MUSIC - CURRICULUM OPTIONS

MUSIC OPTION 1 - SPECIALIST MUSIC

This highly personalised course uses a combination of practical and written work to explore the internal workings of Music. A complex art form, Music connects our humanistic, emotional side with our analytical rational side; and requires us to interact with it using our heads, hearts, ears and hands. If you want to know more about how music works, improve your performance, theory and aural skills, and explore both Western Art Music (Classical) and Contemporary Music, then this is the course for you.

This course is highly recommended to be taken as a pair of units; and can also be taken as a two-year course due to the personalised nature of the theory/aural/performance components and the rotating Cultural and Historical Contexts.

PREREQUISITES: 

You need to be learning an instrument (including voice) or studying composition with an external specialised tutor and must be prepared to do a solo performance assessment or submit a composition portfolio. There is no minimum level of experience, only the willingness to take up an instrument.

Each unit contains four key learning areas:

• Practical Music
• Music Theory and Aural
• Solo Performance
• Musical Contexts

PRACTICAL MUSIC

This includes Rhythm Essentials (djembes, drum kit, hand percussion), sight singing, part singing, solfa-based practical application of music theory and improvisation.

MUSIC THEORY AND AURAL

Start where you are. You will evaluate your starting level at the beginning of each semester and will then follow a teacher-curated program. These levels roughly correlate with the AMEB Theory grades with some additional material which is in line with the current ATAR and National Curriculum requirements.

• Fundamentals Level 2 (approximately AMEB Grade 2)
• Intermediate Level 3 (approximately AMEB Grade 3)
• Advanced Level 4 (approximately AMEB Grade 4)
• Level 5 (approximately AMEB Grade 5+)

You will be self-guided with the help of a variety of personalised resources. These include small group and individual teacher support, peer-support, programs such as Auralia and Musition, and a selection of texts.

Should you wish, you will be offered the opportunity to sit the formal certified AMEB exams. Specialised Contemporary Music theory will be covered in Musical Contexts. 

SOLO PERFORMANCE

In partnership with your specialist tutor, you will prepare a program of solo repertoire to be performed at the end of each semester as part of your assessable work.

In-class support will include training and resources for the following:

• Effective practice
• Performance psychology and mindfulness
• Creating a balanced program of work
• Performance etiquette and working with an accompanist

Throughout the semester you will have the opportunity to perform works-in-progress as part of regular performance classes. Here you will practice giving and receiving feedback in an effective way, musical interpretation, understanding marking criteria and exploring reflective practice techniques. 

MUSICAL CONTEXTS

Each semester focuses on exploring different styles and eras of Music – in both Western Art Music (‘Classical’) and Contemporary Music contexts.

By the end of each unit, you will have developed a holistic understanding of the eras covered, know the key influencers and taken an in-depth look at popular, ground breaking or representative works of each context.

Contemporary Music-specific theory is covered here and where appropriate, group composition and performance projects will be undertaken.

The themes for each unit are as follows:

MUSIC OPTION 2 - SCHOOL OF ROCK AND SONG-WRITING 

This Semester-long course is available to all Year 9 and 10 students.

Ever wanted to learn the guitar or keyboard but never had the chance? In this practical unit, you will explore contemporary music through guitar, keys, voice and percussion. Learn to pull apart well-known contemporary songs, create your own cover and even write and perform your own originals. 

No prior music experience is necessary.

MUSIC OPTION 3 - COMMUNITY MUSIC

Connect with your classmates and the wider community through performance. 

Working with our Catalyst service partners and our Junior School, you will devise and perform engaging, enriching and educational programs for audiences of all ages.

Use and further develop your skills as a performer, organiser, presenter or writer as part of a dynamic and creative team. You will then take your show on the road and share the power and joy of music with the wider community. 

No prior music experience is necessary.