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.
Music Composition is an updated and more accessible version of the former 'Style and Composition'. It enables students to explore the organisation of sound in music to create expressive outcomes. In other words; compose new music! As part of this, students learn to critically listen and analyse musical compositions in various forms across a range of styles and traditions to understand the ways music is organised, created, and performed. Students also analyse and develop knowledge on how composers use ideas, stimuli, and creative processes to inform their own approach for musical composition.
This study is perfect for students who want to learn about and create music without needing to perform, or be assessed on performance.
All Unit 3 and 4 subjects require 3 - 5 hours of study per week.
It is expected that students will practise on their chosen DAW software and/or instrument/sound source at least 2.5 hours per week (ie 5x 30min sessions) with a focus on the specific technical and creative outcomes of this study. However, students aiming to access the highest marks will often spend at least 5 hours per week in this area.
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/
Music Composition has a vastly different graded assessment structure compared to other VCE studies.
| Task Details | Marks | % |
|---|---|---|
| AoS1 | Two creative responses (short compositions) and documentation | 20 | 20% |
| AoS2 | Analysis of selected works, a folio design brief | 40 | |
| AoS3 | Written responses to structured questions. | 20 | |
| TOTAL | 80 |
An end of year examination will be completed under the following conditions:
Further exam specifications are TBC.
| Task Details | Marks | % |
|---|---|---|
| AoS1 | NA | - | 10% |
| AoS2 | NA | - | |
| AoS3 | Written responses to structured questions | 20 | |
| TOTAL | 20 |
| Task Details | Marks | % |
|---|---|---|
| AoS 1&2 | A folio that contains documentation, audio/video performance recordings, and composition/arrangement works as relevant to the students area of investigation. | TBC | 50% |
| TOTAL | TBC |
To pass any VCE unit you need to demonstrate that you have met the Outcomes for each Area of Study (Aos).
Area of Study | Unit 3 Outcomes | Unit 4 Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
1 | Creating | Students will develop creative responses to works studied and document the creative process. | Students will create and evaluate an original work, or group or short works. |
2 | Analysing for composition | Students will analyse the use of the elements of music, concepts and compositional devices in music works, explain how musical material is developed within the works, and formulate a Folio design brief. | Students will describe and discuss their creative process and approach to creating a coherent work, and produce an analysis of their original music work/s that explains their use of music elements, concepts of music, and compositional devices. |
3 | Responding | Students will aurally analyse music from a range of styles and make critical responses to music. | Students will aurally analyse music and make critical responses to music. |
VCAA: Introduction to the new VCE Music Study Design
OLD: PHSC Style and Composition Unit 3&4 Wiki Page
New Wiki page TBC