[BOX HILL TAFE] Associate Degree in Applied Music (Composition)

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Associate Degree in Applied Music (Composition)

Course Code: ADM86
Domestic Fee Type: Fee for service
Centre: Performing Arts
Location: Whitehorse Campus
Enquiries: +61 3 9286 9695
Email: courseinfo@bhtafe.edu.au

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Jump to: Subjects | Subject Details

What does this course involve?

The Associate Degree in Applied Music Degree at Box Hill Institute offers:

• ongoing opportunities for individual musical development
• a unique range of contemporary music specialisations
• expertise from specialists practising in industry
• state-of-the art recording and post-production facilities
• practical instruction including laboratory work
• learning in a supportive atmosphere

The Composition stream specialises in:

• songwriting and filmscoring
• screen composition
• second study instrument
• performance applications for compositions
• computer programs designed for composition and production
• access to MIDI and synchronisation and audio tools
• electives available from the other streams
• tuition by industry specialists

The Associate Degree in Applied Music at Box Hill Institute is the only course in Victoria where students can specialise in songwriting and screen composition as their major compositional focus.

In this course you are provided with regular opportunities to have your songs showcased and recorded, including the possibility of inclusion on the Centre for Performing Arts annual CD compilation release distributed to all major and independent record companies in Australia.

Access to digital audio workstations and recording studios ensure that you are always able to demo your new creations. Similarly, comprehensive practical studies in composing music to picture (film, television, multimedia and telecommunications) engage you in activities that reflect the evolving role of the contemporary composer/sound designer in a rapidly changing music and entertainment industry.

This is a full fee paying course.

Please note: For information on tuition fees please refer to the doc-ument below.

Fee information for Associate Degree in Applied Music (Composition)

This course is also available to International Students.

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Course structure

The Associate Degree in Applied Music is a two-year degree with four specialist streams: Performance, Composition, Musical Theatre and Audio Production. You must apply for a specific stream but will have the option of taking electives from the other streams. All four streams are set in a contemporary music context and offer a comprehensive and innovative range of subjects designed to equip students for the contemporary music industry.

This is a unique degree offering you the opportunity to specialise for industry employment and/or study further to complete a Bachelor degree to prepare for post-graduate study, including teaching.

You will undertake core subjects at each year level of the degree. In addition each stream has specific subjects related to that industry area as well as the opportunity to also take an elective study area in each year.

Each stream has a specific focus and aims to engage you in an environment, which supports learning whilst creating an atmosphere conducive to industry-related work practices. In this way the course supports creativity and innovation against a background of principles, techniques and skills acquisition.

The Composition stream is centred on a core of songwriting and screen composition techniques and principles.

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Entrance requirements

Current Year 12 students:
Successful completion of the VCE with a study score of at least 20 in English (any). Additional consideration will be given for achievement in music subjects. Demonstrated aptitude in Music composition at a sufficient standard to be likely to succeed either via the applicant's folio or the December workshop.

Non-Year 12 applicants:
Evidence of current employment or experience in industry.
Evidence of current employment or ability to meet the demands of the program.
Must be 21 years or more by January 1 in the year of commencement to study.

International applicants:
Equivalent academic requirements as for Year 12 and Non Year 12 above plus English requirements for degree courses.
Overseas applicants need to have a minimum IELTS overall score of 6.0. This must include a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing and a minimum of 5.0 in listening and speaking.
The minimum TOEFL score required for entry is 550 for the paper examination and 213 for the computer examination.

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Selection criteria

Current Year 12 students:
Selection will be based on academic results, an audition, an interview and a musicianship test.

Non-Year 12 applicants:
Box Hill Institute application process.
Provision of evidence of experience and/or ability to meet the demands of the program.

International applicants:
Evidence as for Year 12 and Non-year 12 above. Evidence of English language proficiency based on TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Audition/Interview:
Following receipt of the application form, you will be allocated an interview/audition time by mail or telephone. The interview/audition will take twenty-five minutes, including any set-up time. Auditions are held in late November and early December. Please note that an audition fee applies.

