Music 1
2 unit course
Course Summary
The Music 1 course provides students with the valuable opportunity to develop industry-relevant skills in a range of music styles and elective areas. In 2023 students at CCAS will have even more flexibility in their topic choice areas and access to high-end instruments, facilities and equipment (along with a newly appointed recording studio).
They will develop their knowledge of music concepts as an art form through performance, composition, musicology, and aural activities in a variety of stylistic contexts. Students will learn skills to evaluate music critically and develop an understanding of the impact of technology. The course also encourages students to develop personal values about music. It provides an opportunity for students to emerge as musically sensitive and capable individuals with the capacity and desire for music to play a significant and continually developing role in their lives.
In the Preliminary course, students will do a 25% assessment in the following areas:
- Aural
- Musicology
- Composition
- Performance
In the HSC course, students will have the opportunity to choose 3 electives (please see video examples of these below). These can be any combination of the following options:
- Composition
- Performance
- Viva voce (a 2-way discussion on a chosen topic with the examiner for 10 minutes)
As one example, many students across the state choose to do 3 performances.
What, if any, skills are needed?
Students in Music 1 range from those with developing instrumental and/or vocal skills to those with highly developed performance skills in various musical styles, including popular music.
The course assumes no prior knowledge of musical notation beyond the basic introduction in the Years 7–10 course. However, it does recognise that students who have had no further involvement in Music beyond their introduction in the Mandatory course will need to revisit elementary musical skills and understanding.
Course Units
| Year 11 Units | Year 12 Units |
|---|---|
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Methods of notating music
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Music for radio, film, television and multimedia
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Jazz Music
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An instrument and its repertoire
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Technology and its influence on music
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Students own choice from a broad list
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Learning Experiences
Encore
This is the best of Music 1 and Music 2 performances from the previous year and is held at either the Sydney Opera House or City Recital Hall.
Guest Artists
We endeavour to bring in people from a wide array of music industries to talk to students about performance and composition skills.
Some of our past guests have included; Darren Percival (artist), James Morrison (trumpet), Ray Thistlethwaite (Thirsty Merc), Jess and Matt (artists), Lindsey Jackson (composer/producer), Andy Mac (composer/producer), New Empire (band), The Sea Gypsies (band), Blake Robinson (film composer), Michael Griffin (music educator).
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.