VCE Music 2017-21

VCE Music 2017-2021

Summary of changes to the study design

General changes

The curriculum and assessment structure of VCE Music 2017-2021 is very similar to the 2011 study design. Across the study there is an increased emphasis on using research and decision-making strategies to inform interpretations and compositions. Parameters for using digital instruments in performance contexts are also outlined. Where digital instruments and other technologies are used in performance, only material that is produced/manipulated by the performer in real-time to produce an expressive outcome will be assessed.

Details of specific changes are outlined below.

Study introduction

Thestudy introduction now includes:

  • ‘Scope of study’. This section outlines the parameters of learning encompassed by the ten units.
  • Cross-study specifications’. This section defines terminology used in particular ways across the study and associated assessments including externally-assessed tasks and examinations. The specifications include definitions of digital and electronic instruments and digital and audio technologies. This section of the study design replaces the glossary used in the Advice for teachers for the 2011 study design.
  • Updated information about Safety and Well-being.
  • Summaries of requirements for Selecting instruments/voice and Selecting works for study.

Music Performance

An introduction is now provided for these units. This overview summarises the scope of the units and describes relationships between Areas of study.

The Music Language Chart on pages 20-23 lists concepts to be studied in Outcome 3 across Units 1-4. This knowledge provides a basis for the development of aural awareness. The content is organised across Units 1-2 and Units 3-4. The key skills relating to this content change from Unit to Unit. Depending on the prior experience of students, concepts may be introduced in a particular order; for example, to support students’ analyses of works being prepared for performance.

Units 1–4

Area of Study 1: Performance

The content and intention of this area of study is unchanged.
The key knowledge and skills retainscope for students and teachers to focus on either group or solo performance or a combination of these contexts. The key knowledge nowemphasises the importance of researching works and making decisions about aspects of interpretation. This key knowledge refers to the context and structure of the works selected for performance, possibilities for arranging and shaping the works in performance including the use of equipment and technologies, musicianship skills used to realise works and create character in performance, presentation techniques and approaches to making decisions about how to interpret or arrange works and shape performances.

Area of Study 2: Preparing for performance

The title of this area of study is changed from ‘Performance technique’ to better reflect its connections with Area of Study 1.The Key knowledge and key skills emphasise that each student is expected to develop a unique program for this area of study. In each unit students will create exercises to develop instrumental and presentation techniques. Unprepared performance is no longer included in this Area of study. Students will develop skills they can use when sight-reading or improvising through the practical component of Area of study 3

Area of Study 3: Music language

The title of this area of study is changed from ‘Musicianship’recognising that the knowledge and skills relating to listening, aural analysis and theoretical knowledge which are the focus in this Area of study are only a subset of the complete set
of musicianship skills that students develop through VCE Music. The knowledge and skills included in these areas of study are intended to build students’ knowledge of the fundamentals of music language. These skills are applied as studentsprepare work for performance and make interpretative decisions.

Unit 2

The scope and content of Unit 2 Area of Study 4 is unchanged.References to use of digital instruments and equipment are incorporated.

Units 3–4

Performance examination

Students will give a live performance as a member of a group or as a soloist. Details of the requirements for the examination are on pages 44-45 of the study design. Additional information will be provided in the 2017 Prescribed lists and the Examination Specifications and Criteria documents. These will be published later in 2016 or early 2017.

Area of study 3: Music language

This Area of study develops students’ ability tomake decisions about how they will interpret music in performance and develops skills that can be used when sight-reading, improvising or performing a prepared program. The content of this area of study covers three broad areas:

  • the sound and structure of fundamental components of music language – intervals, scales, chords and rhythms
  • notation conventions
  • aural analysis of pre-recorded performances

Each of the skills can be demonstrated in one or more ways, for example, a student can demonstrate their ability to identify an interval by recognizing it aurally (in isolation or in context), using notation, by singing or playing or recognising it in a written context.

The key skills for Units 3 and 4 specifythe contexts in which students should be able to demonstrate specific skills. This approachaligns the key skills with situations where musicians use these skills as they prepare and present performances.For example, students will demonstrate their skill in using a pitched instrument and/or their voice to play or sing and then notate a diatonic melody of no more than four bars in an excerpt of up to 8 bars etc.This approach recognises that when transcribing, musicians usually sing or play what they hear as they write and check the notation. These skills also assist students to develop skills used in unprepared performance.

In the Listening and interpretation section of this Area of study student develop their knowledge of ways expressive elements of music can be interpreted in performance. They apply this knowledge to analyse and compare ways performers interpret music works.

Unit 3

Area of Study 2: Preparing for performance

The key skills now include, ‘create exercises to assist development of instrumental and presentation techniques’.This approach involves students in the development of their technique and builds their understanding of ways that technical practice can be used to prepare works for performance as well as their overall development as instrumentalists.Teachers will assist students to determine the scope of exercises that are relevant, for example, a student might create an exercise based on a scale or rhythmic pattern but also incorporating specific features of a work they are preparing for performance such asmelodic sequences or phrases, articulations, bowing, fingering, arpeggiation etc.Students may use improvisation and digital technologies/equipment to develop and notate/record the exercises.

