Music I
In the Preliminary and HSC courses, students will study the concepts of music through the learning experiences of performance, composition, musicology and aural, within the context of a range of styles, periods and genres. Students must specialise in a particular instrument and be having instrumental lessons.

Music II
In the Preliminary and HSC courses, students will study the concepts of music through the learning experiences of performance, composition, musicology and aural within the context of a range of styles, periods and genres.

Music Extension
The HSC Music Extension course builds on Music II and assumes a high level of music literacy and aural ability as well as advanced Performance, Composition, or Musicology skills.

Students will specialise in performance or composition or musicology and will follow an individual program of study which will be negotiated between the teacher and student.

Download the PDF (below) to get the full course description.

For Music I, do I have to be able to play an instrument?

Yes, you do. You need to be receiving lessons on your instrument from a tutor.

For Music II, what level do I need to be playing my instrument?

Most students will be performing at least AMEB grade 6 for their HSC performance program.

Is voice an instrument?

Of course it is!

Do I need to bring my instrument every day?

No – you will only need to bring you instrument on practical days (usually only once or twice each week).

What if I play a large instrument?

If you play piano or drums, you can use the school equipment. You can also use the school’s amplifiers.

Where can I store my instrument during the day it is at school?

You can use the Music Staffroom or Music Storeroom. There is usually a staff member there at the end of the day for you to collect your instrument.

Do I need to be in a school ensemble if I do elective Music?

Yes, you do. We ask you to be in one of our ensembles while you are studying music. This can include the school musical.

Can I do Music 2 as well as Music 1?

No – you can only do one of these subjects.

Do I have to be able to read music?

Music I

If you do not already know how to read music, you will need to learn it at the beginning of Year 11. You do not need to have a high level of Music reading ability for the Music 1 course, but it will impact your ability to succeed.

Music II

Yes – you must be competent in reading music as you will need to be able to analyse scores and answer questions based on the concepts of music.

Do we have to study composition?

Music I

Yes – this is a compulsory are of the curriculum. You will need to do composition in Year 11 and 12, however, you only need to submit a composition for school based assessment (10%) not for the HSC exam.

Music II

Yes – this is a compulsory are of the curriculum. You will need to submit a 2 minute composition for the HSC exam.

What are the Learning Areas for Music I?

Performance, Aural, Composition and Musicology.

How are the Learning Areas assessed in Year 11 and Year 12?

For Year 11, each area is worth 25%. For Year 12 they are worth 10% each except for Aural (25%) and your elective choice is worth 45%.

What is the difference between Music 1 and Music 2?

Music 1	Music 2
Lower level of Music reading needed	Must be competent in reading music
No compulsory topic areas	Compulsory topic areas: Year 11 - Music from 1600-1900; Year 12 - Australian Music of the last 25 years
Choice of 3 elective areas from Musicology, Aural, Composition and Performance	Choice of 1 elective area from Musicology, Aural, Composition and Performance
HSC submission - only 1 performance is compulsory	HSC submission - 1 performance, 1 sight singing and 1 composition are compulsory
Written exam does not involve reading music	Written exam involves reading scores and answering questions
Cannot do Music Extension	Can do Music Extension
More contemporary course	More traditional course

Course - Music I, Music II and Music Extension

FAQ - Music