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 Inquiry could run as a composite class with Music Composition, and Music Contemporary will be paired with Music Repertoire.
  • It is also permitted for students to study multiple VCE Music Unit 3&4 sequences as part of their Year 12 program.

Music Inquiry Unit 3: Influence in music

Music Inquiry Unit 4: Project

What is it and why should I do it?

Music Inquiry is an updated and more accessible version of the former 'Music Investigation'. It is the most logical progression from Music Units 1&2 and offers a pathway for students whose main interest is in a combination of performing, composing/arranging, and investigating music through music making. Students will compose, arrange, interpret, re-imagine, improve, re-create, perform, and critique music in order to continue developing their musical knowledge and practical skills. For students who may be familiar with the former Music Investigation, it is important to note the following:

  • Unit 3: Influence in music, is designed to help students focus on connections between music created in different times and/or places, and the influences that may exist between one another.
    • Students will study set works designated by the teacher to expand they musical knowledge and experiences
    • Students will learn to perform and create musical works based on these set works
  • Unit 4: Project, builds on the experiences of Unit 3 and allows students to select their own area of musical interest for investigation.
    • This unit is most closely modelled on the former Music Investigation, however now condensed into a semesters worth of work.
    • Students complete a range of tasks, including performance/creative elements, to submit as an Externally Assessed Task (marked by VCAA, not by PHSC)

How much homework/study will I have?

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

Students are expected to be practising their instrument/s consistently throughout the year. It is highly recommended thats students enrolled in Music Inquiry dedicate a minimum of 2.5 hours (ie 5x 30min sessions) specifically to practical development on a selected instrument/s and DAW/sound source that will be linked into the performance/creative outcomes of this study.

What contributes to my study score?

Music Inquiry has a vastly different graded assessment structure compared to other VCE studies.

Unit 3 - SACs

AssessmentTaskMarks%
Outcome 13x tasks, TBC35



30%

Outcome 22x tasks, TBC10
Outcome 3Unstudied works - traditional SAC format15

TOTAL60


Unit 4 - SAC

AssessmentTaskMarks%
Outcome 1NA



5%
Outcome 2NA
Outcome 3Unstudied works - traditional SAC format15

TOTAL15

Unit 4 - EAT (Externally Assessed Task)

AssessmentTaskMarks%
Outcome 1A folio that contains documentation, audio/video performance recordings, and composition/arrangement works as relevant to the students area of investigation.


TBC




50%

Outcome 2
Outcome 3NA

TOTALTBC


How do I satisfactorily complete the unit?

To pass any VCE unit you need to demonstrate that you have met the Outcomes.

Outcome 1
On completion of this unit the student should be able to explain and justify their interpretative approach to performance of a program of works.

Outcome 2
On completion of this unit the student should be able to compose/improvise/arrange an original music work and perform a music work and explain how it is characteristic of a music style, tradition and/or genre relevant to the Investigation Topic.

Outcome 3 
On completion of this unit the student should be able to demonstrate artistic intent and understanding in a cohesive and engaging performance of music works.

Give me all the details I want to know more:

VCAA Music Investigations

PHSC Music Investigations 3&4 Wiki Page