SHOULD I CHOOSE REPERTOIRE OR CONTEMPORARY PERFORMANCE???
The titles for the Unit 3/4 Music Performance Subjects are quite confusing! There are a few factors to be considered.
If you learn your music by listening to recordings, watching tutorial videos or by listening to examples played by your teacher you are 'probably' more suited to Contemporary Performance. Typically rock groups, guitarists and many singers will choose this subject.
If you learn your music by reading notation and working through to learn it you are 'probably' more suited to Repertorie Performance. Typically classical pianists, some singers and students of orchestral instruments would choose this option.
TWO SUBJECTS IN THE ONE CLASSROOM???
The content of both subjects are similar enough that at GWSC (and most schools) we teach both subjects at the same time, in the same room. There are specific differences that students need to be aware of but generally we don't see this as a significant obstacle.
HOW DO I CHOOSE???
Really the best thing to do is to speak to one of the VCE Music teachers. They are able to talk to you about the preferences you have when learning music and where we think you would be best placed.
WHAT ABOUT SOLO AND GROUP???
The previous VCE Music courses used these terms. In the current study design you can be assessed primarily as a soloist or group member in either Repertoire Performance or Contemporary Performance. There are a few things to remember but basically if you are primarily a solo performer you must have at least one piece that is performed with another live musician.
'Music Performance Units 3 & 4 focuses on building and refining performance and musicianship skills'
This subject offers a pathway for students who play music that is often collaborative and may use improvisation, embellishment and is often learnt from listening to recordings.
Music Contemporary Performance can be taken as either a group member or primarily a soloist. Students may present their work on one or more instruments.
During this study students study the work of other performers and analyse their approaches to interpretation and how 'personal voice' can be developed when reimagining existing music works.
Students prepare for a performance at the end of the academic year. This is externally assessed. This performance must include a personally reimagined version of an existing work and an original work created by an Australian artist since 1990. Original compositions can also be included in this subject.
Unit 3 Music Contemporary Performance:
In Unit 3 students perform in a range of contexts and start preparing for their end of year performance exam. They develop a 'Statement of Intent' that explains the selection of works for this exam.
They analyse interpretation in a wide range of music and develop their ability to identify, recreate and notate music language concepts such as scales, melodies, chords, harmony and rhythmic material.
Unit 4 Music Contemporary Performance:
This unit is largely an extension of the material studied in Unit 3. Students continue developing their end of year exam program including the considerations involved in preparing their reimagined work. They continue to develop their skills in identifying, recreating and notating music language concepts.
Unit 3 & 4 Areas of Study:
Performing: Students perform regularely and explore and build on ways of developing technical skills and interpretative approaches to the styles of the existing works. They develop their musicianship skills through regular practice and develop group skills through rehearsal and performance with other musicians.
Analysing for Performance: Students investigate how interpretation and a sense of personal voice may be developed in performance. They prepare for a 'School Assessed Dialogue' with their teacher where they discuss and demonstrate a selection of practise strategies.
Responding: Students develop their understanding the ways the elements of music, concepts and composition devices can be interpreted and manipulated by other musicians. They refine their ability to identify and transcribe short musical examples presented aurally and in notation.
What do you study in Music Performance (Solo or Group)?
This is a performance based subject. 50% of your end of year mark is derived from your efforts in Performance.
Do I need to be of a certain standard?
Yes, you should speak with your Instrumental Music Teacher or the Director of Music to discuss this issue of what is an appropriate standard. You need at least 4 - 5 years playing on most instruments.
Is it hard?
Not if you keep up to date with tasks and are prepared to put in regular practice on your instrument. You also need to realize that you will be undertaking ensemble participation as an assessed requirement.
What instruments can be played?
Any instrument that has enough music written down for it. It may be a traditional classical instrument (piano, voice, flute) or a non-western instrument as long as it has a tradition of having it's music written down. If your instrument traditionally learns music aurally, rather than through a written tradition, Music Contemporary Performance may be a better choice.
Are there any prerequisites? For example, must I have studied both unit 1 and 2?
There are no prerequisites, although it is an advantage to have studied Units 1 and 2. Units 3 and 4 must be taken as a “package”.
What sort of student is attracted to this subject?
Students who would be learning a Music Instrument find it very worthwhile gaining credit for something they really enjoy and were going to study anyway.
Are there any associated costs?
You must be having lessons on your instrument – either privately or through school. You will also participate in a weekly GWSC large ensemble (Choir, Strings, Band, Gutiar). We also see a professional orchestra or musical theatre show with a cost of $50 or above.
Is there a lot of prac or is the subject mainly theory based?
There are components of both. The written area covers some general knowledge, listening, aural and theory work.
Learning Outcomes - Unit 3
Outcome 1: Performing:
A short written task explaining the process used to select a performance program. (10 marks)
Outcome 2: Analysing for Performance:
A demonstration of an intended approach to reimagining an existing work (20 marks)
A 'School Assessed Dialogue' in which materials designed to assist in the recreation on notated recital works are explained and demonstrated. (10 marks)
Outcome 3: Analysing:
Written responses to structured questions in an examination format as well as a practical demonstration of music language knowledge and skills. (20+20 marks)
The school assessed coursework of unit 3 will contribute 50% to the study score.
Learning Outcomes - Unit 4
Outcome 2: Analysing for Performance:
A 'School Assessed Dialogue' where students demonstrate and discuss performance development techniques (15 marks) and demonstrate an approach to reimaging an existing work (5 marks).
The school assessed coursework of unit 4 will contribute 10% to the study score.
Any Questions?
Please come to the music office and discuss with
Mr Slater bsl@gwsc.vic.edu.au
or Ms Rose aro@gwsc.vic.edu.au
There are some unique requirements required when studying music at a VCE level. By enrolling in VCE Music at students and guardians agree to the following.
At Glen Waverley Secondary College enrolment in VCE music requires that;
- Students undertake instrumental music lessons on their primary instrument. This may be as part of the school instrumental music program or from an external teacher.
- Students should take part in a school music ensemble. Students who do not play an instrument included in our bands or orchestras should sing in choir.
- Throughout units 1 to 4 students may be required to hire the services of an accompanist. The cost of this to be covered by the student.
- In Unit 3/4 Music Performance subjects the final approval of repertoire to be performed at the external VCAA exam is made by the classroom music teacher.
- In Unit 3/4 Music Performance subjects, students may be required by the school to participate and present an ensemble work (with other students and/or external performers) in their external VCAA examination. This arrangement is organised by the classroom music teacher.
- During units 1-4 student performances are recorded on video for self and school based assessment. Students and their guardians should complete a release form if this video is to be shared with private music teachers who are external to GWSC.