Course coordinator
Associate Professor Eve Klein
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Music School
To write impactful music for film, TV and games, composers need to craft music which enhances the emotional journey and story over time. This course provides a practical and theoretical foundation for crafting larger-scale musical structures for action, adventure, romance, thrillers, drama and fantasy genres. Each week students will work on crafting music for a different screen example, learning how to develop and transform musical ideas in response to character, plot and environmental development. A section of the course will focus on the needs of composing interactive music for games which can respond to players' actions. Lectures will unpack screen music by composers like John Williams, Koji Kondo, Wendy Carlos, Hildur Guðnadóttir, Alan Silvestri, Hans Zimmer, Lena Raine, Yoko Shimomura, and Amanda Brown. The course assumes students will have some familiarity with music composition, music notation and music technology.
This course will be offered for the first time in Semester 2, 2026.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MUSC1010
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MUSC3740
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Eve Klein
Tutor
Associate Professor Eve Klein
Mr Caleb Colledge
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
No classes are held during Project Week. See Blackboard for details.
Aims and outcomes
Students will learn how to listen and interpret extended musical sequences from various screen genres and composers and demonstrate their understanding of screen music structures by composing music for extended screen sequences. Students will also design interactive music systems for gameplay sequences, demonstrate their understanding of music technology for composing screen music, and gain experience evaluating screen music composed by themselves and others.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand the conventions of composing extended musical ideas for action, adventure, romance, thrillers, drama and fantasy screen genres which adapt to the needs of the developing story or character.
LO2.
Understand the methods for designing interactive music systems for games.
LO3.
Maintain practical experience composing music for extended film, TV and game sequences.
LO4.
Be familiar with genre music by notable screen composers.
LO5.
Understand how to plan and execute a screen composition using music technology software like digital audio workstations and music notation software.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Presentation, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Weekly Exercises
|
40% |
Week 2 Mon - Week 12 Fri
There are nine Weekly Exercises presented in the course tutorials. The Weekly Exercise schedule is published in Blackboard. Files must be submitted before the start of your scheduled tutorial class as per the schedule in Blackboard. |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Presentation |
Multi-scene Film/ TV Music Composition and Presentation
|
30% |
1/09/2025 - 12/09/2025
Submit files in Blackboard before the start of your scheduled Week 6 tutorial class. Presentations will take place across Week 6 and Week 7. You must attend class in person on both weeks as presentations order will be determined by the tutor in class. You are required to attend both Week 6 and Week 7 for marks to be awarded for this assessment (even if you have already presented) as you need to provide feedback to your peers as part of the assessment structure. |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Presentation |
Multi-scene Game Music Composition and Presentation
|
30% |
27/10/2025 - 31/10/2025
Presentations will take place in your Week 13 tutorial. You must attend class in person to be assessed and provide peer feedback. Files must be submitted in Blackboard before the start of your scheduled Week 13 tutorial class. |
Assessment details
Weekly Exercises
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Presentation, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
Week 2 Mon - Week 12 Fri
There are nine Weekly Exercises presented in the course tutorials. The Weekly Exercise schedule is published in Blackboard. Files must be submitted before the start of your scheduled tutorial class as per the schedule in Blackboard.
Task description
You will complete nine screen composition activities and present them to your tutorial class for feedback.
Students are strongly encouraged to complete this assessment without the use of AI composition tools.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Submit files in Blackboard before the start of your scheduled tutorial class as per the schedule in Blackboard.
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.
Your extension application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time, with appropriate evidence.
While your extension request is being considered, you should work towards completing and submitting your assessment as soon as possible.
A late penalty will be applied if you don't submit your assessment on time or if you don't have a valid reason for an extension.
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.
Students must be present in class to receive marks for this assignment or have successfully applied for an assignment extension.
Multi-scene Film/ TV Music Composition and Presentation
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Presentation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
1/09/2025 - 12/09/2025
Submit files in Blackboard before the start of your scheduled Week 6 tutorial class.
Presentations will take place across Week 6 and Week 7. You must attend class in person on both weeks as presentations order will be determined by the tutor in class.
You are required to attend both Week 6 and Week 7 for marks to be awarded for this assessment (even if you have already presented) as you need to provide feedback to your peers as part of the assessment structure.
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
Task description
This assessment allows students to refine their compositions from the first five Weekly Exercises into a complete musical sequence for a feature film or television episode.
