Key facts
UNE unit code: MUSI308
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information

The rise of professional composing opportunities for a variety of media platforms is shaping careers in the music industry around the globe. This unit introduces you to the principles of writing music for orchestra and arranging for music for both large and small ensembles.
Through a range of creative tasks, you will investigate the advanced technical and creative possibilities of mapping large-scale layers of music focusing on instrumental families.
This unit will develop your knowledge of different approaches to orchestral structure and enable you to analyse approaches to orchestration in different genres and periods.
You will also explore advanced approaches to musical organisation through score presentation, compositional structure as well as melodic, harmonic and rhythmic craft. The skills and knowledge gained in this unit will add value to a range of careers in the creative industries.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- conceive and execute original compositions for orchestra through appropriate structuring of musical ideas across multiple layers;
- analyse and assess different approaches to orchestration;
- demonstrate and apply appropriate scoring techniques for different music organisations; and
- transcribe and arrange music between different contexts drawing on analysed core musical components relating to harmony, melody, and rhythmic devices.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | No. of words: 1500 equivalent Arranging music tasks. |
| Assessment 2 | No | 30% | All offerings | No. of words: 1250 Orchestration analysis |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. of words: 2000 equivalent Orchestral composition |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
The Study of Orchestration International Student Edition with Access Card
ISBN: 9780393283730
Adler, S., W.W., Norton and Company 4th edn 2016
Text refers to: All offerings
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