Overview
Building on the work covered in Language of Modern Music 2, you will continue to study aspects of the language of modern music. Modern harmony, melody, music structures, genre specific devices and stylistic idioms are all studied with weight given to practical applications as well as theoretical and analytical work. Analysis and written exercises are used to develop a competent knowledge of the structures and styles of modern harmony and melody.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
This unit has a prerequisite of MUSC11406 Language of Modern Music 2.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student evaluation
Provide more exemplar arrangements from the industry for students.
Develop additional exemplar arrangements from the industry for students through the module activities.
Feedback from Staff evaluation
Review and enhance musicianship tasks to better support progressive skill development
Continue to review and enhance musicianship tasks to better support progressive skill development.
- Contextualise your knowledge of contemporary music forms and lyric writing to complete a series of written tasks
- Create original melodic material for a variety of music composition exercises
- Identify pitch, rhythm, keys, scales, chords, chord progressions and melody through aural related tasks
- Apply contemporary music theory relating to rhythm, musical forms, chord scale theory and diatonic harmony.
N/A
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 25% | ||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 25% | ||||
| 3 - Online Test - 10% | ||||
| 4 - Online Test - 40% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 25% | |||||||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 25% | |||||||||||
| 3 - Online Test - 10% | |||||||||||
| 4 - Online Test - 40% | |||||||||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Sibelius First or Sibelius Music Notation Software (See Term-Specific Information)
- Auralia/Musition software
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
p.mckenzie@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 09 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Module 1: Rhythm & lyric writing fundamentals
Independent ear training in Auralia
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 2
Begin Date: 16 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Module 2: Guide tones
Independent ear training in Auralia
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 3
Begin Date: 23 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Module 3: Forms
Independent ear training in Auralia
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 4
Begin Date: 30 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Module 4: Melody
Independent ear training in Auralia
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 5
Begin Date: 06 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Module 4: Melody
Independent ear training in Auralia
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6
Begin Date: 13 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Module 5: Chord Scale Theory
Independent ear training in Auralia
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 20 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7
Begin Date: 27 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Module 6: Secondary Dominant Harmony
Independent ear training in Auralia
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 8
Begin Date: 04 May 2026Module/Topic
Module 7: Introduction to Reharmonisation
Independent ear training in Auralia
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9
Begin Date: 11 May 2026Module/Topic
Module 7: Introduction to Reharmonisation
Independent ear training in Auralia
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 10
Begin Date: 18 May 2026Module/Topic
Module 8: Minor Key Diatonic Harmony
Independent ear training in Auralia
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 11
Begin Date: 25 May 2026Module/Topic
Module 8: Minor Key Diatonic Harmony
Independent ear training in Auralia
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 12
Begin Date: 01 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Revision Week
Independent ear training in Auralia
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Exam Week
Begin Date: 08 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 15 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
All students are required to purchase a student Auralia/Musition cloud license. This license will give you access to the Auralia and Musition programs. These two programs will be used to facilitate the music theory and aural musicianship content and assessment for Term 1 in Language of Modern Music 3 (LOMM3). These programs are interconnected and can be used on any computer and/or other devices with internet.
The cost of Auralia/Musition, is $65 for a 12 months access. To purchase this software, you must enter the software website through the designated link in the LOMM3 Moodle site. This will register you as a CQU Musition student. This is a cloud subscription, meaning you cannot sign up without going through Moodle. The instructions and details will be available on the Moodle site prior to term commencing. The Unit Coordinator will also email all students further instructions.
Any questions, please contact p.mckenzie@cqu.edu.au
Music notation software:
It is strongly encouraged that students purchase the music notation software Sibelius to complete the assessments in this unit. Sibelius can be purchased in full or by annual subscription. The Moodle unit site contains the relevant purchase/set up information. Any questions, please contact the unit coordinator Peter McKenzie: p.mckenzie@cqu.edu.au
1 Written Assessment
Assessment 1
Weighting: 25% (Task 1: 50%, Task 2: 50%)
Task 1:
Description:
You will critically analyse the lyrics and rhythmic phrasing of a contemporary song, focusing on how narrative, structure, and rhythm interact to shape musical expression. This task includes two components:
- Annotating a score to highlight key rhythmic and lyrical features.
- A written discussion explaining how these features contribute to meaning and musical flow.
Instructions:
- Select and download a leadsheet (provided on the moodle assessment page).
- Mark on the score (digitally or by hand) the following:
-
- Lyric placement in relation to strong vs. weak beats.
- Syncopation and phrasing choices (e.g., tied notes, anticipations, offbeat accents).
- Changes in rhythmic density (e.g., longer notes in verses vs. faster rhythms in the chorus).
3. In the written discussion (500 words), explain:
-
- How rhythmic placement influences word emphasis and phrasing.
- How syncopation, groove, and delivery impact emotional intent.
- The relationship between rhythmic variation and lyrical meaning.
- Any significant contrasts between sections (e.g., verse vs. chorus rhythmically).
Task 2:
Description:
You will compose a guide-tone line over a given chord progression (provided on the moodle assessment page), demonstrating an understanding of voice leading, harmonic structure, and smooth transitions between chords.
