Key facts
UNE unit code: MUSI364
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2027
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
The continual evolution of film and screen based media has created many opportunities for composers who are interested in writing scores to accompany visual material.
Studying this unit will give you an introduction to composing music and sound for the screen. You will develop an understanding of the relationship between sound and moving image and will explore the creative process of the film composer.
You will analyse seminal film scores and examine a range of stylistic approaches to screen composition. You will develop practical techniques in both traditional notation and scoring approaches, integrated with current technologies for creating and realising film music in a professional context.
In this unit’s major project you will compose original scores for a variety of given video/film segments.
Note: Students require skills in DAW and notation software.
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:
- critically analyse and evaluate the use and relationship of sound and music in moving image forms;
- demonstrate a broad understanding of key conventions of music and sound design for screen;
- demonstrate technical proficiency in designing sound and composing music for screen;
- demonstrate advanced skills in using notation software to produce high quality scores; and
- demonstrate technical knowledge of industry standard software required to design and set music and sound to video.
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 | No | 30% | All offerings | Online Exercises No. Words: 1500 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 35% | All offerings | Composition project No. Words: 2500 (Equivalent) |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Exegesis No. Words: 1500 |
| Assessment 4 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Notation Project No. Words: 300 (equivalent) |
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.
Audio-Vision: Sound on Screen
ISBN: 9780231185899
Chion, M., Columbia University Press 2nd ed. 2019
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Sound Design: The Expressive Power of Music, Voice and Sound Effects in Cinema
ISBN: 9780941188265
Sonnenschein, D., Michael Weise Productions 2001
Text refers to: All offerings
Speech, Music, Sound
ISBN: 9780333642894
Van Leeuwen, T., Plagrave Macmillan 1999
Text refers to: All offerings
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