Unit 1 and 2 Music

Unit 1 Music

In this unit students explore and develop their understanding of how music is organised. By performing, creating, analysing and responding to music works that exhibit different approaches, students explore and develop their understanding of the possibilities of musical organisation.

Unit 2 Music

In this unit, students focus on the way music can be used to create an intended effect. By performing, analysing and responding to music works/examples that create different effects, students explore and develop their understanding of the possibilities of how effect can be created. Through creating their own music, they reflect this exploration and understanding.

Unit 1 & 2 Areas of Study:

Performing: This area of study involves the development of flexibility in music performance skills on an instrument(s) as a soloist and in a group.

Creating: This area of study lets the student demonstrate their understanding of the way music is organised by creating or composing short exercises and pieces of music. A folio of exercises is created in each unit and students work on their use of musical elements, concepts and compositional devices.

Analysing and Responding: In this area of study students continue to build their understanding of music language used for interpretation and critical listening. In summary it contains specific theory and aural skills.

Headstart Homework for Unit 1 Music Performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you study in Music?

This is a general music subject. It focuses on building skills in performance, composition and analysing music. You complete some performances as a soloist and others as a group member. You learn about creating music through your work in composition and music theory and aural. As performance is a significant part of this course students undertaking this subject must participate in an ensemble rehearsal on a weekly basis that is supervised by Music Staff at GWSC.

How does this lead onto music studies in Unit 3 & 4?

As a general music subject units 1 and 2 lead into several options in units 3 and 4. Specialisation in performance is available in Music Contemporary Performance or Music Repertoire Performance. Both of these performance subjects are currently offered at GWSC. Students wishing to specialise in composition may consider this as an option through VSV, as is Music Inquiry.

Do I need to be of a certain standard?

The short answer is no, but if you intend to follow on with performance in Units 3 and 4 you speak with your Instrumental Music Teacher or Music Coordinator to discuss this issue. If performance skills are not your strength in units 3/4 you may be better suited to Music Inquiry or Music Composition.

Is it hard?

Not if you keep up to date with tasks and are prepared to put in regular practice on your instrument.

Are there any prerequisites? For example, must I study both unit 1 and 2?

There are no prerequisites, although it is an advantage to have studied at least two electives across the years 9 and 10 level. Units 1 and 2 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 are also involved in an ensemble from GWSC Choir, Strings, Band, Guitar.

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.

Does it benefit any VCE units 3 and 4 subject I wish to take?

It is really quite a vital step in preparing for either Music Contemporary Performance, Music Repertoire Performance, Music Inquiry or Music Composition.

Learning Outcomes

Outcome 1: Performance:

The student should be able to prepare and perform a practised program of contrasting solo and group works, in a variety of contexts.

Outcome 2: Creating:

The student should submit of folio of brief creative responses/compositions.

Outcome 3: Analysing and responding:

The student analyse the treatment of specific music elements, concepts and compositional devices in music that have been created using different approaches to musical organisation. .

Assessment Tasks:

Solo Performance:

Prepare and present a short recital program on their chosen instrument including both a solo and group piece.

Group Performance:

Rehearse weekly and perform in a GWSC large ensemble (Choir, Strings, Band, Guitar).

Composition Portfolio:

Students prepare a folio of brief creative responses.

Analysing and Responding:

A test/exam that covers responding to recorded examples of music as well as theory questions.

Any questions? Contact Mr Slater in the music office bsl@gwsc.vic.edu.au

Unit 1 Recitals Collage 2019.mp4

Special Requirements for VCE Music

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.

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