Music

Introduction

Music is taught at all year levels. It is a compulsory core subject in Form 3, and can lead to university level study in the areas of performance, composition, aural skills, theory and musical knowledge.

The Music Department also encourages participating in music performance groups – the Symphony Orchestra, Grammar Virtuosi, the Premier Concert Band, the Big Band, Grammar Voices, the Pipe Band, and Chamber Music Ensembles. These groups perform regularly and to the very highest standard; culminating in internal and external competitions each year.

A total of 11 visiting instrumental music tutors visit the school each week. Subjects include voice, all wind, brass, string and percussion instruments as well as piano, electric guitar, bagpipes and drums. Every year students excel in academic music and performance studies. Many have gone on to be professional performers, composers and teachers both in New Zealand and overseas.

Form 3 General Music:

Course description/aims: Music is taught to all students in Form 3. Classes 3I-3P receive two lessons per week, while classes 3A-3H receive the equivalent of 1.5 lessons per week (one lesson per week throughout the entire year and two lessons per week for a portion of the year). The course aims to develop the ability to discern detail in music and to think about and understand how music works.

Students will:

Learn the language of music
Develop musical ideas
Develop music performance skills
Communicate and interpret meaning in music
Understand music in context

This is achieved through developing skills in Music Literacy and Aural skills – turning symbols into sound and sound into a symbol. This knowledge and skills are developed in rhythm, pitch, melody, tempo, dynamics, texture, harmony, structure, and timbre. There is a mixture of computer-based learning, using specialised composition and keyboard training software, written and listening work and instrument-based, creative tasks.

Learning a musical instrument: Learning a musical instrument will never be more affordable or easy to manage. Grammar offers a wide range of lessons on most musical instruments from some of the best instrumental teachers in New Zealand. Learning an instrument is optional, but is necessary if considering Option Music in Form 4 or above. Students interested in music but do not currently play an instrument can find out more here. We recommend talking to a member of staff in the Music Department for advice: not every instrument is available for lessons and making a good choice is essential.

Methods of assessment: There will be three common tests in Terms 1, 2 and 4.

Student Pathways: Students who wish to continue their studies at a higher level should seek admission to Form 4 Option Music and the Pre-Q Music course in Form 5. Music can be studied as a subject at all year levels on both the NCEA and Cambridge pathways. Study in Music contributes to University Entrance qualifications and can be continued at tertiary level.

Form 4 Option Music:

Prerequisites: This course involves performing and composing as well as developing theoretical skills, aural skills and general knowledge of music. Students wishing to take this course should ideally be currently and actively engaged in learning and playing an instrument or singing. Students who do not currently play but are motivated and committed to learning an instrument over the year will be considered. Instrumental lessons can be offered free-of-charge but subject to availability to enable Option Music students to develop their skills and supplement classroom learning. Please note that we cannot provide piano lessons. Lesson enquiries should be made in advance through the Head of Music.

Recommended achievement levels: The actual standard of performance required is deliberately not specified as the intention is to encourage students with an interest in music to study it further.

If a student does not currently play an instrument but is determined to learn and practice hard, we will support their entry onto the course, provided they begin attending lessons. High achievement and attitude grades in Form 3 Core Music are necessary. Elementary music-reading skills or commitment-focused learning over Term 1 to meet the theory requirements of the Term 1 examination (Grade 1 Trinity College London).

Advanced musicians will be extended through more demanding Theory, Harmony and Aural as well as exposure to a wide variety of music, styles and context.

Course description/aims: The syllabus aims to inspire, develop and produce literate, creative, knowledgeable and skilled students, eager to continue studying music in Form 5 and beyond.

The five overlapping, concurrent and converging areas enable knowledge and skills developed in any one area to improve the students’ capabilities in any other. Performance, Composition, Aural skills, Theory and Analysis all combine and overlap to establish and strengthen the knowledge and skills expected of a fully literate musician.

An overarching aim is the development of listening skills and musical terminology: to discern detail and describe the effect In music. How does music ‘work’? How is music constructed, and how does it express feeling, emotion and sense of place or purpose?

