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What is it and why should I do it?

Music investigation is a subject for students who enjoy playing music and have a very clear idea of a topic they wish to explore and investigate over the year. Music investigations requires students to be inquisitive and independent in their research as the teacher is there to facilitate and offer guidance rather than teach the intricacies of each students topic focus area.  Investigation topics focus on specific instrumental techniques used to perform in the likes of a specific style/genre, era, musician, ensemble, etc. Coursework and assessments begin with a research task and powerpoint presentation that aims to deepen understanding of important artists, historical events, and instrumental techniques of the topic area. Next is an assessment that focuses on creating exercises around: composition, arranging, and improvising in the style of the topic area. Finally, there is a composition task in which the students compose, notate, and prepare a written statement around their topic. Theory is not explicitly taught or assessed but is needed to complete the tasks to a high standardInvestigation requires students to ​design an Investigation Topic based on their personal musical interests that has a performance-based outcome​. This topic determines the scope, content and direction of the student’s study across the year. The student’s work for each Area of study, Outcome and assessment task, including the end-of-year performance examination, must draw on content relevant to the Investigation Topic. Classes involve both performance research in their topic and performances of works that are representative of that topic. Students’ research of music characteristics and performance practices representative of the topic underpins the Investigation, Composition/arrangement/improvisation, and Performance areas of study.

How much homework/study will I have?

All Unit 3 and 4 subjects require 3-5 hours of study per week.

Most of the homework for music investigation is practical. You will be expected to practice between 30 - 60 minutes a day. A lot of work into the investigation will be done with the instrumental teacher. As each student has their own area of focus, students must be incredibly diligent and be constantly researching, listening, and playing music in the style of their topic area.Students are expected to be practising their instrument/s consistently throughout the year. It is recommended that students spend ​at least 2.5 hours (5x 30 minute practise sessions) a week specifically on the performance material for their topic, as well as additional time on research and analysis of relevant material. 

What contributes to my study score?

3 SACs and an end of year performance exam (25 minutes group or solo)

Unit 3 consists of one SAC split into three parts; worth 30% of your study score.

In Unit 4, only Outcome 2 has a SAC; a composition, improvisation, or arrangement informed by the students Investigation Topic. It is worth 20% of your study score.

How do I satisfactorily complete the unit?

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