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  10. 9-10

Level A (Towards Foundation)

Level A Description

In Level A, students are exposed to music to assist them to listen to and explore sound and attend to and explore the world around them with as much independence as possible. They listen to and explore sound and experience how they can make music. They experience music as part of an audience.

Students learn to listen to music and become aware of rhythm, pitch, dynamics and expression, form and structure, timbre and texture as they explore and make music. They learn to discriminate between sounds and silence, and loud and soft sounds. They learn to move and perform with beat and tempo.

As they experience music, students are exposed to music from a range of cultures, times and locations. Music in the local community should be the initial focus for learning.

Level A Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Exposure to sound and silence and ways of using voice, movement and/or instruments (VCAMUE001)
    Elaborations
    1. explore the sound, smell and feel of various objects, such as the crunching of dry leaves or the sound and feel of guitar strings, body part moving, clapping, tapping
    2. exposed to different ways of making sound and to create music such as coactively participate in songs and rhymes, safe use of musical instruments
    3. exposed to music elements such as sound and silence, beat and tempo; loud, soft; high, low; long and short
    4. supported to use different parts of the body to explore rhythm and sound
    5. reacting to a range of musical sounds
    6. reacting to patterns and musical pieces

Music Practices

  1. Experience the use of voice and/or instruments through chants, songs and rhymes (VCAMUM002)
    Elaborations
    1. exploring instruments by using an instrument coactively safely and appropriately, reacting to the touch of an instrument, or holding and using an instrument with assistance
    2. exposed to various chants, song, rhymes and may coactively accompany with voice or instrument, reacting to or indicating a preference
    3. provided with rich sensory experiences that give them opportunities to explore sights, sounds, textures, enjoy and appreciate music
    4. experiencing and practicing techniques with support for playing classroom instruments
    5. exposed to playing music to experience the expressive possibilities of their voices and instruments
    6. exposed to music for various purposes and intentions, for example using music for relaxation, movement, to reflect different settings and feelings and creating environment to reflect the purpose

Present and Perform

  1. Be involved in music performances (VCAMUP003)
    Elaborations
    1. experiencing the making, sharing and reacting to music
    2. reacting when their music is presented
    3. respond to stimuli such as other peoples’ music
    4. assisting to choose sounds to be combined to create a composition
    5. experiencing voices and sound sources being used to create a piece of music
    6. experiencing the creation and improvising of music using technologies

Respond and Interpret

  1. React to music (VCAMUR004)
    Elaborations
    1. exposed to and experience various forms of music and characteristics for example music and sounds, beats, rhymes, cultural; music, different instruments, feelings etc.
    2. reacting to music and various physical and gestural ways
    3. experience and respond to a range of musical sounds, including live and recorded music, for example maintaining attention, visually tracking
    4. exposed to music from various cultures and purposes especially pieces which create a specific feelings, or settings
    5. listening to and reacting to music and musical instruments from different contexts and cultures

Level A Achievement Standard

By the end of Level A, students improvise and perform music. They explore, as appropriate, the sound and feel of their voices and instruments.

Students react to music they listen to, make and perform.

Level B (Towards Foundation)

Level B Description

In Level B, students explore music. They listen to and explore sound and how music can represent the world and that they can make music. They share their music with peers and experience music as part of an audiences.

Students learn to listen to music and experience rhythm, pitch, dynamics and expression, form and structure, timbre and texture as they explore and make music.

While music in the local community should be the initial focus for learning, students experience and are encouraged to take an interested in music from more distant locations and the curriculum provides opportunities to build on their curiosity.

Level B Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Explore qualities of sounds and pitch and rhythm patterns using voice, movement, body percussion and/or instruments (VCAMUE005)
    Elaborations
    1. participating in music-making activities including creating a variety of sounds and unstructured rhythms; attempt to move, sing, play along with the music
    2. learning how to hold and use instruments appropriately
    3. using voices and body percussion to experience sound and silence, beat and tempo, high and low through movement and use of instruments
    4. creating a variety of sounds and unstructured rhythms using his/her voice
    5. imitating rhythm patterns to develop aural recognition skills, for example, echo clapping
    6. experiencing the recording of their music ideas using technologies and listening to their music

Music Practices

  1. Use voice and/or instruments to copy a chant, song and/or rhyme (VCAMUM006)
    Elaborations
    1. playing and experimenting with different musical instruments
    2. selecting and exploring an instrument for a short period of time
    3. attempting to move, sing, and play along with chants, songs, for example attempting to sing a favourite song in a group singing activity
    4. exploring different ways of using instruments through a variety of supported learning experiences that encourage them to participating in music-making activities, hold, use and play different musical instruments
    5. participating in music-making activities
    6. exploring and performing music using accessible technologies

