Arts and Culture: Music
The learning area Arts and Culture is divided into four separate pathways and all students have to choose one of them: Music is one of the four and is offered as two different options. Music I may be continued to Grade 12 but Music II is only offered until Grade 9.
Music I is available only to students who have completed Grade 2 level on their instrument of choice and Grade 1 level in theory. Each student would be required to have 1-hour lessons each week on their instrument (but 30-minute lessons for voice) charged at only 50% of the normal cost for Music lessons. The academic component includes theory and aural lessons. students will all write the external Grade 5 ABRSM theory exam in their Grade 9 year.
Practical and written exams take place in June and November; the practical exam counts 50% of the total mark. Continuous assessment is ongoing throughout the year.
students will be required to attend internal lunchtime concerts as part of their musical experience and development
Music II does not require the students to take practical lessons on an instrument. This course will include group marimba work and composition with music software in the SoundHouse. Other components include the elements of music, listening and analysing musical styles and basic music theory.
Written exams take place in June and November. Continuous assessment is ongoing throughout the year.
Music as a FET subject
Music as a subject in Grades 10-12 provides students with a thorough theoretical background to music (Harmony) as well as a general overview of different musical styles (History and Music Comprehension). The course offers an excellent opportunity to develop artistic and creative skills as part of the academic curriculum. Included in this curriculum is exposure to music technology and relevant computer software, as well as the workings of the music industry. A large portion of the course is practical, which includes both solo and ensemble work (with the FET syllabus there is more attention given to ensemble work).
Practical and written exams take place in June and November; the practical exam counts 50% of the total mark. Continuous assessment is ongoing throughout the year.
It is expected for subject students to be a member of the choir and/or an ensemble, as the music department feels this is core to the students’ overall musical development. Lessons on a boy’s first musical instrument are free for students taking Subject Music in Grades 10-12.