Thames High School

Music Studies Level 2

MUS2 Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Dr N. Voice.

Recommended Prior Learning

Should already have been learning an instrument of choice for at least 3 years. Students who wish to attempt the externally assessed Musical Analysis and/or Music Theory/ Musical Concepts examination(s) must have successfully completed the Level 1 examination or been studying music theory with an instrumental teacher for a minimum of three years, in which case entry must be with the approval of the HOD Music.

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Course Overview

Term 1
Students select, in conjunction with the HOD Music, the standards they wish to attempt for the year.
Students will be given guidance regarding topic choices and the research/investigative process. They will also be guided with regard to the requirements relating to formal report writing. They will commence their research process and work towards completion of a formal report by the end of the term. This will complete the compulsory standard.
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/ Musical Concepts and/or Musical Analysis standard(s) will commence tuition.

Term 2
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, Garage Band 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/ Musical Concepts and/or Musical Analysis standard(s) will continue to develop relevant understandings.

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/ Musical Concepts and/or Musical Analysis standard(s) 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.

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/ Musical Concepts and/or Musical Analysis standard(s) will engage in an intensive revision process in preparation for the examination.

Learning Areas:

Arts

Pathway

Music Studies Level 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

Sound Technician, Entertainer, Musician, Primary School Teacher, Kaiwhakaako Māori, Secondary School Teacher

Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

Workbooks $20.

$20 (trips are optional).

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