M USIC I NVESTIGATION VCE Units 3 and 4

Music Investigation involves both performance research in a Focus Area and performance of contrasting works that are representative of that Focus Area The research of music characteristics and performance practices representative of the Focus Area underpin the Investigation, Composition/improvisation/arrangement and Performance areas of study throughout the year Aural and theoretical musicianship skills are developed across all areas of study.

The Focus Area is the basis for study of repertoire, performance, technique and general musicianship The Focus Area selected should be of particular interest to you and one which will complement your experience and abilities as a performer The Focus Area should provide scope for you to develop your performance expertise and musicianship Works selected for performance should allow you to demonstrate interpretive mastery of the repertoire as well as highly developed technical skills on your chosen instrument

Your interpretation of works in the performance program is informed by; - study of repertoire that is representative of the Focus Area yet diverse in character - research into and application of performance practices relevant to the Focus Area - investigation and analysis of characteristics of a range of contrasting works that are representative of the Focus Area - insights from composing/improvising/arranging and performing an original work that incorporates music characteristics typical of the Focus Area

O VERVIEW OF THE YEAR Unit 3Unit 4 Outcome 1Presentation (20 marks) Folio (S/N) Outcome 2Folio of tech work created (S/N) Composition/Improv/ Arrangement (20 Marks) Outcome 3Performances Tech Work (5 marks) 15 mins (S/N) Performances Tech Work (5 marks) 10 mins (S/N)

U NIT 3 In this unit you will investigate a chosen Focus Area You will explore this Focus Area through the following three areas of study; Investigation Composition/improvisation/arrangement Performance You will use a work selected from a prescribed list as a starting point, and design and investigate into a specific area of music which becomes your Focus Area

Your Focus Area is the basis for study of repertoire, performance, technique and general musicianship You should select a Focus Area that is of particular interest to you and which complements your experience and abilities as a performer Your Focus Area should provide scope for you to develop your performance expertise and musicianship Works selected for the performance program should allow you to demonstrate interpretive mastery of the repertoire as well as highly developed technical skills on your chosen instrument/s

O VERVIEW OF O UTCOMES OUTCOMETASKMARKS Outcome 1 Demonstrate understanding of performance practises, context/s and influences on music works Folio An investigation folio which will be divided into four sections which you will be contributing to over the course of the semester; - Development of the Focus Area statement - Listening diary - Analysis - Contextual/historical issues relevant to the Focus Area Oral Presentation A multimedia report that uses examples from a representative sample of works to define characteristics and context/s of works that are representative of a selected Focus Area S/N 20 marks Outcome 2 Compose, improvise and/or arrange and discuss music characteristics and performance practises Folio of technical work and exercises Compile a portfolio of technical work and exercises you have created which demonstrates an understanding of a Focus Area S/N Outcome 3 Present a performance of music works that communicates understanding of the Focus Area Performance of technical work and exercises A performance that demonstrates: - application of individual and, as appropriate, ensemble, technical, stylistic and expressive techniques used in performance of works to communicate understanding of the Focus Area - technical work and exercises selected to develop skills to communicate technical, expressive and stylistic characteristics of works being prepared for performance Performance of selected works (15 minutes) - At least 2 pieces, one of which must be your list piece 5 marks S/N

A REA OF S TUDY 1 Choose and describe a Focus Area You will use aural comprehension, music theory and general musicianship knowledge and skills as you listen critically to recordings of performances and examine relevant texts including musical scores You will research and analyse, aurally and visually, a sample of music works representative of the Focus Area, to gain a broad understanding of stylistic and structural characteristics (music works include your performance pieces aswell as other pieces related to your Focus Area)

You will develop knowledge of performance practises used by leading practitioners associated with the Focus Area You will develop knowledge of relevant influences on the works that are representative of the Focus Area (appropriate music terminology and language must be used to describe and discuss)

O UTCOME 1 Demonstrate understanding of performance practices, context/s and influences on music works. Part A: Investigation folio Part B: Oral presentation

A REA OF S TUDY 2 You will apply research findings from Outcome 1 You will create a folio of composition or arrangement exercises, sketches, or recorded improvisations that demonstrate understanding of the Focus Area You will undertake a variety of composition/improvisation/arranging tasks to explore characteristics typical of the works studied in Outcome 1 and works selected for performance

You will develop an understanding of the influence of idiomatic instrumental techniques, performance conventions, the skill levels of performers and other practical considerations that may have an impact on the compositional process You will create a score or recording that can be used to prepare and present a performance of selected exercises You will discuss characteristics of your completed exercises in relation to research findings from Outcome 1

O UTCOME 2 Compose, improvise and/or arrange and discuss music characteristics and performance practices. Task: Folio of technical work and exercises created

A REA OF STUDY 3 You will plan, rehearse and perform a program of works representative of the selected Focus Area You will develop relevant instrumental and performance techniques and apply performance practises to build your expertise as a performer You will consolidate your ability to present musically engaging performances using the performance practises and conventions relevant to your Focus Area You will explore ways of expressively shaping your chosen works and develop your ability to communicate your artistic intentions to an audience

