WHY STUDY MUSIC?

As one of the Arts, Music makes a profound contribution to personal, social and cultural identity. It forms a unique means of expression and of knowing and communicating experience.

Music is an essential form of expression and communication, providing students with opportunities for aesthetic experiences. It accompanies the important social, cultural technological, political and educational functions of existence and enhances our celebration of life: enlightening, inspiring, relaxing, entertaining and enriching our lives.

Music has the capacity to cross national borders and assists people of different cultures to understand each other. It contributes to learning through the development of aspects such as memory, coordination, concentration and inventiveness.

The study of music also develops skills such as logical, critical and divergent thinking, decision-making and concept formation.

By studying music, students are empowered by its capacity as a creative medium. They gain insight, discover sensibility and learn the self-discipline that leads to artistic freedom.

The Course of Study

Over the 2 year course, students will study the three dimensions of listening, composing and performing. These will be studied through both core and elective units of work. The Year 11 course consists entirely of elective units while the Year 12 course consists of both core and elective units of work.

Over the course students will cover the following:

Student Achievement will be assessed through the three dimensions of listening, composing and performing. They are of approximately equal wighting for summative assessment.

Listening
The four criteria for listening are:

Composing
The three criteria for composing are:

Performing
The three crteria for composing are:

Assessment Tasks in both Years 11 and 12 include:
Formal Tests - visual, aural analysis
Composition Arrangements - 16 - 32 bars
Performances - sight singing, small/large group ensemble, solo, conducting and directing
Research Assignment - 800 - 1000 words

VHA Standard A in 2 of the dimensions and no less than a B in the remaining dimension.
HA Standard B in 2 of the dimensions and no less than a C in the remaining dimension.
SA Standard C in 2 of the dimensions and no less than a D in the remaining dimension.
LA Standard D in any 2 dimensions.
VLA Less than a D in 2 dimensions.

It is recommended that students studying Music have an SA in Junior Music or its equivalent and the dedication and commitment to complete all assessment tasks. AN SA in English would be an advantage.