Music

Music occupies a significant place in world cultures and the recorded history of all civilisations. It is a unique symbol system that uses sound to imply meaning and convey information. Music plays a variety of important roles in the cultural and spiritual lives of people, which is reflected in its prominent place in society.

The study of music allows for the expression of the intellect, imagination and emotion, the exploration of values, and fosters an understanding of continuity and change, as well as the connections between different times and cultures. The nature of music study also allows students to develop their capacity to manage their own learning, work collaboratively with others and engage in activity that reflects the real world practice of performers, composers and audiences.

The syllabus provides students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills, understanding and attitudes within a broad musical context and encourage the desire to continue learning in formal and informal music settings after school. The course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of musical styles, including contemporary popular music, and for many, it will serve as a pathway for further training and employment in the music industry or in contemporary music fields.

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Course Outline

The Year 11 course consists of three topic areas:

Topic 1 - Music for Radio, Film, TV and Multimedia
Topic 2 - Methods of Notating Music
Topic 3 - Technology and its influence on Music

The Year 12 course consists of four topic areas:

Topic 1 - Music for Small Ensembles
Topic 2 - An Instrument and Its Repertoire
Topic 3- Music of the 20th and 21st Centuries
Topic 4 - Student’s own area of interest elective option choice

Course Requirements

In Year 11, students will study the concepts of music through the learning experiences of performance, composition, musicology research and aural skills analysis, within the context of a range of styles, periods and genres.

As part of the HSC course, in addition to core studies in performance and aural analysis skills, students select three electives from any combination of performance, composition and musicology to research, create and refine for their HSC practical examination.

Course Description

The 2 unit Music course provides students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills, understanding and attitudes within a broad range of musical styles, periods and genres. The course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of learning experiences such as performance, composition, musicology research and aural skills analysis. For many, it will serve as a pathway for further training and employment in tertiary study, the music industry or in contemporary music fields.

Co-requisites, Prerequisites and Materials

Music is a Performing Arts subject that has both practical and written components for the HSC exams. Students must be able to perform proficiently for assessment tasks on their choice of instrument / voice in various music styles. Students may have varied musical background experience for this course, and may learn to perform music aurally or by reading forms of notation such as sheet music or tablature.

FAQs

Do I need to be able to perform on an instrument to study Music?

Yes! This is a Performing Arts subject where students must be able to perform proficiently for assessment tasks and the HSC on their choice of instrument / voice in various music styles in front of a live audience.

Will I need to rehearse and perform at home?

Yes! Music is a subject where you need to work creatively at home to rehearse and practice on your major instrument/voice. Music is a rewarding subject for which your hard work will pay off if you are consistent and regular in your performance practice.

What is the difference between the Music 1 (2 unit course) & Music 2 (2 unit course)?

Music 1 attracts students with a formal music background as well as those with only informal experience. Students study music in a wide variety of styles including classical, contemporary and popular music.

Music 2 focuses only on the study of Western Classical art music. It assumes students have an extensive formal background in music with proficient score reading abilities and advanced technical performance and composition skills.

What can Music lead to career-wise?

The study of Music provides students with knowledge, understanding and skills that form a valuable foundation for a range of courses at University, Tafe and other tertiary institutions. Please see the attached link for more information.

I have more questions - who can I ask?

Please come and talk with the music teachers!

Ms Andrews: tandrews2@parra.catholic.edu.au

Mr Frede:

cfrede@parra.catholic.edu.au

References:The Rational and Course Outline are from the Syllabus: www.educationstandards.nsw.edu.au

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