You will extend your instrumental skills through regular practice and explore ways to develop empathy and other ensemble skills through rehearsal with other musicians (as appropriate )

O UTCOME 3 Present a performance of music works that communicates understanding of the Focus Area Part A: Performance of technical exercises Part B: Performance of program consisting of at least 2 pieces, one of which must be your prescribed list piece (15 minutes)

U NIT 4 In this unit you will continue to explore and research within the chosen Focus Area from Unit 3 You will prepare program notes to accompany your end- of-year performance (Focus Statement) You will create a composition/improvisation/arrangement that draws on musical characteristics of the Focus Area You will continue to rehearse and prepare for an end-of- year performance exam of 25 minutes You will continue to use skills in awareness, transcription, music theory and music analysis to support your work

O VERVIEW OF O UTCOMES OUTCOMETASKMARKS Outcome 1 Evaluate and present interpretive approach to a program of music works Folio Further research to extend your understanding of the possibilities for performance in preparation for the end-of-year exam. This research will contribute to the Focus Statement S/N Outcome 2 Compose/improvise/arrange and perform a music work and discuss the use of music characteristics, instrumental techniques and conventions in the work Performance of composition/improvisation/arrangement An oral report that discusses how a composition/improvisation/arrangement created and performed by the student is representative of the Focus Area. The report should draw on examples from a score/chart of the work and a recording of the performance 20 marks Outcome 3 Demonstrate artistic intent and understanding of the Focus Area in a cohesive and engaging performance of music works Performance of technical work and exercises A performance that demonstrates: - application of individual and, as appropriate, ensemble, technical, stylistic and expressive techniques and performance conventions to communicate artistic intent in performance of works that are representative of a Focus Area - technical work and exercises selected to refine skills and performance practises required to communicate technical, expressive and stylistic characteristics or works been prepared for performance Performance of program (25 minutes) Performance of the end-of-year program which consists of at least 4 contrasting works, one of which must be from the Prescribed Solo List of your instrument or from the Group List Section A or B. A Focus Statement must be included 5 marks S/N

A REA OF S TUDY 1 You will use your learning from Unit 3 Outcome 1 and further research to reflect on and evaluate your interpretive approaches to the music works being prepared for performance You will use this research to extend your understanding of the possibilities for performance that balance relevant personal, stylistic, practical, technological, historical and cultural influences You will prepare program notes based on your research and evaluation that may be used to introduce the Outcome 3 performance program

You will use those program notes to create your Focus Statement which must be provided for the end-of-year performance examination

O UTCOME 1 Evaluate and present your interpretive approach to a program of selected works Task: Investigation folio

A REA OF S TUDY 2 You will complete an original composition, improvisation or arrangement that demonstrates music characteristics of the Focus Area and works selected for performance You will apply your understanding of idiomatic instrumental techniques, performance conventions, performer abilities and other practical considerations as you create and refine the work for performance You will create a score or recording that is used to prepare the work for performance You will perform the work and explain its context in relation to the Focus Area

O UTCOME 2 Compose/improvise/arrange and perform a music work and discuss the use of music characteristics, instrumental techniques, performance techniques and conventions in the work Task: Performance and explanation of piece

A REA OF S TUDY 3 You will prepare and present a program of works of diverse character that are relevant to your selected Focus Area (at least 4 pieces, one which must be your prescribed list piece) You will refine your ability to present a musically engaging performance using the performance practices and conventions relevant to your selected Focus Area You will explore ways of expressively shaping your chosen works and consolidate your ability to communicate your artistic intentions convincingly to an audience

You will analyse the structural characteristics and use of the elements of music in the works, investigate relevant contextual issues and explore the relationship between these and performance techniques associated with the style of the works You will also research and evaluate a range of existing interpretations to enhance your awareness of the variety of possible approaches and apply this awareness to your own interpretations

You will continue to extend your instrumental skills through regular practice and consolidate effective ensemble skills through rehearsal with other musicians (as appropriate) You will enhance your understanding of the possibilities for performance of the selected works You will consider how to achieve balance between relevant personal, stylistic, practical, technological, historical and cultural influences in shaping interpretations of chosen works You will also study ways of applying performance conventions relevant to the Focus Area

You will continue to study technical work and exercises to support preparation of the performance program and develop your ability as a performer You will select technical work and exercises to develop performance stamina, achieve unified interpretation within a group or with an accompanist, and/or extend and refine mastery of performance techniques associated with particular works (dependant on instrument and performance context)

O UTCOME 3 Demonstrate artistic intent and understanding of the Focus Area in a cohesive and engaging performance of music works Part A: Performance of technical work and exercises Part B: Performance of at least 2 pieces (10 minutes)

E ND - OF - YEAR E XAMINATION You will perform as a soloist OR as a member of a group It will contribute 50 per cent The end-of-year performance will draw on knowledge and skills from Unit 3 Outcome 3 and Unit 4 Outcome 3 You will present a live performance of at least four contrasting works that relate to the Focus Area You will create a Focus Statement outlining your Focus Area and the relationship of the selected performance program At least ONE work will be chosen from the Prescribed List of Notated Works OR the Prescribed List of Group works