Students
MMCC2020 – Music Production: The Virtual Studio
2024 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit convenor, lecturer and tutor
Denis Crowdy
Contact via Email, iLearn
By appointment
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
40cp at 1000 level or above
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Contemporary music production and composition is increasingly reliant on computer technology. In this unit, students are introduced to principles of composition and production using specialized software programs and virtual instruments. Students develop technical skills as well as compositional literacy. Creativity is encouraged, as students produce original musical works within the dedicated music computer laboratory. While music production software is used in this unit, no prior computer production or musical ability is necessary. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: apply proficiency with technological composition and musical creativity.
- ULO2: analyse and describe creative musical works.
- ULO3: evaluate musical ideas and participate in shared creativity both in class and online.
- ULO4: practice independent problem-solving and analytical judgement in the application of specialized software in music making.
- ULO5: produce and time-manage creative and research projects.
General Assessment Information
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of ‘0’ (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue. This late penalty will apply to written reports and recordings only. Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs will be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Audio Workstation Assessment | 30% | No | 23:55, 31/5/2024 |
| Process diary | 30% | No | Part A: 23:55, 12/4/2024; Part B: 23:55, 31/5/2024 |
| Electronic Music Production Assessment | 40% | No | 23:55, 12/4/2024 |
Digital Audio Workstation Assessment
Assessment Type 1: Creative work
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 23:55, 31/5/2024
Weighting: 30%
Students will produce a short 1 – 2 minute audio recording in a digital audio workstation that demonstrates introductory skills in audio editing and management. Refer to iLearn for further information.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- apply proficiency with technological composition and musical creativity.
- evaluate musical ideas and participate in shared creativity both in class and online.
- practice independent problem-solving and analytical judgement in the application of specialized software in music making.
- produce and time-manage creative and research projects.
Process diary
Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Part A: 23:55, 12/4/2024; Part B: 23:55, 31/5/2024
Weighting: 30%
Students will produce a process diary that documents the creative and technical processes employed in both project assessments for this unit. Refer to iLearn for further information.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- analyse and describe creative musical works.
- evaluate musical ideas and participate in shared creativity both in class and online.
- produce and time-manage creative and research projects.
Electronic Music Production Assessment
Assessment Type 1: Creative work
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 23:55, 12/4/2024
Weighting: 40%
Students will complete a short 2 minute work for software synthesisers and MIDI sequencing that makes use of real-time controllers. Refer to iLearn for further information.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- apply proficiency with technological composition and musical creativity.
- evaluate musical ideas and participate in shared creativity both in class and online.
- practice independent problem-solving and analytical judgement in the application of specialized software in music making.
- produce and time-manage creative and research projects.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Lectures
Lectures are online (asynchronous) and are made available each week through the Echo360 system via iLearn.
Tutorials
Tutorials start in week 2 and are delivered on campus (for in-person enrolments) and via Zoom (for online enrolments).
Software
Ableton Live is the music production software used in this unit. The music lab has copies of this, and students are able to book times to work in this space. If you intend to work on your projects using your own computer, then refer to iLearn for licensing options and details.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
The Writing Centre
The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Unit information based on version 2024.01R of the Handbook