Music, Major (0209)

  • Western Sydney University Major Code: 0209

Previous Code: M1117.1

Available to students in other Western Sydney University programs?  No

The Music major provides students from outside the Music program with a comprehensive introduction to current practice in the fields of music, performance and sound production for sound design, composition and performance. Foundation level subjects examine the fundamentals of music performance, acoustics, stereo recording and mixing, MIDI systems and sequencing, sound synthesis, and composition utilising environmental sound. Technical concepts are contextualised within a survey of electroacoustic music and sonic arts practice. Students will also examine studio techniques, new performance technologies, and composition and design for screen media.

Location

Campus Mode Advice
Penrith Campus Internal enquiriesHCA@uws.edu.au

Major Structure

Special Requirement 

Students undertaking this major will be selected by one of three methods:

1. Attain an HSC Music result in band 4 or above. No audition is required.

2. Hold the following AMEB or equivalent (e.g. Trinity College) qualification:

  • a. PASS standard (minimum) of 6th Grade Performance (instrument or voice) AND
  • b. PASS standard (minimum) of 4th Grade musicianship and/or theory.

No audition is required.

3. Attend an audition in person as a performer and/or composer. Applicants applying as a composer will need to bring recordings and/or scores of original compositions to the audition. After applying to UAC or Directly to Western applicants are required to book an audition online.

Online audition booking system

If not auditioning, applicants will need to upload their supporting documentation (e.g. AMEB certificates demonstrating level of achievement in performance and musicianship and/or music theory).

Students must complete 80 credit points as follows

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Spring sessionCredit Points
PERF 1025 Sound Design 10
 Credit Points10
Year 2
Autumn session
PERF 1010 Music Performance 1 10
PERF 2033 Recording Studio Practices  
 Credit Points10
Spring session
PERF 2029 Music Multimedia Project 10
 Credit Points10
Year 3
Autumn session
PERF 2016 Music Group Performance 10
PERF 3028 Expanded Performance 10
 Credit Points20
Spring session
PERF 3022 Screen Media Composition 10
PERF 3029 Music Project 3: Intercultural Interactions 10
 Credit Points20
 Total Credit Points70

Equivalent Specialisation Subjects

The subjects listed below count towards completion of this major for students who passed these subjects in 2023 or earlier.

PERF 2031 The Music Industry, replaced by PERF 2033 Recording Studio Practices

The subjects listed below count towards completion of this major for students who passed these subjects in 2021 or earlier.

PERF 2003 Collaboration and Live Music Performance, replaced by PERF 2016 Music Group Performance
PERF 1008 Introduction to Music Performance, replaced by PERF 1010 Music Performance 1
PERF 2013 Introduction to the Sound Studio, replaced by PERF 2022 Studio Production, replaced by  PERF 2026 Advanced Production
PERF 3025 Sound and Performance: Expanded Practice, replaced by PERF 3007 Expanded Music Performance, replaced by PERF 3027 Interactive Electronic Media and Performance
PERF 3024 Sound Composition for Screen Media, replaced by PERF 3022 Screen Media Composition
PERF 1019 Sound Synthesis and the Sound Environment, replaced by PERF 1018 Sound Design, replaced by PERF 1025 Sound Design
PERF 2021 Sound Technologies and Machine Musicianship, replaced by PERF 2008 Digital Musicianship, replaced by PERF 2027 Electronic Music Production
PERF 1018 Sound Design, replaced by PERF 1025 Sound Design
PERF 2022 Studio Production, replaced by PERF 2026 Advanced Production
PERF 2008 Digital Musicianship, replaced by PERF 2027 Electronic Music Production
PERF 2007 Expanded Music Performance, replaced by PERF 3027 Interactive Electronic Media and Performance
PERF 3019 Professional Music Project, replaced by PERF 3026 Applied Professional Music Contexts
PERF 2026 Advanced Production, replaced by PERF 2031 The Music Industry
PERF 2027 Electronic Music Production, replaced by PERF 2029 Music Multimedia Project
PERF 3027 Interactive Electronic Media and Performance, replaced by PERF 3028 Expanded Performance
PERF 3026 Applied Professional Music Contexts, replaced by PERF 3029 Music Project 3: Intercultural Interactions