COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Music (Composition) at the University of Sydney follows a structured four-year study plan designed to gradually build strong skills in composing original music. In the first year, students begin with foundational units such as Composition 1 and 2 along with music skills training, instrumentation and orchestration, and introductory subjects like This is Music and New Music, New Thinking. They also gain basic exposure to creative music technology or sound recording fundamentals. In the second year, students progress to Composition 3 and 4, where they focus on more advanced techniques including number and process-based composition and tonal and structured musical development, alongside studies in analysis, history, and culture or areas such as electroacoustic and computer music. The third year emphasizes independent creative development through Composition 5 and 6, combined with electives and deeper study in analysis and music history, allowing students to refine their personal compositional style. In the final year, students complete advanced Composition 7 and 8 units, supported by a Music Specialist Project or intensive composition-based capstone work along with free-choice electives. Overall, the curriculum is designed to develop technical mastery, creative experimentation, and professional-level composition abilities, preparing graduates for careers as contemporary or classical composers and sound artists.