Present and Perform

  1. Perform music to express a given idea (VCAMUP007)
    Elaborations
    1. making and sharing their music with peers and teachers
    2. choosing and combining sounds to create compositions, for example, using different instruments, beats and tempo
    3. improvising patterns of body movement, such as clapping or stamping, and accompany familiar music
    4. improvising with voices and sound sources to express actions, thoughts or feelings
    5. creating and improvising music using technologies

Respond and Interpret

  1. Respond to own and others’ music (VCAMUR008)
    Elaborations
    1. participating as an audience for a short time
    2. making music or song choice for example indicating music or song they want/ like or activating a switch/button to start/stop music
    3. listening to and responding to music
    4. exploring music in their lives and communities, for example, for example experiencing music in various locations and purposes
    5. describing subject or feeling of a pieces of music by selecting an images or objects from a field of two
    6. listening to, participate in class conversations and communicating about music and musical instruments from different contexts and cultures

Level B Achievement Standard

By the end Level B, students make and perform music using voice and/or instruments.

Students communicate responses to music they listen to, create and perform.

Level C (Towards Foundation)

Level C Description

In Level C, students explore music. They listen to and explore sound and learn about how music can represent the world and that they can make music to represent their ideas. They share their music with peers and experience music as part of an audience.

Students learn to listen to music and explore rhythm, pitch, dynamics and expression, form and structure, timbre and texture as they experience and make music. They learn to listen to and copy basic music elements, such as, playing loudly, quietly, quickly or slowly when using musical instruments.

While music in the local community should be the initial focus for learning, before exploring music from more distant locations building on student interest and curiosity.

Level C Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Explore and imitate sounds and patterns using voice, movement, body percussion and/or instruments (VCAMUE009)
    Elaborations
    1. using music to express and communicate experiences, observations, ideas and feelings about themselves and their world
    2. listening to and copying basic music elements, such as, playing loudly, quietly, quickly or slowly when using musical instruments for example imitating a teacher to play loud/soft/ quiet, quick/fast/slow and stop
    3. imitating a simple pattern or rhythm
    4. experimenting with speaking and singing voice to recognise the differences
    5. imitating rhythm patterns to develop aural recognition skills, for example, echo clapping
    6. attempting to imitate pitch when singing

Music Practices

  1. Sing, use body percussion and/or play instruments to practise chants, songs and rhymes (VCAMUM010)
    Elaborations
    1. using familiar percussion instrument correctly
    2. pointing to items used when creating music when named by the teacher
    3. playing along with a song
    4. imitating sounds in a call and response format
    5. practicing and performing music, for example a simple song or tune
    6. exploring what music made them think about and what they like or dislike
    7. exploring and learning songs used by groups in the local community, such as Aboriginal songs or Torres Strait Islander songs from their community, respecting cultural protocols

Present and Perform

  1. Perform a short piece of music they have learnt (VCAMUP011)
    Elaborations
    1. communicating observations or experience through music making
    2. beginning to identify some instruments in a piece of music
    3. performing a simple learnt rhythm sequence, song, chant or music
    4. making music in structured learning experiences to communicate ideas, concepts, observations, feelings and/or experiences.
    5. communicating about aspects of their own performance, or their music to others by answering questions
    6. improvising patterns of body movement, such as clapping or stamping and accompanying familiar music
    7. improvising with voices and sound sources to express ideas, thoughts and feelings

Respond and Interpret

  1. Respond to music and explore why people make and listen to music (VCAMUR012)
    Elaborations
    1. beginning to identify and name some elements and items used in music, for example instrument
    2. responding to various music, e.g. clap or sing along
    3. clapping, tapping, moving to music and can indicate if he/she would like or want more
    4. seeking out or identifying and requesting preferred music, e.g. favourite CD
    5. exploring and identifying locations they have experience music in their lives and communities and the purpose, for example, birthday party, cultural event, to dance, celebrate
    6. sharing constructive observations about music from a range of cultures as a performer and audience member
    7. describing mood/ feeling of pieces of music using their own words

Level C Achievement Standard

By the end of Level C, students make and perform music.

Students communicate ideas and feelings about aspects of music they create and perform and reasons why people make and listen to music.

Level D (Towards Foundation)

Level D Description

In Level D, students explore music. They listen to and explore sound and learn about how music can represent the world and that they can make music to represent their ideas about the world. They share their music with peers and experience music as audiences.

