Thames High School

Music Studies Level 3

MUS3 Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Dr N. Voice.

Recommended Prior Learning

Should already have been learning an instrument of choice for at least 4 years. Students who wish to attempt the externally assessed Harmonic and Tonal Analysis examination must have successfully completed the Level 2 Music Theory/ Musical Concepts examination or been studying music theory with an instrumental teacher for a minimum of four years.

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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/Songwriting standards 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 Harmonic and Tonal Analysis standard will commence tuition.

Term 2
Students who opt to attempt the internally assessed Composition/Songwriting standards 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 Harmonic and Tonal Analysis standard will continue to develop relevant understandings.
Students who opt to attempt the internally assessed Musical Analysis standard will commence a guided process of investigating and analysing a selected work.

Term 3
Students who opt to attempt the internally assessed Composition/Songwriting standards will work independently on building their composing skills. Students will start working on their portfolio of compositions/songs 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 Harmonic and Tonal Analysis 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.
Students who opt to attempt the internally assessed Musical Analysis standard will continue a guided process of investigating and analysing a selected work. They will then write a formal report for submission by the end of the term.

Term 4
Students who opt to attempt the internally assessed Composition/Songwriting standards 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 Harmonic and Tonal Analysis standard will engage in an intensive revision process in preparation for the examination.

Learning Areas:

Visual & Performing Arts

Career Pathways

Sound Technician, Entertainer, Musician, Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Primary School Teacher, Kaiwhakaako Māori, Secondary School Teacher

Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

Workbook (for AS 91421 only) $20.

$20 (trips are optional).

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