Students will complete an oral presentation explaining their approach to composition across the scenes and how they have responded to ongoing feedback. The oral presentation is worth 50% of the marks awarded for this assessment.
Your tutor and peers contribute to your overall mark for these exercises with 10% of marks coming from peer feedback and 90% coming from your tutor. Course teaching staff moderate all peer assessment marks and feedback for fairness. If a student does not receive peer feedback or there is a problem with peer feedback within the tutorial group, the staff mark will constitute 100% of the grade.
Students are strongly encouraged to complete this assessment without the use of AI composition tools.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Full details will be provided in Blackboard.
Submission guidelines
Submit files in Blackboard before the start of your scheduled Week 6 tutorial class.
Further details are available in Blackboard.
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.
Your extension application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time, with appropriate evidence.
While your extension request is being considered, you should work towards completing and submitting your assessment as soon as possible.
A late penalty will be applied if you don't submit your assessment on time or if you don't have a valid reason for an extension.
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.
Students must attend class ready to present their work for it to be assessed.
Multi-scene Game Music Composition and Presentation
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Presentation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
27/10/2025 - 31/10/2025
Presentations will take place in your Week 13 tutorial. You must attend class in person to be assessed and provide peer feedback.
Files must be submitted in Blackboard before the start of your scheduled Week 13 tutorial class.
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
Task description
This assessment allows students to refine their compositions from the Weekly Exercises into a complete musical sequence for a video game.
Students will complete an oral presentation explaining their approach to composition across the scenes and how they have responded to ongoing feedback. The oral presentation is worth 50% of the marks awarded for this assessment.
Your tutor and peers contribute to your overall mark for these exercises with 10% of marks coming from peer feedback and 90% coming from your tutor. Course teaching staff moderate all peer assessment marks and feedback for fairness. If a student does not receive peer feedback or there is a problem with peer feedback within the tutorial group, the staff mark will constitute 100% of the grade.
Students are strongly encouraged to complete this assessment without the use of AI composition tools.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools
Full details will be provided in Blackboard.
Submission guidelines
Submit files in Blackboard before the start of your scheduled Week 13 tutorial 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.
Your extension application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time, with appropriate evidence.
While your extension request is being considered, you should work towards completing and submitting your assessment as soon as possible.
A late penalty will be applied if you don't submit your assessment on time or if you don't have a valid reason for an extension.
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.
You must attend class in person to be assessed.
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: Work 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: Work demonstrates an adequate grasp of fundamental concepts and skills as required in assessment activities, although it also shows significant room for improvement in fluency and accuracy. Understanding of concepts, while evident, lacks sophistication. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work demonstrates a commendable understanding of main concepts, and acquired skills are used appropriately in contextual tasks. There is still room for improvement in a number of areas. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work demonstrates insight into deeper aspects of the subject and proficiency in all associated skills which are integrated fully in writing and performance and other tasks. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work demonstrates an exceptional understanding and a high level of proficiency in all aspects of the subject and an imaginative flair in writing and aural tasks. |
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
The course assumes you will have some familiarity with music composition, music notation and music technology to complete course assessments. You should already have some knowledge of how to prepare a mixed music file and a music score using a digital audio workstation and/or music notation software. You are free to work with any software you prefer. Software skills required to complete assessments are not taught in this course.
You must follow assessment instructions in Blackboard, including any stated requirements for your work to be marked. All assessments in this course contain components which require you to attend and participate in your weekly tutorial class. Assessments cannot be marked without this in-class component.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Stereo Headphones | Please bring your own headphones and any required adaptors to your weekly tutorial. | own item needed |
| Digital Audio Workstation Software | You may work with your choice of Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software on your own device or use the Music Computer Laboratory which has DAW software installed. We cannot guarantee that your preferred software is installed in the laboratory - please ask your tutor in Week 1 about the available options. | |
| Music Notation Software | You may work with your choice of Music Notation software on your own device or use the Music Computer Laboratory which has notation software installed. We cannot guarantee that your preferred software is installed in the laboratory - please ask your tutor in Week 1 about the available options. |
Recommended
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Portable Data Storage | If you want to work on both your own device and the Music Computer Laboratory machines you may need a portable data storage device to transfer files. |
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 |
Tutorial |
Tutorials |
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 for 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
- Health and Wellbeing for Musicians