Rationale:

All students should have the opportunity to develop their musical abilities and potential. As an artform, music pervades society and occupies a significant place in world cultures and in the oral and recorded history of all civilisations. It uses a unique symbol system that uses sound to imply meaning and convey information, and has the capacity to cross cultural and societal boundaries. Music plays important roles in the social, cultural, aesthetic and spiritual lives of people. At an individual level, music is a medium of personal expression. It enables the sharing of ideas, feelings and experiences.

The study of music combines the development of affective, cognitive and psychomotor domains in the act of making music. It allows for the expression of emotion and imagination, the intellect and the exploration of values. Music fosters an understanding of continuity and change, and of the connections between different times and cultures. The nature of musical study also allows students to develop their capacity to manage their own learning, engage in problem-solving, work collaboratively and engage in activity that reflects the real world practice of performers, composers and audiences. The study of music fosters knowledge, understanding and skills that contribute to lifelong processes of learning and to the appreciation and enjoyment of music.

While students will develop knowledge and skills in each of the individual areas of performing, composing and listening, the integration of experiences in these areas enhances the understanding and manipulation of the concepts of music in differing musical contexts.

The purpose of the Years 7–10 syllabus is to provide students with the opportunity to build on the knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes gained in Stage 3 and encourage the desire to continue learning in formal and informal musical settings beyond Stage 5. Music Years 7–10 provides students with opportunities to extend their musical knowledge and the Music Elective course will serve as a pathway for further formal study in Music 2 in Stage 6.

The curriculum structure is adaptable enough to meet the needs and abilities of students whose interests range from the broadly based to the pursuit of specialised musical knowledge and skills.

Aim:

The aim of the Music Years 7–10 Syllabus is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for active engagement and enjoyment in performing, composing and listening, and to allow a range of music to have a continuing role in their lives.

Objectives:

Knowledge, Understanding and Skills

Students will develop knowledge, understanding and skills in the concepts of music through:

• performing as a means of self-expression, interpreting musical symbols and developing solo and/or ensemble techniques

• composing as a means of self-expression, musical creation and problem solving

• listening as a means of extending aural awareness and communicating ideas about music in social, cultural and historical contexts.

Values and Attitudes

Students will value and appreciate:

• the aesthetic value of music and the enjoyment of engaging in performing, composing and listening.

Content:

The elective course will build sequentially from the mandatory course and is designed for students in Years 9–10 who wish to extend their musical experiences and learning. The knowledge, understanding and skills gained in the course provide a firm foundation for the study of Music in Stage 6.

In the Elective course, students will study:

• the concepts of music

• through the learning experiences of performing, composing and listening

• within the context of a range of styles, periods and genres.

Concepts of music

• duration

• pitch

• dynamics and expressive techniques

• tone colour

• texture

• structure

Learning experiences

• performing

• composing

• listening