UNIT DESCRIPTIONS: BACHELOR OF MUSIC (CMP) STAGE 1: FOUNDATION STAGE (TRIMESTER 1)

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1 STAGE 1: FOUNDATION STAGE (TRIMESTER 1) COMPOSITION & MUSIC PRODUCTION 1 (A2CM1) Develops foundation concepts and skills for organising musical ideas, and standard production techniques for converting these ideas into finished professional work. The unit combines a weekly masterclass/seminar (theory and practical case studies), with a weekly tutorial (a small class where the strengths and weaknesses of each student s original work are discussed). MUSIC PRODUCTION 1: FOUNDATION SKILLS OF THE PRODUCER (A2TS1) Music producers have expertise in some combination of composition, songwriting, performance, engineering, or music management, and realise they have an interest in the bigger picture, beyond their original role and skill-set. Music Production 1 explores the process of making music by examining the key roles of the music producer, and the expertise that they must access to fulfill these roles. Emphasis is on understanding the collaborative nature of the music making process, and developing critical listening. DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY 1 (A1DT1) This unit introduces students to the functional design and basic operation of digital audio workstations (DAWs), the primary software environment for audio and music production. Using small hands-on projects, problems are identified and solved by creating, editing and mixing audio and MIDI material, with an emphasis on standard workflow principles and listening. MUSIC MATERIALS & TECHNIQUES 1 (G1MM1) The content of this unit covers the foundation principles of music, its parameters and the articulation of these ideas illustrated with musical examples. Auralia is ear-training software available for all students in the library for private practice. All weekly tasks are designed to assist you in your learning and while not part of the formal assessment of the unit should be completed as required. It is expected that all students will bring manuscript to aural classes and notebooks to the lecture and tutorials. FOUNDATIONS OF CONTEMPORARY POPULAR MUSIC (G1FP1) Foundations of Popular Contemporary Music is an overview of Western popular music (jazz, music theatre, popular) from the late nineteenth century to the present day, including a selected study of the sociological and political events that influenced popular music trends during the twentieth century. Particular attention is given to the study and analysis of primary source materials in the form of musical analysis of the musical forms relevant to this period. This unit also provides students with a comprehensive grounding for further theoretical study, through the revision of the basic principles and an introduction to the main elements of Contemporary Popular Music. (P1EN1) The first of 6 levels. Ensemble provides opportunity for students to begin to explore and develop their skills within a group. Consistent attendance is important as each member is of critical importance to the success of the ensemble. AUDIO TECHNOLOGY 1 (A1AT1) Focuses on the theoretical aspects of sound engineering and it s related fields Commencing with hearing and sound perception the stream develops so that students gain a thorough understanding of the more technical elements of the subject. Topics include digital audio principles, acoustics and sound system specifications. Introduction to Popular Culture & the Arts (G1PA1) The arts and popular culture have been intimately intertwined throughout the twentieth century growing into a billion dollar entertainment industry. This unit draws upon historical methods and contemporary cultural theory to examine critically the relationship of the arts and popular culture in the twentieth century up to the present.

2 STAGE 2: FOUNDATION STAGE (TRIMESTER 2) COMPOSITION & MUSIC PRODUCTION 2 (A2CM2) This unit further develops concepts and skills in organising musical ideas with an emphasis on conceptual thinking, musical structure and professional production skills. The unit combines a weekly masterclass/seminar (theory and practical case studies), with a weekly tutorial where students explore the creative, musical and technical issues raised by a weekly brief. These weekly briefs build towards creative assignments every three weeks, and these new skills and techniques are applied their own compositions. MUSIC PRODUCTION 2: THE PRODUCER AS DIRECTOR (A2TS2) In the studio a Producer must analyse a performance, relate it to the overall musical objective, and immediately communicate appropriate information and requests to others present (performers, engineers, clients). This communication is driven by a clear understanding of all the elements of the music production process along side expert listening skills. Students are given practical guidelines to manage: (a) the artistic direction, scheduling, allocation of resources (b) written and verbal communications with the engineer and musicians of recording projects. These guidelines are applied to small recording projects completed outside class during the trimester where the student is the producer - organising studios, engineers and musicians/actors. DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY 2 (A1DT2) Resource management skills are further developed as students demonstrate import/export and file conversion using a broader range of digital files. Signal processing and workflow skills are broadened as students learn specific editing techniques to audio and MIDI based material. Students are provided with simple projects and apply critical listening in combination with core technical skills to fulfill a basic brief. MUSIC MATERIALS & TECHNIQUES 2 This unit is offered as the second of two foundation units, designed to provide further development in the student s musicianship skills. This course is intended to enhance academic understanding and aural perception of the elements of music in a range of different musical idioms enabling students to appreciate music as an aural art and to discover musical sounds for themselves. This component of the course provides aural and theoretical development to enhance the student s ability to improve their skills in their chosen major study. FOUNDATIONS OF WESTERN ART MUSIC (G1WA1) (2) Foundations of Western Art Music is an overview of traditional western music from the early Baroque period (ca 1600) to the present day, including a selected study of the musical styles of the late twentieth century. Particular attention is given to the study and analysis of primary source materials in the form of musical analysis of the musical forms relevant to each period. Further fundamental theoretical music concepts are explored in this unit to further develop a knowledge and understanding of the materials of music through the study and use of music writing skills derived from the western art-music tradition. (P1EN2) This unit is the second of 6 degree level ensemble and provides an opportunity for students to begin to explore and develop their skills within a group. Consistent attendance is important as each member is of critical importance to the success of the ensemble. Survey of the Arts and Entertainment Industry (M1MAE) The unit provides students within the Institute with fundamental entertainment industry related knowledge necessary for the successful development of their careers. This encompasses topics such as marketing, copyright law, sources of funding, event management, and setting up a small business. Introduction to TERTIARY STUDIES (G1TM1) Please see your Head of Department for more information about this unit.

