Music - Solo Performance is designed so that it may be taken as an individual unit, however, for students intending to follow this subject through to senior levels it is recommended that it is taken sequentially with Music - Group Performance. A prerequisite for this subject is that you must be undertaking, or intend to commence instrumental lessons; either privately or through the School Instrumental Music Program, and participate in a GWSC large ensemble like Choir, Band, Strings, Guitar ensemble.
Students develop skills in solo music performance using prepared and unprepared work. The associated areas of creative organisation, perspectives on performance and aural comprehension contribute to musicianship. Students develop awareness of style and form of the works being prepared for performance and experiment with interpretation.
Develop skills in prepared and unprepared performance. Prepare and perform a solo program demonstrating a range of styles and techniques
Analyse and make critical response to works currently being prepared for performance. This includes an understanding of historical, social and cultural contexts
Students compose and arrange using traditional notation and technology.
Develop aural skills, including interval and chord recognition, chord progressions, rhythmic and melodic dictation.
What do you study in Music Group and Solo Performance?
The courses are both built around aspects of performance - specialising in developing skills in the area of ensemble and solo performance.
Do I need to be of a certain standard?
The short answer is no, but if you intend to follow these studies through to VCE, you should speak with your Instrumental Music Teacher or Music Coordinator to discuss this issue so we can support you.
You are expected to be learning an instrument, either privately or through the school Instrumental Program, to study Music Solo Performance, and participate in a GWSC large ensemble like Choir, Band, Strings, Guitar ensemble.
Is it hard?
Not if you keep up to date with tasks and are prepared to put in regular practice on your instrument.
Do I require a high standard of theory knowledge?
No. The level of theory required follows on from the work covered in year 8 Music, or at the standard you may be completing with your private music teacher.
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. It also opens up many more performance and practice opportunities for the student.
Are there any associated costs?
Music lesson and GWSC ensemble costs. We often take the class on an excursion to a professional orchestra or musical theatre show the cost could be $50 or above.
Do we get to go on an excursion, or are there any guest speakers or performances?
Yes, at least one excursion per year and the students must complete performances in either elective. We often take the class on an excursion to a professional orchestra or musical theatre show the cost could be $50 or above.
Is there a lot of prac or is the subject mainly theory based?
There are components of both, but the focus is in developing skills that directly impact on the student’s performance ability. The written area covers some general knowledge, listening, aural, composition 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 Music Performance Units 3 and 4. We prefer students to complete at least two semesters of music across years 9 and 10 prior to undertaking VCE studies in Music.