Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply music composition skills and create music that synchronises with sequences in screen productions.
It applies to individuals who write music for varied purposes, such as to create mood, reinforce genre or historical period, and complement action sequences, to meet tight timelines. Composers work closely with producers, directors, sound recordists and post-production personnel.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Participate in pre-production phase of screen productions | 1.1 Consult with appropriate personnel to clarify screen music composition briefs, including production values 1.2 Research the style and other aspects of music appropriate to the content or storyline of the screen production as required 1.3 Use a shot list to map musical events and durations to film shots 1.4 Consult with director to determine which moving image sequences require theme and incidental music 1.5 Organise resources required for composing music in line with production requirements 1.6 Prepare a plan for completing work in line with the requirements of the brief, and negotiate a contract and any copyright, royalty and licensing issues as required |
2. Generate ideas for screen music | 2.1 Establish a routine with the director and film editor to view shots and evaluate implications for the composition of music 2.2 Brief other people involved in the composition project as required 2.3 Generate a range of musical ideas or starting points, and experiment with options for realising them 2.4 Investigate the potential of basic structural elements for achieving desired effects 2.5 Discuss options with appropriate personnel, and refine ideas as required |
3. Create and orchestrate theme and incidental music | 3.1 Apply a range of compositional techniques to organise musical elements into working versions of theme and incidental music 3.2 Orchestrate sound and themes for the context of each sequence, and to maintain musical continuity through the whole soundtrack 3.3 Ensure that parts are available to appropriate personnel where live music is to be used 3.4 Listen to work in progress with appropriate personnel, and seek feedback on creative and technical aspects of compositions 3.5 Incorporate ideas and suggestions into final compositions 3.6 Collaborate with appropriate personnel on the compilation of the final music soundtrack |
4. Evaluate work | 4.1 Consult with appropriate personnel to identify aspects of the composition and soundtrack compilation process that worked well and those that could be improved 4.2 Evaluate the music soundtrack in meeting production requirements and planned outcomes 4.3 Provide feedback to team members on their performance as required 4.4 Evaluate own role in operations and note areas for improvement |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
interpret screen music briefs and film shot lists
document plans for screen composition projects
generate ideas and compose music for different screen productions
discuss compositional requirements and work collaboratively with relevant personnel
evaluate composition process and own role.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
outline the range of personnel with whom a composer is likely to consult when working on screen compositions
explain key compositional considerations when creating music for screen productions
explain production values for selected screen music briefs
explain hardware and software tools/packages and other resources for composing music
describe copyright, royalty and licensing issues relevant to writing music for screen productions
describe issues and challenges that typically arise in the context of composing theme and incidental music for screen productions, and outline ways to resolve them.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:
screen productions that require the composition of music
software, hardware and audio equipment for composing, orchestrating and setting down music.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.2, 1.3, 1.6, 2.1 | Researches and evaluates different styles and aspects of music for future reference |
Writing | 1.3, 2.1, 4.3 | Records work plan and approach in the language and format required |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6, 4.1 | Uses clear and relevant language to discuss the various options, listening and responding to feedback in a professional two-way dialogue |
Numeracy | 1.3 | Analyses durations of time and sequence to map musical events |
Interact with others | 1.1, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 3.4, 3.6, 4.1, 4.4 | Collaborates to convey and elicit information, develop and confirm understanding, and gain feedback Follows accepted communication practices and protocols in negotiations |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.6, 2.1-2.5, 3.1-3.5, 4.1-4.5 | Plans and prioritises a range of routine and some non-routine tasks to meet required timeframes Uses exploration and evaluation of information from various sources to generate new or innovative approaches and ideas Considers a range of factors to decide on appropriate ideas for implementation Uses digital technologies to source and manage information, and support creative processes |
Sectors
Performing arts – music composition