Music (ATAR)
Course Outline
This is the Music course that caters for students who wish to study Music as an academic
discipline and may be interested in pursuing music at a tertiary and/or professional level.
The Music ATAR course encourages students to explore a range of musical experiences,
developing their musical skills and understanding creative and expressive potential, through a
choice of one of three defined contexts:Western Art Music, Jazz or Contemporary Music.
The course consists of a written component incorporating aural and theory, composition and
arrangement, cultural and historical analysis and a practical component. The practical component
can be delivered in a different context, independent of the written component. Students can
choose to perform on an instrument or voice in one of four contexts and/or submit a composition
portfolio. The Music course provides opportunities for creative expression, the development
of aesthetic appreciation and understanding and respect for music and music practices across
different times, places, cultures and contexts. Students listen, compose, perform and analyse
music, developing skills to confidently engage with a diverse array of musical experiences, both
independently and collaboratively. Studying music may also provide a pathway for further training
and employment in a range of professions within the music industry.
• Units 1 and 2: Unit 1 serves as an introduction to the academic study of music and allows
students to learn, utilise and adapt elements of music theory as well as concentrating on
improving their aural perception and performance skills. The units of study are chosen
from Western Art music, Jazz music or Contemporary music – each requiring students to
study set works and genres specific to that area. Unit 2, studied in the same context as
Unit 1, builds on the skills developed previously and then concentrates on composition and
arranging as vehicles to adapt and synthesise music theory.All students taking this course
are required to perform on an instrument of their choice or compose music as part of the
course structure. All students will also be given a 30 minute theory lesson per week outside
of normal class time.
The course is divided into four outcomes – Performing, Composing/Arranging, Listening and
Responding and Culture and Society.The context for 2019 will be chosen from contemporary or
Jazz Music, dependent on the skill set of the class. Units 1and 2 are prerequisites for the study of
Units 3 and 4 in Year 12.These units form the ideal pathway to studying music at tertiary level.
Assessment Profile
The assessment for this subject is made up of 50% written work (Aural Perception, Literature/
Analysis and Theory/Composition) and 50% Performance. Of the performance, the elective can be
entirely performance on one chosen instrument, 50/50 performance on two chosen instruments,
50/50 Performance and Composition or entirely Composition. Individual performance can be
separate from the classroom context – therefore students can perform music that is relevant to
their own personal tastes. Composition and project-based assessments are also an option for
those students who feel that their individual instrumental performance is not at the required
standard. All students will be assessed on instrumental performance in each of these options.
Exact requirements for this area are available from the School of Music on request.
Desirable Qualifications
It is recommended that students wishing to take units 1and 2 in Music have attained the
equivalent of grade 3 AMEB Music Theory and at least grade 4 AMEB Instrumental Performance.
Strong organisational abilities are also a very desirable trait.
Formal Prerequisites
• Students must be receiving formal instruction on their instrument (or composition) to
undertake this course. Please contact the School of Music for advice on whether this subject
would be suitable for you to study.
Contact:
Mr Kieran Hurley
Director of Music
[email protected]
29