Years 7 to 9 Subjects – Music
Music has the capacity to engage, inspire and enrich all students, exciting the imagination and encouraging students to reach their creative and expressive potential. Music learning also has a significant impact on the cognitive, affective, motor, social and personal competencies of students.
Our program is built on Music Learning Theory (MLT), which develops musical understanding through listening, performing, improvising and musical thinking before introducing notation. Students learn music in much the same way they learn a language, by hearing, understanding and creating before reading and writing.
Year 7 (Compulsory)
All Year 7 students study Music for the full year. This course introduces students to a broad range of musical experiences, including performance, songwriting, music production, research, listening and music theory. Students explore music through singing, playing instruments, using technology, movement and creative tasks.
Students will:
- Perform individually and as part of a group
- Create and compose original music
- Explore songwriting and music production
- Develop listening and critical thinking skills
- Learn about the elements of music, including pitch, rhythm, dynamics, timbre, texture and structure
- Build confidence in expressing themselves creatively
No previous musical experience is required.
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Year 8 and 9 Music Electives
From Year 8 onwards, Music becomes an elective subject. Students may choose:
- Music Studies
- Music Production
- Students can also choose to study both streams
This flexibility allows students to pursue the areas of music that interest them most.
Music Studies (Full-year elective)
Music Studies is designed for students who enjoy performing - both solo and ensemble, as well as composing and developing their musicianship.
Students will:
- Compose and arrange music using Noteflight
- Develop solo and ensemble performance skills
- Participate in band and choir rehearsals
- Explore effective practice strategies
- Analyse and respond to music
- Perform in a variety of settings throughout the year
Students undertaking Music Studies are expected to participate in regular instrumental or vocal tuition, either through the College tutors, or privately.
Music Production (Semester elective)
Music Production is designed for students interested in songwriting, recording, music technology and creating original music. Using industry-standard software and recording equipment, students learn how modern music is written, recorded, edited and produced.
Students will:
- Write original songs and musical ideas
- Explore melody, harmony, rhythm and lyric writing
- Record and mix music using DAWs, particularly Soundtrap
- Create music using MIDI instruments, loops, samples and live recordings
- Analyse contemporary music and production techniques
- Collaborate with others to create and share original works
No prior experience in music production is required.
Extra-Curricular Music Opportunities:
Students are encouraged to participate in one or more of our thriving music ensembles.
Current ensembles include:
- Big Band 1 (Performs at Generations in Jazz)
- Big Band 2 (Performs at Generations in Jazz)
- Multiple Vocal Ensembles (Performs at Generations in Jazz)
- Secondary Choir (Performs at Generations in Jazz)
- Concert Band (Competes at the ABODA Festival)
- Secondary Worship Team (Provides worship at weekly assemblies and special events)
- Chamber Ensemble (Competes at the ABODA Festival)
- Rock Band
- Guitar Ensemble
- Flute Ensemble
- Saxophone Ensemble
- Clarinet Ensemble
These groups provide students with opportunities to develop their skills, build friendships, perform regularly, and represent the College at concerts (Showcase), festivals (Generations in Jazz), competitions (ABODA) and community events.