Course outline:

Theory of Music – understand how is music written and organised to clarify its meaning to musicians
Aural skills – recognise and describe individual components of melody, rhythm and harmony
Listening skills – recognise and describe detail and effect in a wide range of genres and styles
Analysis – recognise and analyse the musical structure and compositional devices in written music
Critical Response – describe and analyse our music and the music of others using appropriate music terminology and begin to connect this analysis to interpretation and evaluation
Composing – transfer knowledge and skills gained from exposure to a broader range of genres and styles to compose effective and creative music
Performance – implement knowledge, skills and exposure to various genres and styles of performance skills

Methods of assessment: Students will be assessed informally in regular class activities and tests. Formal assessment is through examination in Terms 1, 2 and 4. Examinations comprise Listening and Responding, Analysis, Aural, Theory and Musical knowledge essay. Coursework comprises Composition and Performance.

Continuation of subject: Form 4 Option Music is a preparatory course for Pre-Q Music in Form 5, more advanced students can join Pre-Q without first taking Form 4 Option Music, subject to approval by the Head of Music.

Prizegiving Award: The R. H. Radford Memorial Prize is awarded at the end of the year to the student with the highest aggregate in Form 4 Music.

Form 5 (Pre-Q):

Prerequisites: This course involves performing and composing as well as developing theoretical skills, aural skills and general knowledge of music.

Students wishing to take this course should be currently and actively engaged in learning and playing an instrument or singing. The actual performance standard is not specified as the intention is to encourage students interested in music to study it further.

Students who wish to take this course without having first completed the Form 4 Option Music course must demonstrate appropriate musical knowledge and performance ability. Please talk to the Head of Music for advice or to arrange an informal audition.

Course description/aims: This course takes an integrated approach to music education, as each learning area enriches and reinforces the others. Performance, Aural Skills, Theory, Analysis, Composition and Music History all combine and overlap to establish and strengthen the knowledge and skills expected of a fully literate musician. We expect these students to be capable of achieving highly should they go on to take A2 Music or Excellence in NCEA Level 2 Music standards. It is recommended that students either have private or itinerant tuition or play in a co-curricular music group.

Listening:

Aural awareness, perception and knowledge in Western music of the baroque, classical, Romantic and 20th Century periods, including Jazz, Blues, Pop, and Rock.
Detailed knowledge and understanding of the features of Music and compositional devices

Theory and Aural:

Sound technical knowledge of conventions of notation, keys, scales, cadences, intervals, rhythm, and time signatures, including compound time and grouping notes, and rests and harmony
The understanding and ability to listen to and transcribe (write out melodic, rhythmic and harmonic dictation and cadences

Analysis:

Analyse and investigate two works from different periods/genres/traditions, examining the structure, harmony and development of musical elements as well as theme, style, and historical and technological context

Performing:

Technical competence in one or more instruments/singing
Interpretative understanding of the music performed

Composing:

Creating original compositions
Notation, using staff notation and digital audio station

Methods of assessment:

School Examinations:

1 x 1-hour examination
1 x 2-hour examination
1 x 3-hour examination (Pre-Q)

Coursework Grades:

Term 1 – Homework 100%
Term 2 – Composition 40%, Performance 40%, Music Period Common Test 20%
Term 4 – Composition 40%, Performance 40%, Investigation 20%

Continuation of subject: This course prepares students for the Form 6 Music option at AS or NCEA Level 2 level. Music is available as an option choice to Form 7 and is an approved subject for University Entrance.

Form 6 (NCEA Level 2):

Prerequisites: At least 60% in Pre-Q Music, or Grade 5 Music Performance and Theory. Students must have been taking lessons on an instrument or voice for at least three years with good progress evident.

Recommended achievement levels:

Students who have passed Form 5 Music Option have an appropriate achievement level to study NCEA Level 2 Music
Students with Grade 5 Practical and Theory certificates have an appropriate achievement level to study NCEA Level 2 Music
Students who have not completed Form 5 Music may find NCEA Level 2 Music demanding
Students who have not had lessons on an instrument or voice for three years are not recommended to take NCEA Level 2 Music

Course description/aims: Students will become literate in Music as they:

Learn the language of music
Develop musical ideas
Communicate and interpret meaning in music
Understand music in context

Course outline:

91270 – Perform two substantial pieces of music as a featured soloist [6 Credits, Internal]
91271 – Compose two substantial pieces of music [6 Credits, Internal]
91272 – Demonstrate ensemble skills by performing a substantial piece of music as a member of a group [4 Credits, Internal]
91273 – Devise instrumentation for an ensemble [4 Credits, Internal]
91274 – Perform a substantial piece of music as a featured soloist on a second instrument [3 Credits, Internal]
91275 – Demonstrate aural understanding through written representation [4 Credits, External]
91278 – Investigate an aspect of New Zealand music [4 Credits, Internal]

Music Studies provides for students who have a strong interest in understanding music, research and analysis skills, musical knowledge, and advanced listening and notation skills:

91276 – Demonstrate knowledge of conventions in a range of music scores [4 credits, External]
91277 – Demonstrate understanding of two substantial contrasting music works [6 credits, External]

Continuation of subject: This course prepares students for the Form 7 Music option.

