Music Extension

Music Extension is to be studied alongside Music 2 and allows a student to continue to refine their advanced music literacy and skills in performance, composition or musicology.

Music Extension is one of 3 Stage 6 music courses. This course is suitable for students who have had formal music training to a highly sophisticated level.

Performance Music 2 and Music Extension Syllabus

Students will develop knowledge of skills and understanding when performing:

high level technical and interpretive skill
solo/group performances and presentations
ensemble direction
refinement of the skill of critical appraisal of own performances
refinement of the skill of critical appraisal of the performance of others
program development
an increasing understanding of musical style
concert practice and management.

Composition Music 2 and Music Extension Syllabus

Students will develop knowledge of skills and understanding in composition when:

establishing a convincing personal musical style
writing sophisticated and constructive critical appraisals of own compositions and the compositions of others
refining the skill of analysing the works of other composers through the use of musical concepts
participating in ensemble direction in the performance of own compositions
discussing ideas that have led to the development of a composition
compiling a composition portfolio.

Musicology Music 2 and Music Extension Syllabus

Students will develop knowledge of skills and understanding in musicology when:

refining research skills
refining transcription and notation skills
refining the skill of analysing works through the use of musical concepts
refining the skill of critical appraisal of own writing and the writing of others
an increasing understanding of style
an increasing understanding of cultural context
refining essay writing skills (i.e. stating an hypothesis, development of hypothesis supported by musical evidence, reaching a conclusion)
refining evaluation skills
compiling a musicology portfolio.

HSC resource

Assessment in the HSC (Music extension)

The Assessment in the HSC resource is designed to provide Stage 6 teachers with opportunities to develop their understanding of the assessment requirements for the practical and performance works in the HSC music 1, music 2 and music extension courses. It has been written to support and compliment the NESA Creative Arts Assessment and Reporting in Stage 6 music extension advice and requirements.

HSC music extension teachers can use this resource to:

familiarise themselves with the requirements of each practical and performance component
develop their understanding of the language of the NESA assessment criteria for each of the practical and performance works
develop confidence in applying assessment criteria through identification and analysis of work sample characteristics
assist Year 12 students in making informed choices when selecting course options
build student confidence and knowledge of success in each practical and performance work.

Composition resource

The Composition resource booklet (DOCX 1,019 KB) will assist teachers in the delivery of the composition elective for the Music Extension course. This resource includes student materials and teaching information unpacking course requirements, the composition process and portfolios.

Syllabus

Music Extension Stage 6 Syllabus (2009)

The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Music Extension Stage 6 Syllabus (2009) contains the syllabus and helpful materials including a sample assessment schedule, HSC advice, specimen exams, HSC marking guidelines, standards materials, past papers additional support information.