Year 12 Music Inquiry Units 3 and 4
Overview
This study is for musicians who want to be involved in all aspects of music.
What sets it apart is that students choose their own area of music to investigate, and work towards producing an extensive Project that incorporates performing, creating, analysing and responding.
Unit 3, is designed to foster the skills to uncover musical influence, and in Unit 4, students use these skills to undertake a Project that incorporates performing, composing and examining music of their own choosing.
The Project (including video and audio of performances and compositions) is sent to the VCAA for final assessment.
Who is it for?
This subject is perfect if you want to be part of music making as a whole.
You can perform solo or in a group, and you create your own music. Composition is assessed on the same level as performance.
The Project, in Unit 4 means that you select the music area that you want to investigate, the pieces you will perform, and the type of pieces you will create.
And along the way, you get a chance to do a deep investigation into one music area, while listening and responding to lots of other music styles and approaches.
What do you do?
Perform and create in a given music area (Unit 3) and in a student-selected area (Unit 4)
Analyse a music tracks and investigate other tracks/styles/artists that may have influenced them.
Listen and respond to a wide variety of music styles and examine similarities and differences in musical approach.
What skills do you need?
There are no prerequisites, however:
- performing on a chosen instrument is required
- reading music and some theory knowledge is an advantage
- previous participation in musical ensembles and other music activities is an advantage.
What skills do you develop?
You will develop skills including:
- performance techniques and strategies
- compositional techniques and creative reflection.
- active and focussed listening and response strategies
- music analysis
Requirements
Students need access to video and audio recording devices.
Stable internet is needed to access this course. All work (including audio and video files) will be completed and submitted online.
Recording or notation software for creating original music is advised. Our recommendation is Sibelius for notated music. Sibelius First is a free entry-level program.
Things to think about
The Project in Unit 4 is largely self-directed. This will suit the self-motivated and passionate musician who is willing to explore a chosen area of music deeply.
The Project will be assessed externally by the VCAA, and that means creative work needs to follow specific guidelines. There is still a great amount of freedom in the selection of styles, works and approaches.
Reading music is a distinct advantage, as is some music theory knowledge.
Our annual Making Waves concert is a showcase of new compositions and student performances.
Things you can do now
The main thing you can do now is to listen and immerse yourself in a wide variety of music.
The more you think about how different music works, the more you are prepared.
Then start thinking about what music area you might like to focus on in Unit 4.
Go to the VCAA website for more information about this subject.