Assessment

Outcome statements in all areas of study across Units 1 to 4 have been altered to reflect revisions to the key knowledge and skills. Specific mark allocations are given for each component in the Unit 3-4 School-assessed Coursework tasks.

Units 1 and 2 Outcome statements

2011 Study Outcome Statements / 2017 Study Outcome Statements
Unit 1
Area of study 1
Prepare and perform and practised program of group and solo works
Area of study 2
Demonstrate instrumental techniques used in performance of selected works, demonstrate unprepared performance skills and describe influences on their approach to performance
Area of study 3
Identify, re-create, notate and transcribe elements of music, and describe ways in which expressive elements of music may be interpreted / Unit 1
Area of study 1
Prepare and perform a program of group and solo works
Area of study 2
Demonstrate and discuss techniques relevant to performance of selected works
Area of study 3
Identify, re-create, extend and notate music language components and short phrases and describe ways elements of music may be interpreted
Unit 2
Area of study 1
Prepare and perform a musically engaging program of group and solo works
Area of study 2
Demonstrate instrumental techniques used in performance of selected works, demonstrate unprepared performance skills and describe influences on their approach to performance
Area of study 3
Identify, re-create, notate and transcribe elements of music, and describe how selected elements of music have been interpreted in performance
Area of study 4
Devise a composition or an improvisation that uses music language evident in work/s being prepared for performance / Unit 2
Area of study 1
Prepare and perform a program of group and solo works
Area of study 2
Demonstrate and discuss techniques relevant to performance of selected works
Area of study 3
Identify, re-create, extend,and notate music language components and short phrases, and describe elements of music may be interpreted.
Area of study 4
Devise a composition or an improvisation that uses music language evident in work/s being prepared for performance

Unit 3 Outcome statements

2011 Study Outcome Statements / 2017Study Outcome Statements / Assessment tasks
Outcome 1
Present an informed, accurate and expressive performance of a program of group and solo works
Outcome 2
Demonstrate performance techniques, technical work and exercises, and describe their relevance to the performance of selected group and/or solo works, and present an unprepared performance
Outcome 3
Identify, re-create, notate and transcribe short excerpts of music, and discuss the interpretation of expressive elements of music in pre-recorded works. / Outcome 1
Prepare and perform a program of group and solo works and demonstrate a diverse range of techniques and expressive qualities and an understanding of a wide range of music styles and performance conventions
Outcome 2
Demonstrate and discuss techniques relevant to performance of selected works
Outcome 3
Identify, re-create, notate and transcribe short excerpts of music, and discuss the interpretation of expressive elements of music in pre-recorded works / Outcome 1: school decision, only S/N is reported to VCAA
Outcome 2: demonstration of material to assist with development of general instrumental technique and preparation of works for Outcome 1 including exercise/s created by the student
AND
A discussion of how the selected material is supporting the student’s development as an instrumentalist and their preparation of works for Outcome 1
Outcome 3: a test that includes aural and theory, written ,and practical components

Unit 4 Outcome statements

2011 Study Outcome Statements / 2017 Study Outcome Statements / Assessment tasks
Outcome 1
Prepare and present accurate and expressive performances of informed interpretations of a program/s of group and solo works
Outcome 2
Demonstrate performance techniques, and technical work and exercises, and discuss their relevance to the performance of selected group or solo works, and present an unprepared performance
Outcome 3
Identify, re-create, notate and transcribe short excerpts of music, and analyse the interpretation of expressive elements of music in pre-recorded works / Outcome 1
Prepare and perform informed interpretations in a program of group and solo works, and demonstrate a diverse range of techniques, expressive qualities and understanding of a wide range of music styles and performance conventions
Outcome 2
Demonstrate and discuss techniques relevant to refining performance of selected works
Outcome 3
Identify, re-create, notate and transcribe short excerpts of music, and discuss the interpretation of expressive elements of music in pre-recorded works / Outcome 1: school decision, only S/N is reported to VCAA
Outcome 2: demonstration of material to assist with development of general instrumental technique and preparation of works for Outcome 1 including exercise/s created by the student
AND
A discussion of how the selected material is supporting the student’s development as an instrumentalist and their preparation of works for Outcome 1
Outcome 3: school decision, only S/N is reported to VCAA

Music Investigation

The following changes in terminology now apply:

  • Investigation Topicreplaces Focus Area
  • Performer’s Statement replaces Focus Statement

The study introduction includes a list of the types of learning students undertake in each unit.Additional material including examples of Investigation Topics will be provided in the implementation materials and Advice for teachers.

The VCAA will continue to approve proposed Investigation Topics and students may continue to select a prescribed work from any current VCAA list.

The School-assessed coursework task for Unit 3 is restructured in three parts (see Assessment table). This change addresses concerns about authentication and provides more flexibility for schools.