You will:
- Compose a notated guide-tone line over the provided chord progression.
-
- Your guide-tone line should last for the entire duration of the piece.
- The rhythmic placement should align with the harmonic rhythm of the piece, ensuring cohesion with the chord changes.
- Use musical notation software (e.g., Sibelius, Finale, MuseScore) to complete your work.
Assessment Submission and Presentation
- Task 1: Submit the annotated score as a PDF (.pdf) and the written analysis as a Microsoft Word document (.docx) via Moodle.
- Task 2: Submit the guide-tone line composition as a PDF (.pdf) via Moodle.
Formatting Requirements:
-
- The written component (Task 1 - Part B) must be formatted as follows:
- Font: 12-point Times New Roman
- Line Spacing: 1.5
- Referencing Style: Adhere to the CQUniversity APA Style Guide.
Ensure all files are clearly named before submission.
AI Assessment Scale: Level 2
You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas. Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
Please note: The 72-Hour grace period applies to Assessment item 1
If you need longer than 72 hours, you'll still need to use the normal Assessment Extension System process.
Week 6 Friday (17 Apr 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Upload to Moodle assessment page
Week 8 Friday (8 May 2026)
Through Moodle assessment page
Task 1:
- Depth of lyric and rhythmic analysis (16%)
- Explanation of rhythmic phrasing and lyric placement (10%)
- Quality of score annotations (clarity, relevance) (10%)
- Clarity and depth of written discussion (8%)
- Overall presentation and formatting (6%)
Task 2:
- Guide-tone line is complete and appropriate (20%)
- Smoothness and effectiveness of voice leading (18%)
- Score accuracy and layout (12%)
- Contextualise your knowledge of contemporary music forms and lyric writing to complete a series of written tasks
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
2 Written Assessment
Analyse a piece of music (provided on moodle assessment page), using the melody/harmony relationship techniques studied in the unit.
You will complete the following requirements:
- Identify the target tones.
- Label the relationship of the target tone to its corresponding harmony (with numbers relating to chord (eg. T9 or T#9)
- Identify the types of approach tones
- Determine their patterns and label them accordingly
The types of approach tones used in these songs will be from this list covered in the Module:
- Passing Tone (PT)
- Neighbor Tone (NT)
- Unprepared Approach (UA)
- Indirect Resolution (IR)
- Double Chromatic Passing Tone (DCPT)
Assessment submission and presentation
You must submit:
- One lead sheet as a PDF (.pdf): Either with written analysis markings by hand and scanned, or you can create the analysis markings on the PDF itself.
AI Assessment Scale: Level 2
You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas. Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
Please note: The 72-Hour grace period applies to Assessment item 2
If you need longer than 72 hours, you'll still need to use the normal Assessment Extension System process.
Week 10 Friday (22 May 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Upload to Moodle assessment page
Week 12 Friday (5 June 2026)
Through Moodle assessment page
- Accuracy of identifying target tones (20%)
- Accuracy of labelling the relationship of the target tone to its corresponding harmony (20%)
- Accuracy of identifying the types of approach tones (20%)
- Accuracy of identifying the metrical levels (10%)
- Accuracy of determining their patterns and labelling them accordingly (15%)
- Neatness and clarity of analysis markings (15%)
- Create original melodic material for a variety of music composition exercises
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Technology Competence
3 Online Test
This assessment will consist of ear training questions relating to specified topics delivered through the Auralia program. Each week, students will work independently through a series of defined Auralia ear training levels culminating in an online test.
The end-of-term test will be completed online using Auralia Software.
AI Assessment Scale (AIAS): Level 1 No AI
This assessment is completed entirely without AI assistance in a controlled environment, ensuring that students rely solely on their existing knowledge, understanding and skills. You must not use AI at any point in the assessment. You must use your core skills and knowledge.
The 72-Hour grace period does NOT apply to Assessment item 3.
Week 12 Friday (5 June 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
The test will be scheduled during Week 12.
Week 12 Friday (5 June 2026)
Results will be provided after the completion of the test in Auralia.
- Accurate completion of all Auralia ear training tasks (100%)
- Identify pitch, rhythm, keys, scales, chords, chord progressions and melody through aural related tasks
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Technology Competence
4 Online Test
Music theory test. This assessment will consist of music theory questions relating to the work covered in the topics of the unit.
The test will be completed online using the Musition software.
AI Assessment Scale (AIAS): Level 1 No AI
This assessment is completed entirely without AI assistance in a controlled environment, ensuring that students rely solely on their existing knowledge, understanding and skills. You must not use AI at any point in the assessment. You must use your core skills and knowledge.
The 72-Hour grace period does NOT apply to Assessment item 3.
Exam Week Thursday (11 June 2026) 1:00 pm AEST
The test will be scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday of Week 13.
Results will become available after certification of grades.
- Accurate completion of all musical tasks. (100%)
- Apply contemporary music theory relating to rhythm, musical forms, chord scale theory and diatonic harmony.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Technology Competence
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