3 STAGE 3: INDUSTRY STAGE (TRIMESTER 3) COMPOSITION & MUSIC PRODUCTION 3 (A2CM3) This unit encourages students to identify and develop their personal vision, style and sound, alongside the key attributes of a composer/music producer: creativity & professionalism; conceptual thinking &critical listening; clear oral & written communication. Students have a weekly one-on-one class with a specialist teacher of their choice, and can follow interests in songwriting or electronic, instrumental, screen composition. The self-directed nature of the unit will require the student to continue the discipline of regular weekly progress previously established. MUSIC PRODUCTION 3: THE PRODUCER AS DIRECTOR (A2TS3) This unit builds on the previous trimesters focus on recording, shifting to post-production. By investigating a series of case studies and associated exercises, the many creative and technical options available for shaping the final sound in post-production are compared and contrasted - editing, orchestration, synthesis, sampling, sequencing/ programming, sound processing, mixing, and mastering. The focus is not on creating the main themes, ideas and structures, but on rendering these ideas as the final sound design for delivery. DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY 3 (A1DT3) Digital Technology 1 & 2 develop core technical knowledge and skills, using standard tools in a digital audio workstation (DAW) environment. Digital Technology 3 applies this knowledge and these skills in developing industry standard workflows to solve standard technical problems in a personal DAW environment. The personal DAW workflow techniques developed in Digital Technology 3 form the core skills required when more complex technical and collaborative environments are explored in Digital Technology 4,5 and 6. AURAL 3 (G1AU3) provide development in the student s aural musicianship skills. This course is intended to enhance aural perception of the elements of music in a range of different musical idioms enabling students to appreciate music as an aural art and to discover musical sounds for themselves. Students begin to develop practical skills necessary for continued success in aural theory. Emphasis is placed on meter identification, intervals, rhythmic patterns, and triads. The Aural component of the course provides aural development to enhance the student s ability to improve intonation accuracy of their chosen major study, develop transcription skills and aurally recognise musical phrases 3 (P1EN3) The third of 6 degree levels, provides an opportunity for students to begin to explore and develop their skills within a group. Consistent attendance is important as each member is of critical importance to the success of the ensemble.

4 STAGE 4: INDUSTRY STAGE (TRIMESTER 4) COMPOSITION & MUSIC PRODUCTION 4 (A2CM4) This unit encourages students to identify and develop their personal vision, style and sound, alongside the key attributes of a composer/music producer: creativity & professionalism; conceptual thinking &critical listening; clear oral & written communication. Students have a weekly one-on-one class with a specialist teacher of their choice, and can follow interests in songwriting or electronic, instrumental, screen composition. Techniques for managing longer and more complex musical structures are the main focus this trimester, placing increasing demands on time management skills to meet both creative goals and completion deadlines. MUSIC PRODUCTION 4: PRODUCER AS COMPOSER, PERFORMER & ENGINEER (A2TS4) This unit proposes strategies to manage the conflicting creative, technical and professional demands of a solo production environment. The student learns to evaluate a brief, develop and execute a production plan, deliver a small project and produce a production report within a short timeframe (the 2-hours of class time). Because the individual skills have been developed in other units, this unit can concentrate on development and execution of project management plans rather than the skills themselves. DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY 4 (A1DT4) Students interpret and analyse a variety of production briefs to achieve professional-level outcomes. Each brief is supported by technical production workshops, providing guidance and tutorial support. Students will need to work in multiple DAW environments, thereby enhancing workflow skills and digital resource management to solve complex technical issues. There is a high level of signal processing and synthesis work to encourage creativity. The project briefs vary in complexity, time restraints and creativity level to simulate the real world environment. Students are also required to evaluate the effectiveness of their work methods and the overall quality of the result. AURAL 4 (G1AU4) Further develops and enhances aural perception of the elements of music in a range of different musical idioms enabling students to appreciate music as an aural art and to discover musical sounds for themselves. Students begin to develop practical skills necessary for continued success in aural theory. Emphasis is placed on meter identification, intervals, rhythmic patterns, and triads. Provides aural development to enhance the student s ability to improve intonation accuracy of their chosen major study, develop transcription skills and aurally recognise musical phrases. 4 (P1EN4) This unit is the fourth of 6 degree level ensemble and provides an opportunity for students to begin to explore and develop their skills within a group. Consistent attendance is important as each member is of critical importance to the success of the ensemble

