Music at high school gives students the chance to make music, explore new ideas and develop skills that last beyond the classroom. Students can discover their strengths through performing and composing while building an understanding of how music communicates meaning and connects people.
From developing musical ideas to preparing and presenting performances, students learn through practical experiences that encourage independence, collaboration and creative thinking. They also explore a diverse range of music, developing an appreciation of different artists, cultures and musical traditions.
Music provides students with the opportunity to grow as musicians, express themselves creatively and be part of something bigger than themselves.
Music – General Subject
Music gives students the opportunity to create, perform and explore music while developing their confidence, creativity and individual musical voice.
Through composition, performance and musicology, students develop their musicianship while learning to communicate ideas, express emotions and respond critically to music. They explore how music connects people, cultures and experiences while building practical skills through hands-on musical experiences.
Music encourages students to collaborate, take creative risks and develop skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Music is for students who want to express themselves, challenge their creativity and discover what they can achieve through music.
| Unit | Unit Description
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| Year 11 | Unit 1 Designs How does the treatment and combination of different music elements enable musicians to design music that communicates meaning through performance and composition? - Students engage with a variety of repertoire to develop a greater awareness of the stylistic considerations that inform the music they compose and perform.
| Unit 2 Identities How do musicians use their understanding of music elements, concepts, and practices to communicate cultural, political, social, and personal identities when performing, composing and responding to music? - Students will develop their understanding about the expression of identity in music through exploration of repertoire in the following contexts: cultural, political, social, personal.
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| Year 12 | Unit 3 Innovations How do musicians incorporate innovative music practices to communicate meaning when performing and composing? - Students make and respond to music that demonstrates innovative use of music elements and concepts and learn about how these ideas are used to communicate new meanings.
- They study the ways in which music traditions have been challenged, further developed, or reconceptualised to represent, reflect, and even shape cultural, societal, and technological change.
| Unit 4 Narratives How do musicians manipulate music elements to communicate narrative when performing, composing, and responding to music? - Students develop their understanding about the expressive powers of music to convey narrative through setting (in time and place), characterisation, drama and/or action, mood or atmosphere in film and television, video games, music theatre, opera, and program music.
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Music Extension – General Subject (Year 12 Only)
Take musical skills to the next level.
Music Extension gives students with a strong passion and ability in music the opportunity to extend their skills, creativity and musical expertise.
Students deepen their understanding through more challenging musical experiences, developing greater confidence, independence, technical skill and artistic expression. The course encourages students to refine their craft, explore their individual musical voice and push the boundaries of what they can achieve.
Music Extension is designed for students who are ready to challenge themselves, grow as musicians and take their musical journey further.
| Unit | Unit Description |
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| Year 12 | Unit 3 Explore: - Engage in an apprenticeship to realise their potential as composers, musicologists, or performers
- Cognitive apprenticeship, and interactive learning
- Develop independence, considering good practice through research, mentorship, critique, and fundamental skills,
- Key idea 1: Initiate best practice
- Key idea 2: Consolidate best practice
| Unit 4 Emerge: - Build on Unit 3 experiences to actualize their potential as composers, musicologists, or performers
- As emerging artists, they critically reflect on their musicianship, refining practice to discover a personal musical style with increasing independence and sophistication.
- Key idea 3: Independent best practice
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Music in Practice – Applied Subject
Create. Perform. Connect through music.
Music in Practice gives students the opportunity to create, perform and respond to music across a range of styles and contexts. With a strong focus on practical learning, students develop their musical skills while exploring how music is created, performed and experienced in the real world.
Students build creativity, confidence, collaboration and communication skills through hands-on music-making experiences. They also gain an understanding of the music industry and the practices that connect music to audiences and communities.
Music in Practice is for students who want to make music, develop their skills and turn their passion for music into real-world opportunities.
| Unit | Unit Description |
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| Year 11 | Unit 1 Music of Today - Create and respond to contemporary music, exploring song writing styles and genres through virtual platforms.
- Collaborate in local events
- Experiment with music elements and develop technical skills, fostering independence in digital technologies online platforms and community events.
| Unit 2 Building your Brand - Explore the music industry, analyse artists' branding approaches
- Develop their own brand by investigating personal interests and industry practices.
- Engage with contemporary music genres, collaborate with peers, and refine technical skills, aligning with current industry approaches
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| Year 12 | Unit 3 The Cutting Edge - Develop music technology skills for composition and performance, connecting with elements and devices.
- Independence in digital technologies
- Explore current contexts and purposes, collaborating in groups for events or projects, and enhancing their understanding of their artistic identity.
| Unit 4 'Live' on Stage! - Explore commercial music, creating, performing, and analysing to develop essential musical skills
- Collaborate with peers, engage in live events or streaming platforms, and experiment with elements for composition tasks.
- Shaping and sharing music relevant to the entertainment or media industry, emphasizing independence in technology use and responsible online citizenship.
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