Course coordinator
Associate Professor Eve Klein
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Music School
Digital sound recording and editing, software-based music creation and performance.
In this course you develop practical and theoretical understanding of the techniques involved in music creation and production using digital audio workstation software. You interrogate how computers are used as tools for creative music making. You gain a practical understanding of the capabilities and limits of computer-based music technology. You also learn the basic theoretical background to the nature of music and organised sound through experimentation with technologies which enable sound to be recorded, sampled, and programmed. Topics covered include music studio setups and workflows, audio recording, multi-track mixing, MIDI sequencing, virtual instruments and sound design.
Course requirements
Assumed background
There are no prerequisites for this course. You will not be expected to have a comprehensive musical understanding nor will you be expected to read or write music notation. No technical ability is required other than a basic understanding of how to work with Mac OS. You must be willing to work with software provided in the School of Music computer labs and come to class prepared and ready to participate in practical activities and group discussions.ﾠ
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Eve Klein
Tutor
Dr Theocharis Papatrechas
Mr Caleb Colledge
Mr Trevor Hunter
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Project Week
The School of Music has a week dedicated to performances and projects. During this time, you take a break from lectures and laboratories. Details are provided in Blackboard.
Aims and outcomes
- You will demonstrate your understanding of foundational audio production techniques by completing tasks related to sound recording, editing, arrangement and file management in a digital audio workstation.
- You will demonstrate your understanding of foundational MIDI sequencing techniques by completing tasks related to MIDI recording, editing, arrangement and file management in a digital audio workstation.
- You will investigate and create a musical or sonic work using software-based music technologies.
- You will investigate, design, evaluate and discuss simple music production tasks in class and through project related tasks and group activities.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Create and edit original audio and MIDI material using a digital audio workstation and/or mobile applications in individual and collaborative contexts.
LO2.
Understand foundational music production technologies and their applications in sound recording, MIDI sequencing, editing, arrangement and other creative music making scenarios.
LO3.
Investigate and evaluate the potentialities of music recording technologies for music making practices in mobile and home studio contexts in individual and collaborative contexts.
LO4.
Retain technical and practical information that will allow the solving of technical problems.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/ Demonstration, Project |
Creative Production Projects
|
36% |
Occurs during your scheduled class. If your class is impacted by a public holiday you will complete the assessment at your next scheduled class. Week 4 Mon - Week 8 Fri
See Blackboard for a complete schedule. |
| Quiz |
In-Class Quiz
|
14% |
19/05/2025 - 23/05/2025
Completed in your laboratory class |
| Presentation, Project |
Major Creative Project & Presentation
|
50% |
26/05/2025 - 30/05/2025
Submit your project files before the commencement of your Week 13 class and present your music in your Week 13 class. |
Assessment details
Creative Production Projects
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration, Project
- Weight
- 36%
- Due date
Occurs during your scheduled class. If your class is impacted by a public holiday you will complete the assessment at your next scheduled class. Week 4 Mon - Week 8 Fri
See Blackboard for a complete schedule.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
This assessment provides a practical opportunity for you to apply and refine your developing music production skills in a progressive way through the presentation of short practical creative productions tasks which must be completed during your scheduled class laboratory sessions. These tasks will occur roughly every 2 weeks, starting in Week 4. For an accurate and detailed timetable of in-class tasks, please see Blackboard.
Each task focuses on a different set of skills:
Creative Production Project 1: Recording and Editing Audio
Creative Production Project 2: Recording and Editing MIDI
Creative Production Project 3: Mixing Audio
You complete the Creative Production Projects (CPPs) in your laboratory class with assistance from your tutor. At the beginning of class, you will be provided with the information or files necessary to complete the task, and you must complete and submit the work to Blackboard within your class time.
Please note:
- This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
- If you are absent during an in-class assessment without medical or other documentation you will receive a score of 0 for this activity. If a project is missed for legitimate personal or medical reasons, and documentation is provided, an extension can be granted by the course-co-ordinator. In this case, it is the your responsibility to liaise with your tutor to arrange a suitable time to re-sit the task.
- You must be complete this assignment in the digital audio workstation software specified in Blackboard. You will receive a score of 0 for this activity if you complete it using other digital audio workstation software. No exceptions will be made.
Submission guidelines
Submissions vary from task to task. Please see Blackboard for detailed submission instructions for each task.
Alternate submission instructions may be provided by the Course Coordinator in the event of approved extensions or absences from class.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension requests must be received on or before the due date. No extensions will be grated afterwards.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
In-Class Quiz
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 14%
- Due date
19/05/2025 - 23/05/2025
Completed in your laboratory class
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04
Task description
During your Week 12 laboratory, you complete an in-class quiz lasting 30 minutes.
The quiz will test your knowledge of the course lectures and readings up to and including content for Week 12.
You are not permitted to access any materials while you complete the quiz.
