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What is it and why should I do it?

Students will learn how to create new music through the study and analysis of existing music. Students will first learn skills in how to create and record sounds through the study of DAW software Soundtrap and Ableton, as well as programming drums and creating and manipulating sound through synthesis. Through a selection of musical works, styles, and eras created since 1940, students will learn the theory behind different musical structures, use of musical elements (harmony, rhythm, melody, etc), the effect of different instrumentation, and unique musical characteristics. Students will then compose and arrange their own musical works, as well as learning the basics of digital recording.

What will I do in class?

Classes will be a mix of practical and workshop style settings, giving students the opportunity to learn and use digital recording equipment, practise creating new music, and analyse important music recordings and performances.

It is expected that across a fortnightly cycle students will have:

• 2x double periods for practical music creation (DAW/computer and/or instrument based)
• 1x skill/knowledge based class in a lecture style
• 1x study/analysis class

How do I satisfactorily complete the unit?

Students will mostly complete project-based work, with expected assessment tasks as follows:

• How to transcribe & notate music
• Creative Covers (re-interpreting existing musical works)
• Music in Film (TV themes, soundtracks, etc)
• Original Musical Work (and/or arrangement)