Composition Structure and Instrumentation
Undergraduate
UNE-MUSI208 2025Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 16 Feb 2025
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 16 weeks
- Price from
- $2,338
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Composition Structure and Instrumentation
About this subject
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- understand and apply music notation conventions to music composition exercises;
- analyse musical instrumentation in relation to solo and ensemble techniques;
- demonstrate and apply knowledge of the creative techniques and technical limitations of orchestral instruments to Western musical composition; and
- conceive and execute original compositions which demonstrate the satisfactory application of intermediate level instrumentation techniques.
- Topics will be available to enrolled students in the subjects Learning Management System site approximately one week prior to the commencement of the teaching period.
The foundations of traditional Western art music can be heard in many contemporary forms as well as extending into a diverse and thriving new music concert culture. This subject introduces you to the principles of Western art music composition and instrumentation. Teachers will assume that you already have a working understanding of the basics of music notation. You will investigate the technical and creative possibilities and limitations of the Western orchestral instrument families through creative and analytical tasks. You will learn different approaches to compositional structure and form, and complete a folio of original work demonstrating knowledge of fundamentals relating to scoring style, execution, and detail.
Assessment 1: Solo Composition folio. 1250 words (equivalent). Related to Learning Outcomes 1, 3, 4;
Assessment 2: Analytical exercises. 1000 words (equivalent). Related to Learning Outcomes 2, 3;
Assessment 3: Ensemble Composition. It is mandatory to pass this assessment in order to pass the unit. 2000 words (equivalent). Related to Learning Outcomes 1, 3, 4;
Online Quizzes: Two quizzes worth 5% each. 300 words (equivalent). Related to Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3.- Solo Composition Folio (30%)
- Ensemble Composition (40%)
- Analytical Exercises (20%)
- Online Quizzes - Two quizzes worth 5% each. (10%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
The University of New England is the only Australian public university to be awarded the maximum 5 stars for Overall Experience by the Good Universities Guide, 13 years in a row. UNE has delivered distance education since 1955—that’s longer than any other Australian university. Perhaps that’s why students continue to rate UNE so highly for student satisfaction and teaching quality. With over 170 degrees offered online, and more than 22,000 students, UNE is an expert in online education.
Learn more about UNE.
Explore UNE courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 36
Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Elective
- UNE-MUS-DIP-2025 - Diploma in Music
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Headphones or speakers (required to listen to lectures and other media). Headset, including microphone (highly recommended). Webcam (may be required for participation in virtual classrooms and/or media presentations).
- Software requirements - This unit assumes a working understanding and practical application of the rudiments of music and music notation. Students require appropriate music notation software such as Sibelius (version 7 or higher) Musescore, or Finale. It is essential for students to have reliable internet access in order to participate in and complete your units, regardless of whether they contain an on campus attendance or intensive school component. Please refer students to link for requirements: For additional information please visit UNE Hardware Requirements: https://www.une.edu.au/current-students/support/it-services/hardware
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Undergraduate
UNE-MUS-DIP