Although this is not a performance-oriented stream, it is essential that you be reasonably proficient to achieve the outcomes as specified, including ensemble performance. A drum kit, piano, microphone, amplifiers and stereo equipment will be provided but not instruments, leads, drumsticks, or accompanists. Be prepared to perform at least one item. The panel will reserve the right to hear selections only.

Musicianship test:
During the audition, you will also be required to complete a musicianship test, the results of which may determine that you need to attend an intensive summer school in February before starting the degree program.

An interview will be held directly after the audition. You will be asked a series of questions relating to your suitability for the course. You should demonstrate a clear understanding of career goals and aptitude for the course of study including any relevant industry experience.

You are welcome to present testimonials and extra-curricular evidence at this stage e.g. AMEB certificates, teacher references, etc. This might also include a CD or DVD of audio recordings, mixes, re-mixes and/or other examples of audio related material that shows evidence of interest in this area.

Workshop:
You will also be required to attend a half-day workshop on December 7th to acquaint yourself with the focus of the course and to help determine your potential suitability for the course.

You will be advised of acceptance into the course by mail.

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Length of course

Full-time - two years.
Part-time - four years.

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How to apply

Apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). You should also contact the Centre for Performing Arts on 9286 9695 or email performingarts@bhtafe.edu.au for additional requirements, including an application form.

International students should contact an official Box Hill Institute international agent or the Box Hill Institute International Office for application information.

If you have any queries, please contact the Institute on +61 3 9286 9695.

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Pathways

Jobs

There are many employment options within the entertainment and performance industry as well as pathways to music teaching.

Computer software, music synthesis and multimedia industry

• producers, programmers and designers of music software applications for live entertainment and teaching and learning applications
• producers and sound designers for the multimedia and telecommunications industries
• sonic performance artists
• DJ's and VJ's
• software synthesis programmers for recording and live performance
• interactive media composers

Advertising industry

• sessions musicians
• composers (jingles, interstitials etc.)
• music journalists
• music consultants
• music library managers

Radio, film, video and television industry

• music supervisors
• music editors
• music directors
• audio mixers
• music consultants
• producers
• composers/sound designers
• booking agents

Writing and production and multimedia industry

• arrangers
• producers
• orchestrators
• composers
• songwriters
• copyists
• conductors
• music editors

Music publishing (notation)

• licensing specialists
• notation editors
• copyists
• software publishing designers
• orchestrators

After further study to gain a Bachelor degree -
Music Education (Teaching)

• school (government and private)#
• higher education#
• adult and continuing education
• private music teaching
• TAFE#
• studios

# Requires completion of a degree and further post-graduate study.
Students may access the Institute’s Employment Service for advice on gaining employment in this field.

The Employment Service can be contacted on +61 3 9286 9712

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Courses

Graduates from this course may apply to study one further year at Box Hill Institute to complete a Bachelor of Applied Music (Composition).

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Recognition

This course is accredited by the Victorian Office of Higher Education.

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Subjects

First Year Composition Stream Subjects

Choose two electives from the elective list

MUZ101	Music language studies 1	52 hr
MUZ102	Music language studies 2	52 hr
MUZ103	Music technology 1	52 hr
MUZ104	Performance platforms	52 hr
MUZ121	Principles of songwriting 1	26 hr
MUZ122	Principles of songwriting 2	26 hr
MUZ123	Composition and arranging for film 1	39 hr
MUZ124	Composition and arranging for film 2	39 hr

Second Year Composition Stream Subjects

Choose two electives from the elective list

MUZ223	Composition and arranging for film 3	52 hr
MUZ224	Composition and arranging for film 4	52 hr
MUZ201	Music industry studies 1	39 hr
MUZ202	Music industry studies 2	39 hr
MUZ211	Music language studies 3	52 hr
MUZ212	Music language studies 4	52 hr
MUZ221	Principles of songwriting 3	26 hr
MUZ222	Principles of songwriting 4	26 hr