The key knowledge and skills for all outcomes are very similar to those in the 2011 study; however they are presented more succinctly.

The VCAA continues to explore options for refining the assessment of this study. Any changes will occur follow consultationand trialling.

Unit 3

Area of Study 1: Investigation

The content and intention of this area of study is unchanged. The key knowledge and skills are refined to focus on the essentials whilst retaining scope for students to develop and investigate topics of interest to them. The connection between the Investigation and performance practice is strengthened in the introductory paragraph.

Area of Study 2: Composition/improvisation/arrangement

This area of study is largely unchanged.The language of the study is refined to emphasise that the exercises students create should be a vehicle for them to demonstrate their understanding of the music style, tradition or genre they are investigating.

Area of Study 3: Performance

This key knowledge and skills for this Area of study are also largely unchanged. The key knowledge and skills have been revised to emphasise connections to learning from Outcomes 1 and 2. Students are still required to develop both a performance program and a technical development program to support learning and interpretation of the works being prepared for performance.

Unit 4

Area of Study 1 is now titled ‘Preparing a performer’s statement’. The intent of this area of study is unchanged; that is, students review their Investigation findings from Outcome 3 and use that information to refine their interpretations of works for performance and their ability to explain the focus of their examination performance program. Work completed for this outcome will inform the Performer’s statement provided to assessors at the commencement of the performance examination.

The scope and direction of Area of Study 2 is unchanged.Flexibility for students to compose, arrange or improvise and to notate their work in an appropriate format is retained.

Area of Study 3 has been updated in a similar way to Unit 3 Area of Study 3. The focus in this unit continues to be on the refinement of the performance program.

Assessment

Outcome statements in all areas of study across Units 3–4 have been altered to reflect revisions to the key knowledge and skills. Specific mark allocations are given for each component in the Unit 3-4 School-assessed Coursework tasks.

Unit 3 Outcome statements

2011 Study Outcome / 2017 Study Outcome / Assessment tasks
Outcome 1
Demonstrate understanding of performance practices, context/s and influences on music works
Outcome 2
Compose, improvise and/or arrange and discuss music characteristics and performance practices
Outcome 3
Present a performance of music works that communicates understanding of the Focus Area / Outcome 1
Demonstrate understanding of practices and issues that inform performance of works that are representative of a selected music style, tradition and/or genre relevant to the Investigation Topic
Outcome 2
Compose, improvise and/or arrange and document and discuss music characteristics and performance practices relevant to the Investigation Topic
Outcome 3
Present a performance of music works that communicates knowledge and understanding of a specific music style, tradition or genre relevant to the Investigation Topic / A report that includes written, audio and visual components. The report will be based on research undertaken for Outcome 1 and be presented in a multimedia format
AND
  • A presentation that includes performance of exercises created by the student for Outcome 2
  • Demonstration of material from a technical work program developed for Outcome 3, and
  • Commentary that describes relevance to the Investigation Topic of the exercises created for Outcome 2 and the material from the Outcome 3 technical program
AND
Responses to questions about material presented in the report and the presentation

Unit 4 Outcome statements

Current Study Outcome / 2017 Study Outcome / Assessment tasks
Outcome 1
Evaluate and present their interpretive approach to a program of music works
Outcome 2
Compose/improvise/arrange and perform a music work and discuss the use of music characteristics, instrumental techniques, performance techniques and conventions in the work
Outcome 3
Demonstrate artistic intent and understanding of the Focus Area in a cohesive and engaging performance of music works / Outcome 1
Explain and justify their interpretative approach to performance of a program of works
Outcome 2
Compose/improvise/arrange an original music work and perform a music work and explain how it is characteristic of a music style, tradition and/or genre relevant to the Investigation Topic
Outcome 3
Demonstrate artistic intent and understanding in a cohesive and engaging performance of music works / Outcome 1: school decision, only S/N is reported to VCAA
Outcome 2: Compose, improvise or arrange and perform an original music work that demonstrates understanding of a music style, tradition and/or genre.
AND
Explain how the work is representative of the music style, tradition and/or genre
Outcome 3: school decision, only S/N is reported to VCAA

Music Style and Composition

The scope and direction of these units is unchanged from the 2011 study. Information about elements of music and compositional devices and other terms previously included in the Advice for teachers Glossary is now included in the Cross-study specifications.

For Outcome 2, in

  • Unit 1 students will study works from three distinct music styles including music that is not representative of Western art or popular music traditions
  • Unit 2, students will study music that creates effects and elicits responses in at least 2 multi-disciplinary forms
  • Unit 3, students will study at least two short works, each in a different style. At least one of these works must be created by an Australian composer
  • Unit 4 students will study one work created since 1950.

These changes address concerns relating to workload and currency.

Across the study, compositional devices will be studied at global, medium and micro levels as specified in particular Areas of study and Outcomes. In both Unit 3 and Unit 4 repetition, variation and contrast will be studied for each work in Outcome 2.