Wesley College

Year 12 Music

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Mrs M. du Plessis.

Recommended Prior Learning

Music: 10+ credits at L1 Music required and at HOD’s discretion if new to subject. Students must be able to perform confidently in front of an audience on at least ONE instrument.

In music education, students work individually and collaboratively to explore the potential of sounds and technologies for creating, interpreting, and representing music ideas. As they think about and explore innovative sound and media, students have rich opportunities to further their own creative potential.
Students develop literacies in music as they listen and respond, sing, play instruments, create and improvise, read symbols and notations, record sound and music works, and analyse and appreciate music. This enables them to develop aural and theoretical skills and to value and understand the expressive qualities of music.
As students learn to communicate musically with increasing sophistication, they lay a foundation for lifelong enjoyment of and participation in music. Some will go on to take courses in musicology, performance, or composition. These may be steps on the way to music-related employment.

Course Overview

Term 1
Music literacy
Music analysis
First bracket of solo performances
First bracket of songwriting

Term 2
Music literacy
Music analysis
Second bracket of solo performances
Second bracket of song writing
Solo performance on a second instrument (additional assessment opportunity)

Term 3
Music literacy
Music analysis
Group performance
Music history
External exam preparation: Demonstrate understanding of two substantial and contrasting music works
Research task / investigation (additional assessment opportunity)

Term 4
Final resubmission opportunities.
External examination: Demonstrate understanding of two substantial and contrasting music works.

Learning Areas:

Music

Assessment Information

A.S. 91274 and A.S 91278 are offered as additional assessment standards on teacher discretion. It is compulsory for students to enter for the external Music examination paper.

Performance and Composition
Musician/Instrumentalist: Soloists or ensemble members, including roles in the NZ Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia, and NZ Opera.
Singer/Vocalist: Vocalists for commercial, classical, or contemporary performances.
DJ/Electronic Artist: Performing in nightlife, festivals, and events.
Composer: Creating original music for film, television, video games, and commercials.
Songwriter: Composing lyrics and melodies.
Arranger/Orchestrator: Adapting music for different ensembles.
Musical Director/Conductor: Leading ensembles, choirs, and theatre productions.
Session Musician: Hired for recording sessions or live, temporary performances.
Production, Technical, and Audio
Music Producer: Guiding recording sessions and shaping the creative direction of music.
Audio/Sound Engineer: Operating mixing consoles and recording equipment in studios or live settings.
Mixing/Mastering Engineer: Refining and balancing audio for release.
Sound Designer: Creating sound effects for film, TV, and gaming.
Foley Artist: Creating sound effects for post-production.
Audio-Visual/Tech Support: Maintaining audio equipment for venues or productions.
Instrument Technician/Luthier: Repairing and maintaining instruments.
Education and Therapy
School Music Teacher: Teaching music in primary or secondary schools.
Itinerant Teacher/Tutor: Offering private lessons (vocals, piano, guitar, drums).
Lecturer/Tertiary Tutor: Teaching at universities or music academies.
Music Therapist: Using music to support health and wellbeing.
Music Business, Management, and Media
Artist Manager: Managing the career and business affairs of artists.
Booking Agent/Tour Manager: Organizing live gigs, tours, and logistics.
Music PR/Publicist: Handling publicity and media relations.
Arts Administrator: Working for organizations like Creative New Zealand or Toi Māori Aotearoa.
Music Journalist/Critic: Writing for media outlets.
Music Librarian/Archivist: Managing music libraries and collections.
Music Publisher/Retailer: Managing rights or selling music products.