Electives

MUZ141	Instrumental studies 1	26 hr
MUZ142	Instrumental studies 2	26 hr
MUZ145	Production principles 1	26 hr
MUZ146	Production principles 2	26 hr
MUZ151	Digital audio platforms	26 hr
MUZ241	Ensemble 1	26 hr
MUZ242	Ensemble 2	26 hr
MUZ247	Production styles 1	26 hr
MUZ248	Production styles 2	26 hr
MUZ249	Computer music production systems 1	26 hr
MUZ250	Computer music production systems 2	26 hr
MUZ251	Music publishing	26 hr
MUZ147	Cabaret and workers'theatre studies	26 hr
MUZ148	Avant garde theatre studies	26 hr
MUZ149	Principles of conducting	26 hr

Subject Details

First Year Composition Stream Subjects

Choose two electives from the elective list

MUZ101 – Music language studies 1 - (52 hours)

This is the first of six units of Music Language Studies. In this subject students will study aural and theoretical concepts, knowledge and skills in the context of developments in early Western music. Links will be made between music from these periods and contemporary music. Topics covered will include aural and theoretical recognition, notation and performance of intervals, scales, chords, melodies, rhythms, and four-part harmony. Students will also demonstrate an awareness of stylistic conventions, form, analysis, major composers and historical and social contexts of early Western music up to, and including, the Baroque period.

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MUZ102 – Music language studies 2 - (52 hours)

This subject will build on the aural and theoretical concepts, knowledge and skills developed in Music Language Studies 1, by examining the use of similar musical elements in jazz genres from the last century. Other topics will include aural and theoretical recognition, notation and performance of scales, extended chords, chord progressions, rhythms and melodies derived from conventions in jazz; further harmonisation and an awareness of stylistic conventions, form, analysis, major composers and historical and social contexts of jazz in the 20th Century.

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MUZ103 – Music technology 1 - (52 hours)

Students will acquire conventional keyboard techniques and knowledge and skills that enable the keyboard to be used as a tool for studying musical elements and as an interface with computer software. Students will learn basic performance on the keyboard to enable input for MIDI with the purpose of realisation of composition.

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MUZ104 – Performance platforms - (52 hours)

This subject provides a performance platform for students to develop technical and interpretative skills in preparing and performing (or producing) solo and ensemble works to an audience. Through collaboration, students will develop the necessary skills and stagecraft to direct a cohesive performance. Performance of established repertoire as well as original material will be supported by students who are developing an understanding of the operation of sound reinforcement and recording systems, staging and lighting as related to live performance. Students will also be involved in a range of workshops which could include: choir, a cappella groups, rhythm-sections, guitar, keyboard, percussion, woodwind, brass, Big Band, funk groups and student run ensembles.

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MUZ121 – Principles of songwriting 1 - (26 hours)

This subject provides an analytical overview of the musical devices and conventions that exist in popular song forms and genres. Analysis of elements such as: melody, structure, rhythm, harmonic progression and style will inform the student in the composition of songs in designated popular song styles.

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MUZ122 – Principles of songwriting 2 - (26 hours)

Continuing directly from the previous unit, students will extend their abilities to compose songs within a variety of genres. They will further develop greater understanding of characteristic harmonic, melodic and rhythmic treatment of lyrics within various song genres, and learn to apply these conventions with their own writing.

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MUZ123 – Composition and arranging for film 1 - (39 hours)

A focus on film music studies from the 1920-1950s will give students the capacity to e-valuate film scores with reference to established conventions, compositional techniques and their application in defined contexts. A solid foundation in basic composition and arranging techniques will be explored and subsequently applied to short film cue excerpts. This subject is the first of a series of six subjects building a compositional language for screen composition.

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MUZ124 – Composition and arranging for film 2 - (39 hours)

This subject focuses on film music studies post-1950 and will include e-valuation and analysis of the role and function of music in varying dramatic contexts. Composition and arranging techniques will be further extended from those concepts commenced in Composition and Arranging for Film 1. The application of SMPTE and other issues pertaining to synchronisation, ‘clicks’, tempo mapping and free-timing will also be covered.