Please note:
- This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
- If you are absent during an in-class assessment without medical or other documentation you will receive a score of 0 for this activity. If a project is missed for legitimate personal or medical reasons, and documentation is provided, an extension can be granted by the course-co-ordinator. In this case, it is the your responsibility to liaise with your tutor to arrange a suitable time to re-sit the task.
Submission guidelines
Submission is during class time, in person.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension requests must be received on or before the due date. No extensions will be grated afterwards.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Major Creative Project & Presentation
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Presentation, Project
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
26/05/2025 - 30/05/2025
Submit your project files before the commencement of your Week 13 class and present your music in your Week 13 class.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The Major Creative Project and Presentation is a significant audio production project completed individually outside of class. You create an audio work (music/sound) and give a short informal presentation to your laboratory class.
A Project Brief which outlines your options for the Major Production Project will be made available on Blackboard. You produce a major work in response to one of the Project Briefs demonstrating your knowledge and skills gained during MUSC1010.
You must submit your project before the beginning of your scheduled class in Week 13. During class, you will make a short presentation to the class about how you made your audio work.
Please note:
- You must be complete this assignment in the digital audio workstation software specified in Blackboard. You will receive a score of 0 for this activity if you complete it using other digital audio workstation software. No exceptions will be made.
- This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
- You are required to save your work on this project at least once per day, every day you work on it as a separate file with a new name. These files will be used to verify your progress over time and may be requested for inspection by the Course Coordinator. Please retain these files until you have received your final course grade for MUSC1010.
Submission guidelines
See Blackboard for submission details.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension requests must be received on or before the due date. No extensions will be grated afterwards.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work does not satisfy any basic requirements of this course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work does not satisfy all basic requirements of this course. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements of this course. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Satisfies all of the basic learning requirements such as a knowledge of fundamental concepts and the performance of basic skills. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates an ability to use and apply fundamental concepts and skills relating to computer-based music technology going beyond a perfunctory replication of content knowledge and skill. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates awareness and understanding of the subtler aspects of computer-based music technology such as the ability to adapt and apply ideas to new situations and an ability to invent and evaluate new ideas. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates imagination, originality and flair based on a thorough understanding of the concepts and processes involved in computer-based music technology. |
Additional course grading information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- All components of this course need to be attempted; students may receive a failing grade if they have not completed all assessment items.
- Students may not repeat material across assessments in this course, or repeat material used in any other courses. This ruling applies to all students at all times.
- Students must complete course assessment tasks in the prescribed software (announced during Week 1). Students who do not complete an assessment task in the prescribed software will receive a failing grade for the assessment.ﾠ
- Students are expected to adhere to UQ's academic integrity standards as identified in theﾠStudent Integrity and Misconduct Policy. If you are unsure of theﾠStudent Integrity and Misconduct Policy please read:ﾠhttp://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconductﾠ
Use of AI Tools:
This assessment tasks in this course evaluate student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop assessment tasks is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. Students are advised to save daily drafts of assessment items as you will be required to submit these to the Course Coordinator if UQ's academic integrity software detects AI generation in submitted assessment work.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Studio monitoring headphones | You need a working pair of studio monitoring headphones compatible with 1/4" (6.5mm) headphone socket to complete individual study and assessment items. Please bring an adaptor if your headphones do not have the required connection. | own item needed |
| Two 16 GB external USB storage drives | You need at least two 16 GB external USB storage drives for use in this course. These should be brought to every class. | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
You are required to complete coursework in the prescribed software. This software will be announced on Blackboard.
Your assessments or coursework will not be marked unless it is completed in the correct software. It is your responsibility to make sure that you are completing coursework in the correct software.
You are not required to purchase software to complete the course. You will have access to a computer lab where you can come and complete work for this course.
Access to laptop, tablet, or smart phone which you can bring to tutorials is recommended, but not compulsory.
You are required to complete readings and/ or watch media each week in this course. This is expected preparation for lectures and tutorials.
Please complete this before attending class each week.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lecture Series You attend a weekly Lecture which develops your conceptual understanding of sound and music production. Your attendance is a requirement of this course. NB: There is no lecture during Project Week. See Blackboard for details. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Practical |
Practical Tutorial/ Laboratory Series You attend a weekly Laboratory which grows your practical skill using music technology software and hardware to create music and sound based media. Your attendance is a requirement of this course. The Creative Production Projects Assessment will be completed within lab tutorials during specific weeks of semester. NB: There is no laboratory during Project Week. See Blackboard for details. Sub-activity: Creative Production Projects (a series of three in-class assessment activities). Test (during your scheduled Week 12 laboratory). Major Project Presentation (during your scheduled Week 13 laboratory). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Not Timetabled |
Weekly Readings and Media You will engage with a range of readings and media before the commencement of lectures and tutorials each week. These are detailed in the Course List available via the UQ Library and Blackboard. Your lectures will explain concepts from this predatory material, and expand your knowledge of concepts with examples and discussion. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Additional learning activity information
Project Week
The School of Music has a week dedicated to performances and projects. During this time, you take a break from lectures and laboratories. Details are provided in Blackboard.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:
- School of Music site