VCE Music Performance
What do I learn in VCE Music?
VCE Music Performance focuses on making you a better, more creative performer. Through a range of practical and theoretical activities you will:
How is the course structured?
Unlike most VCE subjects where you study different topics every semester, in VCE Music every semester is built around the same three areas of study (in Unit 2 ONLY there is a fourth area of study). These are:
Area of Study 1: Performance
This area focuses on solo and group performance. To pass, you must learn and perform around 10-15 minutes of music on your chosen instrument. In Unit 1 and Unit 2, you can choose any piece of music. In Unit 3 and Unit 4, you have to choose from a VCAA set list, but the list is pretty diverse and full of contemporary (rock, pop etc) music. You also have to be part of one of the school ensembles (e.g. choir, concert band, guitar ensemble).
Area of Study 2: Performance Technique
This area develops your skills on your main instrument. With the help of both your classroom teacher and your instrumental music teacher, you examine the pieces of music you chose for Area of Study 1, and design and perform different exercises to help you become better at certain aspects of your instrument. Guitarists might focus on fingerpicking, singers might focus on extending their range, pianists might work on finger strength, drummers on rudiments or co-ordination of hands and feet...you get the idea (hopefully). You also learn how to become more efficient at practicing.
Area of Study 3: Musicianship
This area teaches you more about music theory and also helps you develop your aural (listening) skills. It picks up where Year 10 Music left off, and takes you much further.
*Area of Study 4: Organisation of Sound (STUDIED IN UNIT 2 ONLY)
Basically, you compose your own song.
FAQ:
Q. If I am a singer, can I do VCE Music?
A. Yes, singing (voice) is considered to be an instrument
Q. I'm not sure if I am good enough on my instrument to do VCE Music.
A. Usually, a couple of years experience is recommended. If you're not sure if you are 'good' enough, speak to Mrs Brady who would be very happy to give you more info, or listen to you play and give you some feedback.
Q. I don't have lessons on my instrument. Can I still do VCE Music?
A. It doesn't matter whether you have had lessons on your instrument or not prior to taking VCE Music, HOWEVER by the start of rollover for Year 11 you must have signed up with a teacher (this can be through Chelt's Instrumental Music Program, or if you prefer with someone outside of school).
Q. I can't read music. Can I still do VCE Music?
A. Yes. You will just need to work a bit harder, and you will have some holiday homework to do to prepare you for the start of 2016.
Q. I'm part of a band. Can we do VCE Music together?
A. Usually, students do VCE Music as solo musicians. However if you have an established band then it is possible to be assessed as a band. Please talk to Mrs Brady about this.
Any other questions?
Email Ms Low
VCE Music Performance focuses on making you a better, more creative performer. Through a range of practical and theoretical activities you will:
- Improve your performance skills on your instrument
- Learn how to connect with your audience
- Become more confident presenting yourself on stage
- Develop hugely improved music theory skills, and understand how and why this is fundamental to becoming a great musician
- Learn how to listen to a piece of music and write it down
- Compose your own music
- Learn how to listen to other musicians to improve your own musical skills
How is the course structured?
Unlike most VCE subjects where you study different topics every semester, in VCE Music every semester is built around the same three areas of study (in Unit 2 ONLY there is a fourth area of study). These are:
Area of Study 1: Performance
This area focuses on solo and group performance. To pass, you must learn and perform around 10-15 minutes of music on your chosen instrument. In Unit 1 and Unit 2, you can choose any piece of music. In Unit 3 and Unit 4, you have to choose from a VCAA set list, but the list is pretty diverse and full of contemporary (rock, pop etc) music. You also have to be part of one of the school ensembles (e.g. choir, concert band, guitar ensemble).
Area of Study 2: Performance Technique
This area develops your skills on your main instrument. With the help of both your classroom teacher and your instrumental music teacher, you examine the pieces of music you chose for Area of Study 1, and design and perform different exercises to help you become better at certain aspects of your instrument. Guitarists might focus on fingerpicking, singers might focus on extending their range, pianists might work on finger strength, drummers on rudiments or co-ordination of hands and feet...you get the idea (hopefully). You also learn how to become more efficient at practicing.
Area of Study 3: Musicianship
This area teaches you more about music theory and also helps you develop your aural (listening) skills. It picks up where Year 10 Music left off, and takes you much further.
*Area of Study 4: Organisation of Sound (STUDIED IN UNIT 2 ONLY)
Basically, you compose your own song.
FAQ:
Q. If I am a singer, can I do VCE Music?
A. Yes, singing (voice) is considered to be an instrument
Q. I'm not sure if I am good enough on my instrument to do VCE Music.
A. Usually, a couple of years experience is recommended. If you're not sure if you are 'good' enough, speak to Mrs Brady who would be very happy to give you more info, or listen to you play and give you some feedback.
Q. I don't have lessons on my instrument. Can I still do VCE Music?
A. It doesn't matter whether you have had lessons on your instrument or not prior to taking VCE Music, HOWEVER by the start of rollover for Year 11 you must have signed up with a teacher (this can be through Chelt's Instrumental Music Program, or if you prefer with someone outside of school).
Q. I can't read music. Can I still do VCE Music?
A. Yes. You will just need to work a bit harder, and you will have some holiday homework to do to prepare you for the start of 2016.
Q. I'm part of a band. Can we do VCE Music together?
A. Usually, students do VCE Music as solo musicians. However if you have an established band then it is possible to be assessed as a band. Please talk to Mrs Brady about this.
Any other questions?
Email Ms Low