Music Studies Level 1
MUS1 Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Dr N. Voice.
Recommended Prior LearningShould already have been learning an instrument of choice for at least 2 years. Please state in your comment what instrumental experience you have. Voice is an instrument. Should ideally already have some understanding of musical notation. Entry to those without two years experience only with approval by VCE.
Music Studies Level 1
Students will study:
- Use music skills in a music style
- Demonstrate performance skills
- Demonstrate understanding of music in relation to contexts
- Shape music ideas to form an original composition
Students can choose from the list of topics and assessments, and can expect to complete a 15-20 credit course. Three out of four papers will be chosen by each student, and Music Technology will be incorporated into the course in order to acquire the skills needed to support their chosen papers.
Course Overview
Term 1
Students select, in conjunction with the HOD Music, the standards they wish to attempt for the year.
Students will work through a guided analysis and investigation process and complete the first of two required tasks towards the end of the term.
Students who opt to attempt the internally assessed Composition standard will attend lessons and masterclasses that explain the fundamentals of composition and provide them with a range of strategies and tools for composing.
Students who opt to attempt the internally assessed Practical Performance standards will commence, for the year, weekly instrumental/singing lessons, either at school or in the community. Regular independent practice, at school and at home, is an expectation.
Students who opt to attempt the externally assessed Music Theory and Musical Concepts standard will commence tuition.
Please note that this information will be updated as information about the new standards comes through - Dr. Voice, Sept., 2023.
Term 2
Students will work through a guided analysis and investigation process and complete the second of two required tasks towards the end of the term.
Students who opt to attempt the internally assessed Composition standard will work independently on building their composing skills through the use of instruments such as guitar/ukulele/piano/keyboard, as well as through digital technologies such as Sibelius, Garageband and/or Logic Pro. This process will be supplemented by revisiting composition basics, tools and strategies in both individual and group contexts.
Students who opt to attempt the internally assessed Practical Performance standards will continue weekly instrumental/singing lessons. Students will liaise with their instrumental/singing teachers and identify pieces to prepare for the assessments in Term 3.
Students who opt to attempt the externally assessed Music Theory and Musical Concepts standard will continue to develop relevant understandings.
Please note that this information will be updated as information about the new standards comes through - Dr. Voice, Sept., 2023.
Term 3
Students who opt to attempt the internally assessed Composition standard will work independently on building their composing skills. Students will start working on their portfolio of compositions for submission early in Term 4.
Students who opt to attempt the internally assessed Practical Performance standards will continue weekly instrumental/singing lessons. Students will be given an opportunity to participate in Formative Assessments early in the term. They will then be given the opportunity of presenting solo and/or group performances for Summative (final) Assessments in week 5 or 6 of the term.
Students who opt to attempt the externally assessed Music Theory and Musical Concepts standard will continue to develop relevant understandings and a process of revision will lead to a formal Derived Grade examination at the end of the term.
Please note that this information will be updated as information about the new standards comes through - Dr. Voice, Sept., 2023.
Term 4
Students who opt to attempt the internally assessed Composition standard will complete their composition portfolios and prepare audio and written versions for submission by the end of the second week of the term.
Students who opt to attempt the externally assessed Music Theory and Musical Concepts standard will engage in an intensive revision process in preparation for the examination.
Please note that this information will be updated as information about the new standards comes through - Dr. Voice, Sept., 2023.
Assessment Information
All assessments are due at the end of Term 3.
This course could lead to career pathways such as in the Popular Music Industry (musicians, band members, singer-songwriters, sound/audio and recording engineers); Film Music and Musical Theater (composers, conductors, instrumentalists, singers, arrangers); Education (primary and secondary school music teachers, public and private instrumental teachers, tertiary lecturers and researchers, musicologists); Media and Communication (radio/television announcers, producers, production assistants), Classical Music (composers, conductors, chamber musicians, orchestral musicians, solo and concert career performers).
Career Pathways Contributions and Equipment/StationeryWorkbooks $20.
$20 (trips are optional).