The Music course is designed to support students to develop their appreciation and understanding of music.Students will be encouraged to develop their skills and musical abilities to become a confident and well-rounded musician. Students have a lot of choice in topics that they engage with. For example, in a performance exam we may hear a Chopin Nocturne followed by a Klezmer folk song, a ripping Joe Satriani guitar solo and the latest Billie Eilish hit. Topic options range from classical to pop, folk to rock and many genres in between.

There is no mandatory requirement to enter the Music 1 course. However it is strongly recommended that a student entering this course has completed the music 7-10 syllabus, or has other previous musical experience. Students are also encouraged to engage with some one to one vocal or instrumental tuition either through our Music Instrument Program or through external options. Please note that participation in performance is a compulsory element of the course.

PERFORMANCE

Develop your own personal repertoire. Be involved in performances including public shows. Develop your skills as a soloist and accompanist. Develop your skills in organising ensembles to play for your performances.

COMPOSITION

Write your own original material including songs and instrumental pieces. Use state-of-the-art music software to record and score (notate) your music, using the purpose-built music lab. Learn techniques to develop your musical ideas in interesting and effective ways. Collaborate with others to develop group pieces.

MUSICOLOGY

Present research on a topic, artist, album, culture or instrument of your choice. Develop your understanding of music theory and use of musical notation. Such in-depth study can be very enlightening for a developing musician.

LISTENING

Develop your appreciation and understanding of music through listening. Dip your toes into the wonderful musical history and styles from all over the globe, that inform today’s music. Overwhelmingly, students love hearing music that amazes and is beyond anything they have heard before. Develop your language of communicating musical ideas to others.