
Lyric Class: Phrasing technique
Production: Live recording session 1

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 09 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Songwriting Class: Introduction to harmonisation continued
Lyric Class: Phrasing technique part 2
Production: Compression workshop

Chapter

Pat Pattison: Essential Guide to Lyric and Form Structure, pg 11 - 32

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 16 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Songwriting Class: Chords of Similar Function
Lyric Class: Breaking the rhythm

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

In class test 3


In Class Production Tests Due: Week 9 Tuesday (17 Sept 2019) 1:00 pm AEST
Week 10 Begin Date: 23 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Songwriting Class: Chords of Similar Function continued
Lyric Class: Investigating closure in songwriting
Production: Recording workshop 2

Chapter

Pat Pattison: Essential Guide to Lyric and Form Structure, pg 51-41

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 30 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Songwriting Class: Secondary Dominant 7ths
Lyric Class: Advanced Rhyme
Production: Mixing workshop 1

Chapter

Pat Pattison: Essential Guide to Lyric and Form Structure, pg 48 - 50

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 07 Oct 2019

Module/Topic

Songwriting Class: Secondary Dominant 7ths continued
Production: Mixing workshop 2

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Original Song Composition due


Original Song Composition Due: Week 12 Friday (11 Oct 2019) 11:45 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 14 Oct 2019

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Recording Project due


Recording Project Due: Review/Exam Week Friday (18 Oct 2019) 11:45 pm AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 21 Oct 2019

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Technical Song Analysis

Task Description

In collaboration with the lecturer select a song from the popular music genre. Write a 1000 word analysis of the song.

Your analysis should consider/ include

  • Roman Numeral harmonic analysis
  • Numeric melodic analysis
  • Root movement analysis
  • Melodic construction devices
  • Lyrical content
  • Form
  • 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.


Assessment Due Date

Week 6 Friday (30 Aug 2019) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 8 Friday (13 Sept 2019)


Weighting
25%

Assessment Criteria

  • Technical accuracy of analysis 40%
  • Demonstrated research on historical and sociological aspects of the track 25%
  • Reference pages and appendices 25%
  • Presentation 10%

 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Evaluate song writing processes of contemporary popular music styles


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Technology Competence

2 Creative work

Assessment Title
Original Song Composition

Task Description

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
  • Roman Numeral analysis of the harmony
  • Numeric Melodic analysis


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (11 Oct 2019) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Review/Exam Week Friday (18 Oct 2019)


Weighting
25%

Assessment Criteria

  • Contextually appropriate harmony (20%)
  • Musical and technically informed melody (20%)
  • Accurate notation of rhythm, harmony and melody (250
  • Lead sheet presentation including time signature, key signature, tempo and feel indication, section markings, lyrics and dynamics (20%)
  • Accuracy of harmonic and melodic analysis (20%)


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply song writing processes in the creation of an original music composition


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Technology Competence

3 Portfolio

Assessment Title
Recording Project

Task Description

As a sound engineer, it is important to be able to capture music at a high quality, so that artists may disseminate their work on a multitude of platforms (Soundcloud, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube). This assessment will ask you to record and mix a song for a local artist. You will not be required to master the song. The local artist may be someone

from your cohort or someone outside the University. You may seek assistance from your lecturer to identify a suitable artist for your project.

 

You will record the song in the campus studios using Pro Tools Software and other supplied equipment, including microphones, leads and headphones. The song should be at least 3 minutes in length and should contain at least 4 acoustic instruments; Eg Drums, Guitar, Bass, Vocals, Percussion. The song may also contain an electronic elements and samples.

 

The recording should be mixed and 'bounced' according to the submission guidelines (see Moodle for details).

 

Feedback is an essential part of the recording and mixing process. Your recording and mix will be shared with your cohort in each phase of the production process. You will participate in feedback sessions during class time to develop your work.

 

Assessment Requirements

Your final graded submission will be the delivery of the final music product. Your submission will include:

·       A stereo bounce – ready for mastering. 24 bit 48kHz

·       An mp3 ‘listener’ for the artist. 320kbp/s

·       A Pro Tools Sessions at the final stage of the mix

·       The session must contain no unused or missing audio files.

 

See Moodle for detailed submission guidelines.


Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Friday (18 Oct 2019) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (25 Oct 2019)


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

  • Recordings comply with the requirements of the task – 20%
  • Recordings should be free from extraneous noise and distortion – 20%
  • Mixing: level balance, pan, EQ, compression and effects are implemented effectively – 20%
  • Recordings should be saved and exported according to the submission guidelines - 20%
  • Pro Tools Sessions should not contain any unused or missing audio files - 10%
  • Audio edits are applied effectively – 10%


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply advanced recording techniques in the creation of a recorded and mixed piece of music


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Information Technology Competence

4 In-class Test(s)

Assessment Title
In Class Production Tests

Task Description

In class exercises

Assessment four of CART12004 is comprised of three practical in-class tests held during your normal lesson times in weeks 3, 6 and 9.

 

EQ

You are required to perform a series of tasks as instructed by your lecturer that are normally required to EQ a source signal. These tasks may include:

·       Identify centre frequency of an EQ

·       Describe EQ effects quality: warm, muddy, harsh etc.

·       Apply a HPF

·       Reduce resonant frequencies in source instruments

 

Compression

You are required to perform a series of tasks as instructed by your lecturer that are normally required to compress a source signal. These tasks may include:

·       Create a side chain compression effect for kick and bass

·       Apply compression to a vocal to control dynamics

·       Add a bus style compressor to a drum group

 

Effects

You are required to perform a series of tasks as instructed by your lecturer that are normally required to compress a source signal. These tasks may include:

·       Create a dub style delay for a snare drum

·       Create a reverse reverb vocal effect

·       Use the Hass effect to create a doubled electric guitar sound

·       Add saturation to a bass guitar


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Tuesday (17 Sept 2019) 1:00 pm AEST

In class tests are held during regular class time in weeks 3, 6 and 9.


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Friday (4 Oct 2019)


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

Students are assessed on the practical application of effects covered in class. This includes EQ, compression and effects.

  • EQ is weighted at 5% of the final unit mark.
  • Compression is weighted at 5% of the final unit mark.
  • Effects are weighted at 10% of the final unit mark.


Referencing Style

Submission
Offline

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate genre specific mixing and production techniques.


Graduate Attributes
  • Problem Solving
  • Information Technology Competence

Academic Integrity Statement

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?