Form 6 and 7 (AS):

Prerequisites: At least 60% in Pre-Q Music, or Grade 5 Music Performance and Theory.

Recommended achievement levels:

Exceptional students may take AS and A Level in one year with the advance approval of the Head of Music
Students who have passed Form 5 Option Music have an appropriate achievement level to study AS Music
Students who hold Grade 5 Music Performance and Theory certificates have an appropriate achievement level to study AS Music
Students who have not completed Form 5 Music may find AS Music demanding
Students who do not play an instrument or sing at Grade 5 level or higher are not recommended to take AS Music

Course description/aims: Students will:

Foster a discriminating aural appreciation of, and informed critical response to, Western tradition music from at least two representative genres and periods
Deepen their understanding of music in its wider cultural context
Develop creative and interpretative skills through the disciplines of composing and performing
Communicate their understanding of Music, supporting judgments by an argument based on evidence

Assessment objectives: Students will demonstrate:

An ability to listen attentively and responsively
Understanding of the processes at work in music
An ability to communicate knowledge, understanding and musical insight with clarity
Technical and interpretive competence in performing
Musical invention in composing.

Methods of assessment:

Listening (Music of the Western Tradition): 2-hour external examination
Practical Musicianship Coursework (internally assessed and externally moderated) including a 6-10 minute performance and two contrasting original compositions, 2 minutes each)

Continuation of subject: This course prepares students for A2 Music in Form 7.

Form 7 (NCEA Level 3):

Prerequisites: NCEA Level 2 Music, or Grade 7 Music Performance and Theory. Students must have been taking lessons on an instrument or voice for at least four years with good progress evident.

Course outline:

91416 – Perform two programmes of music as a featured soloist [8 Credits, Internal]
91417 – Perform a programme of music as a featured soloist on a second instrument [4 Credits, Internal]
91418 – Demonstrate ensemble skills by performing two substantial pieces of music as a member of a group [4 Credits, Internal]
91419 – Communicate musical intention by composing three original pieces of music [8 Credits, Internal]
91420 – Integrate aural skills into written representation 4 Credits, External]
91423 – Examine the influence of context on a substantial music work [4 Credits, Internal]
91424 – Create two arrangements for an ensemble [4 Credits, Internal]
91425 – Research a music topic [6 Credits, Internal]

Music Studies provides for students who have a strong interest in understanding music, research and analysis skills, musical knowledge, and advanced listening and notation skills:

91421 – Demonstrate understanding of harmonic and tonal conventions in a range of music scores [4 credits, External]
91422 – Analyse a substantial music work [4 credits, External]

Continuation of subject: This course prepares students for tertiary study in Music.

Form 7 (A2):

Prerequisites: A, B or C grade in AS Music with Components 1 and 2.

Recommended achievement levels:

Students who have gained an A, B or C grade in AS Music have an appropriate achievement level to study A2 Music
Students who have not completed AS Music Components 1 and 2 are ineligible to enter the A2 Music course

Course descriptions/aims: Students will:

Deepen their understanding of music in its wider cultural context
Develop creative and interpretative skills through the disciplines of composing and performing
Communicate their understanding of music, supporting judgments by an argument based on evidence

Assessment objectives: Students will demonstrate:

An ability to listen attentively and responsively
An understanding of the processes at work in music
An ability to communicate knowledge, understanding and musical insight with clarity
Technical and interpretive competence in performing
Musical invention in composing

Methods of assessments: Practical Musicianship Coursework, external assessments, two components of:

Component 3: Extended Performance (15-20 minutes performance and a research report)
Component 4: Extended Composition (two contrasting compositions and a research report)
Component 5: Investigating Music (essay and reflective statement)

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our staff today.

Music

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