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Second Year Composition Stream Subjects

Choose two electives from the elective list

MUZ223 – Composition and arranging for film 3 - (52 hours)

Knowledge and skills in film scoring will be expanded through study and application of conventions in writing for orchestral sections. The use of appropriate ‘voicings’ and timbral combinations applicable to various film genres will be studied in detail. Student assignments will focus on more extended film cues, including cut-away cues and cues requiring more than one point-of-view (POV).

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MUZ224 – Composition and arranging for film 4 - (52 hours)

Building on previous studies in this subject, students will examine and apply conventions in composing for alternate or mixed ensembles. Student assignments will focus on the use of soft-synth. and audio-sample libraries to build substantial ‘mock ups’. Contemporary arranging concepts, as evidenced in modern cinema, will be introduced.

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MUZ201 – Music industry studies 1 - (39 hours)

In this subject students will learn to plan, organise, prepare, facilitate and present music to discriminating audiences. Students will develop confidence in undertaking self-initiated and self-directed work: the critical e-valuation of this work, and the fundamental principles in small business organisation, management and administration.

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MUZ202 – Music industry studies 2 - (39 hours)

This subject continues directly from Music Industry Studies 1. Students will develop greater maturity in undertaking self-initiated and self-directed work: the critical e-valuation of this work, and the principles of more complex business organisational structures. In addition, the basics of project management will be introduced as a means to e-valuate long-term sustainability of the small-business enterprise model.

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MUZ211 – Music language studies 3 - (52 hours)

Students will expand their aural and theoretical recognition, knowledge and skills through progressive assignments in transcribing music; expand their harmonic practice and develop more sophisticated musical analysis skills in the context of the common practices used during the Classical and Romantic periods of Western music. Other topics will include further development in aural and theoretical recognition: notation and performance of scales, chords and modes in prescribed inversions, tonalities and patterns; more complex rhythmic passages in simple and compound metre; harmonisation as a process for ‘voicing’; the use of extended and altered chords and part writing conventions.

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MUZ212 – Music language studies 4 - (52 hours)

Focusing on the musical developments in the 20th Century, students will acquire aural and theoretical skills that extend beyond the conventions and imperatives of diatonic music. The study will incorporate music from both western art music and rock and popular music, and will include topics such as aural and theoretical recognition: notation and performance of scales, chords and modes; tonalities and patterns as exhibited in twelve-tone music; the use of modes and polytonality, contemporary harmonic devices and the use of polyrhythm and mixed metre.

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MUZ221 – Principles of songwriting 3 - (26 hours)

Students will consolidate their writing skills in tandem with developing greater skills in recording and sequencing their musical ideas within various digital audio environments. More sophisticated mock ups of original ideas will be expected as well as complete realisations of songs both in printed and audio format. The art of collaboration will be introduced.

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MUZ222 – Principles of songwriting 4 - (26 hours)

Students will integrate concepts, knowledge and skills acquired in the previous three units. Students will be required to craft complete arrangements of their original songs with fully notated instrumental parts and audio realisations. Collaboration with other writers is a requirement within this subject.

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Electives

MUZ141 – Instrumental studies 1 - (26 hours)

Through performing in ensembles students will acquire concepts and knowledge about the practical application of arranging and composing or live recording. Learning a second study instrument will give students the experience of an instrument with which they are unfamiliar, equipping them with fundamental understanding that is integral to their specialised disciplines.

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MUZ142 – Instrumental studies 2 - (26 hours)

This subject is a continuation of Instrumental Studies 1. Through performing in ensembles students will acquire concepts and knowledge about the practical application of arranging and composing or live recording. Learning a second study instrument will give students the experience of an instrument with which they are unfamiliar, equipping them with a fundamental understanding that is integral to their specialised disciplines.

