Overview
Building on the work covered in Language of Modern Music 4, you will continue to study more advanced aspects of the language of modern music. These aspects will cover modern harmony and analysis, music notation, music creation and arrangement. There will be a particular focus on creating written arrangements for small contemporary music ensembles which feature a rhythm section.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
This unit has a prerequisite of MUSC12414 Language of Modern Music 4.
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 data.
Ensure the volume of unit materials and the focus of tutorials aligns with weightings of assessment items.
Allocate more tutorial time to work through materials related to the final assessment.
- Analyse music scores with regard to harmonic and structural elements
- Create chordal progressions using various modern reharmonisation techniques
- Create music scores for rhythm section instruments in a variety of styles
- Identify pitch, rhythm, keys, scales, chords, chord progressions, melody and form through aural related tasks
- Create a music score for a small ensemble using various music arrangement techniques
- Explain decisions made during the creative process of arranging music for a small ensemble.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 25% | ||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 25% | ||||||
| 3 - Online Test - 10% | ||||||
| 4 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 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 | ||||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Professional Music Notation Software (Sibelius reccomended)
- Auralia 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.
d.reaston@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Overview
Modal Interchange
Independent ear training in Auralia
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Events and Submissions/Topic
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Slash Chords
Independent ear training in Auralia
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Pedal Point and Reharmonisation
Independent ear training in Auralia
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Non-Functional Harmony
Independent ear training in Auralia
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Introduction to Arranging
Independent ear training in Auralia
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The Rhythm Section: Drums and Bass
Independent ear training in Auralia
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The Rhythm Section: Piano and Guitar
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The Rhythm Section: Styles
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Arranging the Melody: Part 1
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Arranging the Melody: Part 2
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Arrangement Sections
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Finalising the Arrangement
Independent ear training in Auralia
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All students are required to purchase a student Auralia cloud license. This license will give you access to the Auralia program. This program will be used to facilitate independent ear training throughout the term and an assessment item in Language of Modern Music 5 (LOMM5). This program can be used on any computer and/or other devices with internet.
The cost of Auralia is $39 for a 12 months access. To purchase this software, you must enter the software website through the designated link in the LOMM5 Moodle site. This will register you as a CQU Auralia 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.
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.
For any questions regarding Auralia or Sibelius software, please contact d.reaston@cqu.edu.au.
1 Written Assessment
This assessment develops your ability to analyse harmonic progressions and apply that understanding through reharmonisation. You will demonstrate knowledge of harmonic function, voice-leading, and stylistically appropriate substitution, and communicate your musical decisions using both notation and written explanation.
Choose one piece from a list provided in Moodle, and complete the following tasks:
Task 1 Harmonic Analysis
Using analytical symbols (brackets and arrows) and Roman numerals, provide a harmonic analysis of the chord progression of your chosen piece. Write your answers on the lead sheet/score provided and make sure to include every chord. Save your analysis as a PDF (.pdf).
Task 2 Reharmonisation with Piano Realisation
Create one reharmonisation of the original chord progression and present it on a three-stave system, consisting of:
- a melody stave with chord symbols, and
- a grand stave for piano voicings.
Your reharmonisation should demonstrate logical harmonic movement, appropriate use of substitution techniques, and clear voice-leading informed by guide-tone principles. Save the score as a PDF (.pdf).
Task 3 Reharmonisation Commentary (250–300 words*)
Write a short commentary explaining two to three key harmonic decisions made in your reharmonisation. Your explanation should focus on how these decisions function harmonically and how they relate to the original progression, using appropriate music theory terminology. Make reference to particular bar numbers. Upload your written discussion as a Microsoft Word Document (.docx).
Assessment Submission and Presentation
You must submit:
- A PDF (.pdf) document compiling your answers for Task 1 and 2;
- either the Sibelius file (.sib) or an audio rendering (.mp3 or .wav) of Task 2;
- Task 3's commentary submitted as a Word document (.docx). Use 12 point Times New Roman font; double spacing for the body of the assignment; and adhere to the CQUniversity APA Style Guide.
AI Assessment scale tool:
Level 1: You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge. Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
Please refer to the Moodle Assessment tile for specific details.
