Course Content

Music is a year length course aimed at the student who wishes to continue through to Year 12, but also catering for the students who simply want to experience music at this level.

The course comprises four main units of study. These are:

• Performance - solo and ensemble work. Students will have the opportunity to work on solo and group activities to present a music performance.
• Aural Training and Musicianship - Where students learn the basics of music theory (approx. Grade 2 level), recognition of notes, chords, instrument groups and sounds. They also learn correct techniques in analysing music for performance.
• Composition/Technology - Students learn to write music using Sibelius and composing music to develop their advertising/media project using technology. They learn skills such as recording their music using the latest music software such as Logic X, Sibelius and Protools.
• Literature of Music - Topics include World Music, a study of the major musical works in history, the great composers, learning to follow and interpret a musical score and listening to and analysing contemporary and western music. This includes classical, jazz, musicals, pop, rock and roll, modern composers and their influences on society and music in general.

Students who study Year 9 Music must also learn an instrument (or voice).

The instrumental component of the course comprises a major part of the total assessment component of the course and is studied in conjunction with Year 9 Music.

Instrumental lessons take place within the school timetable in most cases. External students (eg piano students) are assessed in conjunction with their private tutor.

A further requirement of the course is that students must belong to at least one of the major ensemble groups at the College, namely the Senior Concert Band, Jazz Band, Choir, Senior Chorale, Boys Vocal Ensemble, Flute Choir, Guitar Ensemble or other suitable groups. Solo performance in class is also an integral part of the music course and participation in school concerts, festivals and masses is a high priority in the student’s overall musical development.

Students who elect to study Year 9 Music will be given priority to learn an instrument at the College.