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MUZ145 – Production principles 1 - (26 hours)

In this subject students will acquire the basic concepts of Acoustics as they relate to musical instruments and the environments in which they are played. Students will learn the core principles of recording with analogue and digital systems; theories of audio production and practice, live sound and live recording techniques in performance environments.

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MUZ146 – Production principles 2 - (26 hours)

Consolidating and extending the concepts and knowledge acquired previously, students will further apply these principles in practise, using both analogue and digital recording methods as the basis for an introduction to mixing environments. Practical recording assignments make up a significant component of the course.

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MUZ151 – Digital audio platforms - (26 hours)

Details available soon.

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MUZ241 – Ensemble 1 - (26 hours)

The focus for this subject is to develop concepts, skills and understanding in the ensemble performance of music in a variety of musical contexts. Students will develop stylistic awareness, musical expertise and ensemble protocols. Composition students may use the ensemble for direction of performance of original works. Ensemble workshops may include: choir, a cappella groups, rhythm-sections, guitar, keyboard, percussion, woodwind, brass, Big Band, funk groups and student run ensembles.

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MUZ242 – Ensemble 2 - (26 hours)

This subject is a continuation of Ensemble 1. The performance skills and associated protocols will be consolidated and repertoire will be expanded. Composition students may use the ensemble for direction of performance of original works. Ensemble workshops could include: choir, a cappella groups, rhythm-sections, guitar, keyboard, percussion, woodwind, brass, Big Band, funk groups and student run ensembles.

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MUZ247 – Production styles 1 - (26 hours)

In this subject students will learn to apply principles of recording studio and session management; from pre-production and design, through to session engineering and production. Students will work with digital audio workstations undertaking various recording assignments. With reference to music recordings that exemplify the evolution of, and current practice in audio production, students will develop discrimination in identification of the use of a wide range of principles and methods of creative audio recording technologies and techniques.

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MUZ248 – Production styles 2 - (26 hours)

Students will consolidate the skills and knowledge acquired to this point, developing greater independence in managing recording projects and fluency within the studio environment. More creative resources will be introduced; with access to an increasing number of external plug-in environments, for the analysis and the re-creation of seminal production ‘sounds’. Students will develop an appreciation of the techniques and aesthetic qualities inherent in internationally recognised award winning albums.

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MUZ249 – Computer music production systems 1 - (26 hours)

Students will study the application of computer hardware and software to assist them in realising their musical ideas. Students will learn to manipulate MIDI and audio data; develop basic skills in the interactive control of the computer in real-time; develop an introductory knowledge in the concepts of sound design, and become familiar with issues in non-linear music making.

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MUZ250 – Computer music production systems 2 - (26 hours)

Students will begin to acquire skills in computer music programming as a means to integrate prior knowledge with the demands, and opportunities, in the emergent areas of sound design for the multimedia and telecommunication industries. Areas of study include digital signal processing and the expressive integration of different media.

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MUZ251 – Music publishing - (26 hours)

Students will focus on various music publishing software including advanced functions in Sibelius. Outcomes include the preparation of music scores to a publishable standard.

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MUZ147 – Cabaret and workers'theatre studies - (26 hours)

In this subject, students will engage in a historical perspective of the culture of “an intimate entertainment” from it’s beginnings in Nineteenth Century, Paris, through the Weimar Republic, and the later forms in Britain and the USA. This subject examines the cultural meanings from the entertaining to the didactic; from burlesque to comedy; from the sincerity of the Worker’s Theatre and to works of political satire.

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MUZ148 – Avant garde theatre studies - (26 hours)

An examination of contemporary cabaret: the artists and the writers through case studies in Australian and overseas contexts. Work from local institutions such as Chapel-Off-Chapel, the Melbourne Fringe, Comedy and Midsumma Festivals will be examined with the purpose of involving students in the culture of self-devised work. Through this study students will gain an insight into the processes of developing original work for presentation in various cabaret contexts.

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MUZ149 – Principles of conducting - (26 hours)

Students will learn the international conventions for conducting standard beat patterns when leading an ensemble, cueing and procedures for aesthetic and expressive values of different eras.

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