Rationale:  

Music is an integral part of all cultures from the earliest of times, expressing and reflecting human experience. Music exists in a myriad of forms, each able to elicit an array of intellectual and emotional responses from its audience. A study of music enables students to strengthen their own relationship with music and to be personally enriched as they develop greater control of their own musical expression. 

Music Performance is designed for students who will, typically, have learnt their instrument or voice for at least 3 years prior to year 11. In order to succeed and achieve best results, students must have the support of an Instrumental teacher who specialise on their chosen instrument. Students are also required to complete a Suitability Criteria Form and have it signed by the Director of Music, Erin Toulmin, before electing this subject for study. 

Structure: 

Unit 1 and Unit 2:

These units focus on building students’ performance and musicianship skills to present performances of selected group and solo music works using one or more instruments. They study the work of other performers and explore strategies to optimize their own approach to performance. They identify technical, expressive and stylistic challenges relevant to works they are preparing for performance and endeavour to address these challenges. Students develop their listening, aural, theoretical and analytical musicianship skills and apply this knowledge when preparing and presenting performances. 

Unit 3:   

This unit focuses on building and refining performance and musicianship skills. Students focus on either group or solo performance and begin preparation of a performance program they will present in the end-of-year examination. As part of their preparation, students will also present performances of both group and solo music works using one or more instruments and take opportunities to perform in familiar and unfamiliar venues and spaces. They study the work of other performers and refine selected strategies to optimize their own approach to performance. They identify technical, expressive and stylistic challenges relevant to works they are preparing for performance and endeavour to address these challenges. Students develop their listening, aural, theoretical and analytical musicianship skills and apply this knowledge when preparing and presenting performances. 

Unit 4:

This unit focuses on further development and refinement of performance and musicianship skills. Students focus on either group or solo performance and continue preparation of a performance program they will present in the end-of-year examination. All students present performances of both group and solo music works using one or more instruments and take opportunities to perform in familiar and unfamiliar venues and spaces. Through analyses of other performers’ interpretations and feedback on their own performances, students refine their interpretations and optimize their approach to performance. They continue to address challenges relevant to works they are preparing for performance and to strengthen their listening, aural, theoretical and analytical musicianship skills. 

Entry:

There are no prerequisites for entry to Units 1, 2 and 3. However, students should have at least three years of experience prior to Year 11 on a musical instrument or voice and we request that they have the support of an instrumental teacher who specialises in their chosen instrument.

Students must undertake Unit 3 prior to undertaking Unit 4.

ASSESSMENT:

Units 1 and 2:  Individual school decision.

Units 3 and 4 Music Performance:

Unit 3 school-assessed coursework: 20%

Unit 4 school-assessed coursework: 10%

Units 3 and 4 aural and written examination: 20%

Units 3 and 4 performance examination: 50%

Contact Time:

Lessons per week: 

5 periods

Subject duration: 

Year Long

Head of Arts

Maree Brennan