A new Study Design for Music is being introduced in 2023. The structure of VCE Music has significantly changed; there are now four VCE Music options at the Unit 3&4 level.
- Please note that the structure of VCE Music subjects in 2023 at PHSC will be based on enrolment numbers.
- We are initially expecting that Music Contemporary will be paired with Music Repertoire, and that Music Inquiry could run as a composite class with Music Composition.
- It is also permitted for students to study multiple VCE Music Unit 3&4 sequences as part of their Year 12 program.
What is it and why should I do it?
2023 - 2027 Study Design update coming soon.
What is it and why should I do it?
Music Performance is a subject for students who enjoy playing music and covering a broad range of styles and theoretical concepts. Topics covered include: Performance, technical work and effective practice methods, aural theory (intervals, chords, scales, harmonic/rhythmic/melodic transcription), written theory, and listening analysis. The subject builds on the knowledge and work from units 1 & 2 and most of the content is the exact same but extended in its difficulty. Students will begin the year by choosing to do either a group or solo performance exam at the end of the year, choose repertoire for the exam and spend the year learning and refining their set. Music performance allows students to diversify their performance stylistically and teaches a broad range of theory concepts.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 performance is practical. You will be expected to practice between 30 - 60 minutes a day. Theory and aural work come from the textbook and chapters are often assigned as homework. Aural skills are expected to be practiced daily for 5-10 minutes.It is expected that students will practise their chosen instrument/sound source for at least 2.5 hours per week (ie 5x 30min sessions). However, students aiming to access the highest marks will often spend at least 5 hours per week on their chosen instrument/sound source.
Students should also dedicate 1 - 2 hours per week practising general musical concepts/material studied in class.
We highly recommend that students enrol in one-on-one instrumental lessons. The PHSC Music Department provides access to highly experienced teachers across most instruments. Enrolment details can be found here:
http://www.phsc.vic.edu.au/music-dept/instrumental-music/
What contributes to my study score?
Music Contemporary follows a similar structure to the previous 'Music Performance' study.
- Units 3 & 4 SACs
- will combine for GA1 and be worth 30%
- The Performance Exam will be GA2 and be worth 50%
- The Aural and Written Exam will be GA3 and be worth 20%
Unit 3 - SACs
| Task Details | Marks | % |
|---|---|---|
| AoS1 | A short, written/oral task | 10 | 20% |
| AoS2 | 2x tasks TBC | 30 | |
| AoS3 | 2x tasks TBC | 40 | |
| TOTAL | 80 |
Unit 4 - SAC
| Task Details | Marks | % |
|---|---|---|
| AoS1 | NA | - | 10% |
| AoS2 | NA | - | |
| AoS3 | 2x tasks TBC | 20 | |
| TOTAL | 20 |
End of Year Examinations
| Examination Details | Duration | % |
|---|---|---|
Live performance drawing on skills from Outcome 1 (AoS1) in Units 3 and 4. Solo or group setting. | TBC | 50% |
| Aural and written examination drawings on knowledge and skills from Outcome 3 (AoS3) in Units 3 and 4. | 60mins | 20% |
How do I satisfactorily complete the unit?
To pass any VCE unit you need to demonstrate that you have met the Outcomes . In Music Performance you meet the outcomes primarily through completion of coursework/homework, participating in performances, and through SACs.
Outcome 1
On completion of this unit the student should be able to prepare and perform informed interpretations in a program of group and solo works, and demonstrate a diverse range of techniques, expressive qualities and understanding of a wide range of music styles and performance conventions.
Outcome 2
On completion of this unit the student should be able to demonstrate and discuss techniques relevant to refining the performance of selected works.
for each Area of Study (Aos).
| Area of Study | Unit 3 Outcomes | Unit 4 Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
1 | Performing | Students will perform a selection of works being prepared for the performance examination, demonstrating an understanding of music style, authentic performance conventions, and a range of techniques. Students sill prepare a 'Performer's Statement of Intent' to explain their choices. | Students will perform/create/arrange works and explain how their performance/composition/arrangement has been influenced by their selected music style and/or creator studied in AoS2. |
2 | Analysing for performance | Students will demonstrate and discuss performance development techniques and approaches relevant to performance of selected works and an intended approach to a reimagined existing work. | Students will analyse and describe the treatment of music elements, concepts, and compositional devices in two works from their Area of Investigation, and reflect on how this has influenced their own music making. |
3 | Responding | Students wil | Students will identify, describe, and discuss musical characteristics of selected music excerpts and compare similarities and differences between them |
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.