Key facts

UNE unit code: MUSI160

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - Online
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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In a rapidly changing digital world, the technology used to create and consume music is constantly evolving and it is essential that musicians are fluent with it.

This unit introduces you to current digital music and media technologies required for music creation, production and dissemination. You will become familiar with prevalent media formats including audio, midi and video formats and will develop basic skills with commonly used music software environments.

You will examine digital forms of representation of music, develop skills in audio capturing and editing, examine sound production on mobile devices and explore online music creation, collaboration and sharing spaces. You will develop an appreciation for the creative role of music technology in music creation.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Restrictions
MUSI360 or MUSI560

Notes

This unit requires students to use a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and a music notation programme. UNE can provide access to Pro-Tools, Sibelius and recommend this software given we have AVID certified instructors on staff. We can also provide access to Ableton Live. Students may wish to purchase and use alternate software but are advised to check with staff on their choices. It is possible to purchase monthly subscriptions of Protools if you wish to own the software during your studies.
 
Please note also that many DAW companies provide educational discounts for software licenses. You are also advised to check the capabilities of your computer when making software choices.

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Donna Hewitt
Donna HewittAssociate Professor in Music, Music technology, Music production, Creative Practice, Performance, Composition - Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education; School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. use digital technologies to represent music in visual formats (such as musical notation);
  2. develop technical skills to capture, store, mix, edit, create and share media materials with a basic level of competency using music and media software;
  3. demonstrate knowledge of common music software applications, mobile and online music creation and sharing technologies; and
  4. communicate, in professional manner, issues and requirements concerning the deployment and use of music technology.

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.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Assessment 1Yes30%All offerings

Audio Assignment

No. Words: 1500 (equivalent)

Assessment 2 - Assurance TaskYes50%All offerings

MIDI assignment with presentation and discussion

Students must pass the Assurance Task in order to pass the unit.

No. Words: 2500 (equivalent)

QuizzesNo20%All offerings

Two quizzes worth 10% each

No. Words: 1000 (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.

See Note

Note: Students are required to purchase a LinkedIn-In Learning subscription for the duration of Trimester 1. Monthly subscriptions are available directly from the website: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/ Linked in offers a one month free trial. Depending on your experience with music technology i.e. DAWS, MIDI and Notation, you may find one month is sufficient use of this resource.

Text refers to: All offerings

Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.

See Note

Note: Students are required to use utilise digital audio software to complete the assignment tasks in MUSI160. While there are freeware options available, it is recommended and beneficial for students to either purchase copies of the software below or to purchase subscriptions that are also available for some of these software packages. This software is industry standard and will have long term benefits for students across their music studies and beyond. ProTool 12 Music recording software: http://www.avid.com/en/pro-tools OR Sibelius 7 Professional music notation software: http://www.avid.com/en/sibelius OR Live 11 - Music Recording and Creation Software: http://www.ableton.com/en/live. Student pricing is available for Avid ProTools, Avid Sibelius and Ableton Live. UNE are able to provide access to our licenses remotely. You will be required to install the software as per the instructions provided in this Moodle site. You need to make sure your computer has sufficient specifications to run these applications. These specs are provided on the relevant software websites i.e. AVID and Ableton.

Text refers to: All offerings

An Introduction to Music Technology

ISBN: 9780415825733

Hosken, D., Routledge 2nd ed. 2014

Text refers to: All offerings

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