Unit 1

This unit focuses on building performance and musicianship skills. Students 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 optimise their own approach to performance. They identify technical, expressive and stylistic challenges relevant to works they are preparing for performance and practise technical work to address these challenges. They also develop skills in performing previously unseen music. Students study aural, theory and analysis concepts to develop their musicianship skills and apply this knowledge when preparing and presenting performances.

Outcomes

1. On completion of this unit the student should be able to prepare and perform a practised program of group and solo works.
2. On completion of this unit the student should be able to demonstrate instrumental techniques used in performance of selected works, demonstrate unprepared performance skills and describe influences on their approach to performance.
3. On completion of this unit the student should be able to identify, re-create, notate and transcribe elements of music, and describe ways in which expressive elements of music may be interpreted.

Unit 2

In this unit students build their performance and musicianship skills. They present performances of selected group and solo music works using one or more instruments. Students study the work of other performers through listening and analysis and use specific strategies to optimise their own approach to performance. They also study strategies for developing technical and expressive performance skills. They identify technical, expressive and stylistic challenges relevant to works they are preparing for performance and practise related technical work. They develop skills in performing previously unseen music and study specific concepts to build their musicianship knowledge and skills. Students also devise an original composition or improvisation.

Outcomes

1. On completion of this unit the student should be able to prepare and perform a musically engaging program of group and solo works.
2. On completion of this unit the student should be able to demonstrate instrumental techniques used in performance of selected works, demonstrate unprepared performance skills and describe influences on their approach to performance.
3. On completion of this unit the student should be able to identify, re-create, notate and transcribe elements of music, and describe how selected elements of music have been interpreted in performance.
4. On completion of this unit the student should be able to devise a composition or an improvisation that uses music language evident in work/s being prepared for performance.

Unit 3

This unit prepares students to present convincing performances of group and solo works. In this unit students select a program of group and solo works representing a range of styles and diversity of character for performance. They develop instrumental techniques that enable them to interpret the works and expressively shape their performances. They also develop an understanding of performance conventions they can use to enhance their performances. Students develop skills in unprepared performance, aural perception and comprehension, transcription, music theory and analysis.

The focus for analysis in Area of Study 3 is works and performances by Australian musicians.

Outcomes

1. On completion of this unit the student should be able to present an informed, accurate and expressive performance of a program of group and solo works.
2. On completion of this unit the student should be able to demonstrate performance techniques, technical work and exercises, and describe their relevance to the performance of selected group and/or solo works, and present an unprepared performance.
3. On completion of this unit the student should be able to identify, re-create, notate and transcribe short excerpts of music, and discuss the interpretation of expressive elements of music in pre-recorded works.

Unit 4

In this unit students refine their ability to present convincing performances of group and solo works. Students select group and solo works that complement works selected in Unit 3. They further develop and refine instrumental and performance techniques that enable them to expressively shape their performance and communicate their understanding of the music style of each work. Students continue to develop skills in aural perception and comprehension, transcription, theory, analysis and unprepared performance. Students continue to study ways in which Australian performers interpret works that have been created since 1910 by Australian composers/songwriters.

Outcomes

1. On completion of this unit the student should be able to prepare and present accurate and expressive performances of informed interpretations of a program/s of group and solo works.
2. On completion of this unit the student should be able to demonstrate performance techniques, and technical work and exercises, and discuss their relevance to the performance of selected group and/ or solo works, and present an unprepared performance.
3. On completion of this unit the student should be able to identify, re-create, notate and transcribe short excerpts of music, and analyse the interpretation of expressive elements of music in pre-recorded works.

Assessment

Contact Teacher - Gary Nicholls