Music 1
2 unit course
Course Summary
From 2027, the newly updated Music 1 course provides students with exciting opportunities to develop practical, creative and industry-relevant skills across a diverse range of musical styles and contemporary music practices. Reflecting the evolving world of music, the course places a strong emphasis on creativity, collaboration, music technology and authentic music-making experiences. At CCAS, students have access to high-quality instruments, performance spaces, music technology facilities and a professional recording studio environment.
Students engage in performing, listening and composing through a variety of musical contexts. The course encourages students to develop their own creative voice while building confidence as performers, composers, producers and critical listeners.
Music 1 explores how music communicates meaning through performance, composition, listening activities and music technology. Students investigate a range of styles, genres and traditions while developing skills in songwriting, improvisation, music production and stylistic interpretation. Students also develop an understanding of the impact of technology on music creation, recording, performance and distribution.
The course supports students in becoming thoughtful, expressive and collaborative musicians who can engage creatively with the musical world around them. Students are encouraged to develop artistic confidence, creative independence and an appreciation for the cultural, emotional and social significance of music.
Year 11 Course
The Year 11 course is structured around three focus areas:
- Contexts of Music
- Creative Practice
- Music in Focus
Students develop foundational musicianship skills through solo and ensemble performance, composition, music production, improvisation, listening and aural skill development.
Assessment in Year 11 may include:
- Performance
- Composition
- Listening and Aural Tasks
- Creative Process Documentation
Year 12 Course
The Year 12 course focuses on:
- Music of the Last 25 Years (Australian Focus)
- Music Across Cultures, Traditions and Time
- Music for Screen, Stage and Story
Students continue to refine their creative practice and develop increasingly sophisticated performance, composition and listening skills through a diverse range of repertoire and musical experiences.
The HSC course includes:
- Core Performance
- Core Composition
- Written Aural Examination
- One Elective
Elective options include:
- Performance
- Composition
- Viva Voce
Students are able to select an elective pathway that best suits their strengths and musical interests.
What, if any, skills are needed?
Music 1 is designed for students with a wide range of musical experiences and backgrounds. Students may range from those with developing instrumental and/or vocal skills through to highly experienced performers, songwriters or producers.No advanced prior knowledge of music notation is required. The course supports students in developing music literacy, aural awareness and practical musicianship skills throughout the two years of study.
Course Units
| Year 11 Units | Year 12 Units |
|---|---|
|
Contexts of Music
|
Music of the Last 25 Years (Australian Focus)
|
|
Creative Practice
|
Music Across Cultures, Traditions and Time
|
|
Music in Focus
|
Music for Screen, Stage and Story
|
Learning Experiences
Encore
Students have opportunities to attend Encore — a showcase of outstanding Music performances and compositions from across NSW, held at prestigious venues such as the Sydney Opera House and City Recital Hall.
Guest Artists and Industry Professionals
We endeavour to bring in people from a wide array of music industries to talk to students about performance, composition, songwriting and music production skills.Past guests have included: Darren Percival, James Morrison, Ray Thistlethwaite, Jess and Matt, Lindsey Jackson, Andy Mac, New Empire, The Sea Gypsies, Blake Robinson and Michael Griffin.
The course also provides opportunities for recording projects, live performance experiences, collaborative music-making and engagement with contemporary music technologies.
Work Samples
Career Options
Students can go on and study for a Bachelor of Music at various universities. This may include combining it with a teaching degree (or a master of teaching). We have also had past students go into tertiary education courses in and around music production, sound engineering and music business.