Learning Area Leader: Ms McCormick
The study of VCE Music is ideal for students considering a career in the music industry, a career in an associated field or for those who have a passion for music. This subject is for students who are open to learning more about contemporary musical styles and would like to further develop their performance, musicianship and auditory listening analysis skills.
VCE Music is a highly accessible course. Students with diverse musical backgrounds and varying degrees of experience on an instrument or voice are encouraged to enrol. Prior experience in music is highly desirable; however, it is not a requirement for students to have had a history of traditional private instrumental music lessons although this is very beneficial.
Career Paths / Future Directions
Music Performance, Music Industry, Media and Communications, Arts and Events Management, Music Therapy, Education.
Many tertiary institutions offer undergraduate Music courses (Jazz, Contemporary and Classical styles) in a double degree format such as Arts/Music, Law/Music, Science/Music, Education/Music and Commerce/Music. Entry into these courses is via audition and ATAR.
Music Units 1& 2 (Code: MUSP11, MUSP22)
Description
In Units 1 and 2, students develop an understanding of how music is organised and how it can be used to create an intended effect. By performing, creating, analysing and responding to musical works that exhibit different approaches, students develop and refine musicianship skills and develop a critical awareness of their relationship with music as listeners, performers and creators. Students prepare musical works for performance and work on improving technical control, expression and stylistic understanding. They create a folio of musical compositions and reflect on the creative process in an informed way. Students develop skills in aural analysis and respond to a range of excerpts in different styles identifying how the various elements of music are used. They develop auditory discrimination and memory skills through identifying, recreating and documenting music language concepts, for example chord progressions and melodic and rhythmic patterns.
Outcomes
· Rehearse and present planned performances (solo and ensemble) describing how they intend to convey specific musical effect(s).
· Create short music works that exhibit their understanding of different approaches to musical effects and organisation and reflect on the creative process.
· Analyse the treatment of specific elements of music and identify the ways performers and creators structure their music and convey intended effect.
· Develop skills in auditory discrimination and memory through identifying and documenting music language concepts, for example chords and melodic and rhythmic patterns.
Assessment for Units 1 & 2
· Performances of at least two works, including at least one ensemble/group work
· A discussion of the challenges presented by these works and approaches taken towards stylistic interpretation
· A folio of creative responses (composition)
· A folio of exercises covering aural, written, composition and practical tasks
· Analysis and Music Language examination (Outcome 3)
MUSIC CONTEMPORARY PERFORMANCE
Unit 3: Music Contemporary Performance (Code: MUCP33, MUCP44)
Description
In Music Contemporary Performance, students study the work of other performers and analyse their approaches to interpretation and how personal voice can be developed through reimagining existing music works. Students refine selected strategies to enhance their own approach to performance. Students identify technical, expressive and stylistic challenges relevant to works they are preparing for performance and endeavour to address these challenges. They listen and respond to a wide range of music by a variety of performers in contemporary styles. Students also study music language concepts such as scales, harmony and rhythmic materials that relate to contemporary music.
Students prepare a program for assessment in a live performance. They may be assessed as primarily a member of a group or as a solo performer. All performances must include at least one ensemble work with another live musician and an original work created by an Australian artist since 1990. All performances must include a personally reimagined version of an existing work. Original works may also be included in the program. Students may present with any instrument or combination of instruments.
Outcomes
· Perform a program of works, including a creative reimagining of an existing work, demonstrating an understanding of music style, authentic performance conventions and a range of techniques, using a Performer’s Statement of Intent to explain the choice of works for the program.
· Demonstrate and discuss performance development techniques and reimagining approaches relevant to the performance of selected works.
· Discuss a performer’s interpretation and manipulation of music elements and concepts in previously unheard music.
· Identify, recreate (on instrument) and notate music language concepts.
Assessment for Units 3 & 4
End-of-year performance examination = 50%
End-of-year aural and written examination = 20%
School Assessed Coursework = 30%