Music

Semester Elective Unit

Recommendations

This unit complements the Instrumental Music Tuition Program and the Music Performance Program offered by the Music School.  This subject is highly recommended as preparation for the study of  VCE Music Performance or IB Music in Year 11.  To fully participate in class activities, it is highly recommended that students be enrolled for instrumental or vocal tuition either at Carey or with an external instrumental or voice teacher.   

Course Description

Through performing, listening and composing, students explore a range of musical styles through Western Art Music from Medieval to Modern Day.  Bringing their own experiences of music, students are encouraged to explore these styles connecting developing aural and theory skills within compositional activities, alongside historically informed performances. 

Areas of Study

Performance

• Discussion and application of learning strategies for effective musical practice and performance
• Understanding of the structure of a work in a performance to inform a more artistically and stylistically appropriate presentation
• Formal and informal performance opportunities 

Composition

• The exploration of various musical elements to evoke intended styles and moods in musical composition
• Familiarity with instrumentation and score presentation, including transposition, layout, dynamics and performance techniques
• Practical application of theory and aural skills to compositional activities 

Music History

• Understanding the development of Western Art Music from the Middle Ages to Modern Day
• Development of language and understanding of the use of elements of music to reflect upon expressive and stylistic characteristics  
• Critical listening, score reading, researching, articulating and writing

Aural and Theory

• Aural work including recognition of selected scales, modes, intervals and chords (pitch).
• Time signatures, note durations, rhythmic patterns.
• Melodic and rhythmic dictations.

Assessment

Task	Description
Music History	Musical perception and analysis tasks - two assignments on major eras of music, their composers and stylistic features.
Composition	Folio of at least two original compositions of contrasting styles researched and reflected upon.
Performance	Audio recording of end of semester solo performance, as well as regular ensemble performances and discussion on practice techniques throughout the subject.
Aural and Theory	Continuous development of aural and theory work with respect to pitch and rhythm, including melodic dictation and interval recognition.
Semester Examination	Written exam including theory and aural work, identification of the stylistic features of music from the eras studied, and short answer questions on musical terminology.