5 STAGE 5: INDUSTRY STAGE (TRIMESTER 5) COMPOSITION & MUSIC PRODUCTION 5 (A2CM5) This unit encourages students to develop their personal vision, style and sound, alongside the key attributes of a composer/music producer: creativity & professionalism; conceptual thinking &critical listening; clear oral & written communication. Students have a weekly one-on-one class with a specialist teacher of their choice, and can follow interests in songwriting or electronic, instrumental, screen composition. The brief for CMP5 is to complete a large-scale major work in any style or genre with a total duration of minutes. Smaller-scale works can be successful with a burst of creative inspiration near the delivery deadline. A large-scale major work will always contain several dependent stages, so goals need to be defined early (pre-composition), a schedule developed and milestones reached by consistent work throughout the 12 weeks of trimester. Effective project and time management skills are essential. MUSIC PRODUCTION 5: THE MUSIC PRODUCER in NEW MEDIA (A2TS5) This unit develops concepts and skills which are key to the role of a music producer in its broadest sense, with an emphasis on information collection & analysis and the relationship between theory and contemporary practice. Students are encouraged to explore the role of music in various contexts, and to critically examine the music itself as well as writings and ideas about music and it s production with and focus to conceptual thinking. Class discussions and assessments require students to focus on clear and concise oral and written communication skills. DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY 5 (A1DT5) This unit focuses applies previous knowledge and skills of the digital audio workstation (DAW) environment to audio mastering. Students apply high levels of critical listening, complex digital resource management and signal processing techniques to balance and shape sound on a range of pre-mixed program material. Students analyse program anomalies and apply a range of technical workflows to produce a commercially acceptable product. Professional standard delivery protocols and file formats are enforced with an emphasis on a quality outcome. Students without an interest in advanced hands-on technology may substitute an elective suitable to their interests. AURAL 5 (G1AU5) Further develops and enhances aural perception of the elements of music in a range of different musical idioms enabling students to appreciate music as an aural art and to discover musical sounds for themselves. Students begin to develop practical skills necessary for continued success in aural theory. Emphasis is placed on meter identification, intervals, rhythmic patterns, and triads. Provides aural development to enhance the student s ability to improve intonation accuracy of their chosen major study, develop transcription skills and aurally recognise musical phrases. 5 (P1EN5) This unit is the fifth of 6 degree level ensemble and provides an opportunity for students to begin to explore and develop their skills within a group. Consistent attendance is important as each member is of critical importance to the success of the ensemble.

6 STAGE 6: INDUSTRY STAGE (TRIMESTER 6) PlLEASE NOTE: these descriptions are for brief overview purposes only. COMPOSITION & MUSIC PRODUCTION 6 (A2CM6) This unit encourages students to consolidate their personal vision, style and sound, alongside the key attributes of a composer/music producer: creativity & professionalism; conceptual thinking &critical listening; clear oral & written communication. Students have a weekly one-on-one class with a specialist teacher of their choice, and can follow interests in songwriting or electronic, instrumental, screen composition. The brief for CMP6 is to complete, in any style, professional quality major work with a total duration of minutes which can be one long piece or a collection of shorter pieces. Whereas CMP5 requires more than one work to be closely related, CMP6 has no such requirement. With five trimesters of experience behind them, the student is expected to demonstrate mature skills in managing the complexity of a major project through to completion. MUSIC PRODUCTION 6: SHOWREEL (A2TS6) This unit aims to bring together all the skills developed in the Music Production stream in taking a musical idea from concept to execution via two real-world projects in tandem across the course of the trimester - a commercial release, and a personal showreel. Emphasis is on demonstrating artistic direction, hands-on music making, project management and entrepreneurship - the key roles of a music producer. DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY 6 (A1DT6) This unit undertakes a major project within the digital audio workstation environment. Students are expected to utilise high level resource management, signal processing and workflow skills to achieve a professional quality production. Students prepare formal documentation via a written proposal and production report that demonstrates research, planning, communication, problem solving and reflective analysis skills. Students utilise high levels of critical listening to ensure that a professional level is achieved. Students without an interest in advanced hands-on technology may substitute an elective suitable to their interests. AURAL 6 (G1AU6) Further develops and enhances aural perception of the elements of music in a range of different musical idioms enabling students to appreciate music as an aural art and to discover musical sounds for themselves. Students begin to develop practical skills necessary for continued success in aural theory. Emphasis is placed on meter identification, intervals, rhythmic patterns, and triads. Provides aural development to enhance the student s ability to improve intonation accuracy of their chosen major study, develop transcription skills and aurally recognise musical phrases. 6 (P1EN6) This unit is the sixth and final ensemble unit and provides an opportunity for students to begin to explore and develop their skills within a group. Consistent attendance is important as each member is of critical importance to the success of the ensemble.