Music Performance

Units 1-2

This study is heavily focused on solo and group rehearsal and performance. Other areas of this study are designed to enhance musicianship. There is a balance of class work including theory, research, creative work, aural comprehension and practical performance work. Participation in a number of weekly group or solo rehearsals is a compulsory component of the course. Students undertaking Units 1 and 2 Music are enrolled into weekly instrumental lessons and ensemble rehearsals with our expert Instrumental Teachers to assist them to develop their technical and performance skills. Students will be required to perform regularly, some of these performances will occur outside of normal school hours. Previous music tuition or studies are strongly encouraged.

UNIT 1

Students develop performance skills, knowledge of music theory and a critical understanding of works being studied.

Students develop their listening, aural, theoretical and analytical musicianship skills, and apply this knowledge when preparing and presenting performances.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

  • Weekly theory activities.

  • Aural work and individual instrumental lessons.

  • Analyses of a variety of compositions, rehearsals and performances.

  • a daily practice of technical exercises and skills, as directed and negotiated by the classroom and instrumental teachers.

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED

  • Analysis and research skills.

  • Creative ability and time management.

  • Experience rehearsing, practicing and performing on an instrument is beneficial.

ASSESSED TASKS

  1. Theory and aural examinations.

  2. Group participation, assessed performance exams.

  3. Completion of a record of techniques, exercises and rehearsal practices.

UNIT 2

Students develop performance skills, knowledge of music theory and a critical understanding of works being studied.

Students develop their listening, aural, theoretical and analytical musicianship skills, and apply this knowledge when preparing and presenting performances.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

  • Weekly theory activities.

  • Aural work and individual instrumental lessons.

  • Short compositions and improvisations.

  • Analysis of works and performances.

  • Groups and solo rehearsals.

  • Performances.

  • A daily practice of technical skills, exercises and a program of works.

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED

  • Basic note reading skills.

  • School performance experience.

  • Some music theory.

  • Developed technical skills on an instrument.

ASSESSED TASKS

  1. Theory and aural examinations.

  2. Group participation, assessed performance exams.

  3. Completion of a record of techniques, exercises and rehearsal practices.

  4. Students create a simple composition based on the analysis of their program works.

Units 3-4

This subject is for students who are interested in music performance. Participation in weekly instrumental lessons and ensemble rehearsals are a compulsory component. A significant number of rehearsals and performances will take place outside of class time. It is recommended that students have studied Units 1 and 2 Music Performance and have satisfactorily completed both units of Music Performance prior to studying Units 3 and 4. Students must have an Instrumental Music Teacher in order to complete these units. The school allocates teachers for students studying some instruments but not all. If the school cannot supply an Instrumental Music Teacher the student is responsible for engaging a teacher.

UNIT 3

Students choose to undertake a stream in either Solo Performance or Group Performance, specialising on one instrument, developing a program of works selected from a prescribed list.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

  • Theory worksheets.

  • Aural comprehension tasks.

  • Analyses of a variety of musical compositions.

  • Written analysis assignments.

  • Daily practice of scales, pieces and exercises.

  • Regular ensemble rehearsals and performances.

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED

  • Intermediate to advanced instrumental skills.

  • Developing understanding of Western music theory. Aural and listening skills.

  • Time management.

  • Analysis, research and critical reflection skills.

ASSESSED TASKS

  1. Performance assessment of ensemble and solo pieces.

  2. Scales, exercises and unprepared performance.

  3. Performance assessment of participation in an ensemble and completion of theory, aural and analysis tests and worksheets.

UNIT 4

Students will mainly focus on either solo or ensemble performance as commenced in Unit 3.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

  • Theory worksheets, aural comprehension tasks.

  • Analyses of selected works.

  • Written analysis assignment.

  • daily practice of technical skills and exercises and a program of works.

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED

  • Intermediate to advanced instrumental skills.

  • Developing understanding of Western music theory.

  • Aural and listening skills.

  • Time management.

  • Analysis, research and critical reflection skills.

ASSESSED TASKS

  1. Performance assessment of solo/group works, scales, exercises and unprepared performance.

  2. Performance assessment of participation in an ensemble and completion of theory, aural and analysis tests and worksheets.

  3. End of year performance and written examinations. VCAA

ASSESSMENT

The overall Study Score will consist of:

  1. School Assessed Coursework (30%)

  2. A group or solo performance of variable length, in front of a panel. (50%)

  3. End of year theory and aural exam (20%).