*The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Week 6 Monday (13 Apr 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 8 Monday (4 May 2026)
Task 1
- Accurate use of analytical symbols (10%)
- Roman numeral analysis accurate (15%)
Task 2
- Logical application of reharmonisation techniques (25%)
- Harmonic Coherence & Voice-Leading (20%)
- Notation & Piano Realisation (15%)
Task 3
- Quality and clarity of written explanation (10%)
- Presentation and compliance (5%)
- Analyse music scores with regard to harmonic and structural elements
- Create chordal progressions using various modern reharmonisation techniques
2 Written Assessment
You will write and notate rhythm section parts for guitar, piano/keyboard, bass, and drums that demonstrate an understanding of functional ensemble roles, groove, and stylistic conventions across four contrasting musical styles. Using Sibelius (or equivalent music notation software), you will create clear, professionally presented scores suitable for rehearsal and performance.
Assessment Submission and Presentation
You must submit:
- A score for each task as a PDF (.pdf)
- A Sibelius file (.sib) or audio file (.mp3, .wav) for each task.
AI Assessment scale tool:
Level 1: You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge. Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
Please refer to the Moodle Assessment tile for specific details.
Week 10 Monday (18 May 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 12 Monday (1 June 2026)
Task 1
- Guitar part is written correctly and appropriate to the style (4%)
- Piano part is written correctly and appropriate to the style (8%)
- Bass part is written correctly and appropriate to the style (8%)
- Drum part is written correctly and appropriate to the style (4%)
Task 2
- Guitar part is written correctly and appropriate to the style (4%)
- Piano part is written correctly and appropriate to the style (6%)
- Bass part is written correctly and appropriate to the style (6%)
- Drum part is written correctly and appropriate to the style (4%)
Task 3
- Guitar part is written correctly and appropriate to the style (4%)
- Piano part is written correctly and appropriate to the style (8%)
- Bass part is written correctly and appropriate to the style (8%)
- Drum part is written correctly and appropriate to the style (4%)
Task 4
- Guitar part is written correctly and appropriate to the style (5%)
- Keyboard part is written correctly and appropriate to the style (11%)
- Bass part is written correctly and appropriate to the style (11%)
- Drum part is written correctly and appropriate to the style (5%)
- Create music scores for rhythm section instruments in a variety of styles
3 Online Test
This assessment will be completed online using Auralia Software, and will consist of aural-based questions relating to specified topics delivered in the program.
AI Assessment scale tool:
Level 1: You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge. Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
Please refer to the Moodle Assessment tile for specific details.
Week 12 Friday (5 June 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
The test will be scheduled during Week 12.
Results will be provided after the completion of the test in Auralia.
Accurate competition of all aural-based questions in Auralia (100%)
- Identify pitch, rhythm, keys, scales, chords, chord progressions, melody and form through aural related tasks
4 Written Assessment
You are to produce an arrangement for small ensemble consisting of either a vocalist and rhythm section, or two horns and rhythm section. The arrangement will be of a piece of your choosing from a list provided on the Moodle website. The arrangement may be in any of the styles covered in this unit.
The arrangement must include:
- An introduction
- A statement of the melody
- A solo section
- D.S. and a Coda
In addition, you are to submit a 800–1000 word discussion* on your arrangement. In your discussion, be sure to include:
- Your arranging process and method
- The outline/structure of your arrangement
- Your approach to arranging each section: introduction, melody, solo, coda
- Any drafts used (can be included in an Appendix).
Assessment submission and presentation
You must submit:
- A Sibelius file or audio file (.mp3 or .wav) of your arrangement
- A PDF (.pdf) of the conductors score and extracted parts of your arrangement. They are to be created in a music notation program (e.g. Sibelius)
- An 800–1000 word discussion of your arrangement as a Microsoft Word Document (.docx) which (1) must use 12 point Times New Roman font; (2) must use double spacing for the body of the assignment; (3) may use sub-headings to organise your assignment clearly; and (4) must adhere to the CQUniversity APA Style Guide.
*The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
AI Assessment scale tool:
Level 1: You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge. Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
Please refer to the Moodle Assessment tile for specific details.
Exam Week Thursday (11 June 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
Assessment to be returned at the end of term.
Arrangement
- Vocal/Instrumental writing is effective and correct (20%)
- Arrangement displays coherence and unity (15%)
- Introduction is present and effective (5%)
- Statement of the melody is present and effective (10%)
- Solo section is present and effective (5%)
- Coda is present and effective (5%)
- The score is laid out in a professional manner (5%)
- Parts are laid out in a professional manner (5%)
- Meeting delivery requirements (format and presentation) (5%)
Written Discussion
- Discussion is considered, reflective, and complete (20%)
- Accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar; clarity of writing style (2.5%)
- Meeting delivery requirements (presentation, word count, style guide) (2.5%)
- Create a music score for a small ensemble using various music arrangement techniques
- Explain decisions made during the creative process of arranging music for a small ensemble.
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?