Students learn to listen to music and become aware of rhythm, pitch, dynamics and expression, form and structure, timbre and texture as they explore and make music. They learn to copy beat, rhythms and basic music patterns and respond to changes in rhythm and tempo when accompanying music.

While music in the local community should be the initial focus for learning, students are also aware of and interested in music from more distant locations and the curriculum provides opportunities to build on this curiosity.

Level D Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Explore and imitate sounds, pitch and rhythm patterns using, voice, movement, body percussion and/or instruments (VCAMUE013)
    Elaborations
    1. copying rhythms and basic music patterns and adapting to changes to rhythm and tempo in music
    2. responding to and attempting to change rhythm or tempo when prompted for example taking turn to make and copy
    3. using their body and/or voice to communicate an imaginative and sensitive response to stimulus material for example moving and performing with an understanding of beat and tempo
    4. listening to and imitating simply musical patterns, for example by clapping, singing and playing a musical instrument
    5. holding and playing classroom instruments safely and correctly
    6. beginning to recognising familiar instrument timbres, for example when they hear a drum or triangle
    7. imitating pitch and rhythm patterns to develop aural recognition skills, for example, echo clapping and call and response singing

Music Practices

  1. Sing, use body percussion and/or play instruments to improvise patterns and practise chants, songs and rhymes (VCAMUM014)
    Elaborations
    1. responding to changes in rhythm and tempo when moving to music
    2. recognising and singing songs associated with an occasion, e.g. happy birthday
    3. practicing techniques for singing songs and playing classroom instruments
    4. singing and playing music to explore the expressive possibilities of their voices and instruments
    5. practicing and performing music including using accessible technologies
    6. learning a song used by groups in the local community, such as Aboriginal songs or Torres Strait Islander songs from their community, following respecting cultural protocols

Present and Perform

  1. Perform a piece of music they have learnt or perform a piece of music to communicate an idea (VCAMUP015)
    Elaborations
    1. creating or making music for a social purpose
    2. making and sharing music which shows emerging music knowledge and skills
    3. creating music to communicate ideas, concepts, observations, feelings and/or experiences
    4. contributing to classroom conversations about aspects of music they have made and experienced
    5. choosing and combining sounds to create compositions, for example, instrument, beat, tempo
    6. improvising patterns of body movement, such as clapping or stamping, and creating accompaniments to familiar music
    7. improvising with voices and sound sources to express thoughts and feelings
    8. creating and improvising music using technologies

Respond and Interpret

  1. Respond to music and describe features they observe, including likes and dislikes (VCAMUR016)
    Elaborations
    1. exploring the basic features of their own and others’ music, through guided learning experiences to identifying the main elements, what features they like best
    2. demonstrating acceptable audience behaviour when in the classroom and when attending school functions, for example watching for extended period of time and responding to performance and clapping at the conclusion
    3. listening to and identifying simple musical patterns and changes to rhythm and tempo in music
    4. contributing to classroom conversation about aspects of music have made or experienced
    5. identifying where they might experience music in their lives and communities, for example, considering how music sustains and communicates a sense of identity and community
    6. participating in discussion on social and cultural elements of music, for example Where is this music from? Why was it made? What is it about?
    7. describing music using their own words and learnt music terminology, for example loud, soft, happy, sad
    8. listening to and talking about music and musical instruments from different contexts and cultures

Level D Achievement Standard

By the end of Level D, students compose and perform music to communicate ideas.

Students explore sounds through singing. They demonstrate rhythm skills by listening to and imitating simple musical beat and patterns. They describe the music they like and dislike.

Foundation Level

Foundation Level Description

In Foundation level, students explore music. They experiment with diverse sounds and discover how they can be effectively combined. They share their music with peers and experience a range of music as audiences.

Students learn to listen and respond to music, becoming aware of the elements of beat, rhythm, pitch, dynamics and tempo as they sing, play, improvise and move to music. They learn to feel the beat, sing with pitch accuracy and to discriminate between sound and silence, loud and soft, and fast and slow. They experiment with contrasting sounds on non-melodic and melodic percussion instruments, learning to use instruments appropriately and safely.

Students talk about their experiences of music they hear in their community, identifying what they enjoy and why.

Foundation Level Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Explore sound and silence and ways of using their voices, movement and instruments to express ideas (VCAMUE017)
    Elaborations
    1. exploring ways of producing sound using their voices, body percussion, acoustic and electronic/digital instruments and objects individually and in groups, for example, responding to questions such as how can voices and instruments create long/short/loud/soft sounds?
    2. practising matching pitch to sing in tune and experimenting with speaking and singing voice to recognise the differences
    3. improvising movement to represent rhythmic patterns in songs they are learning
    4. creating long/short/loud/soft sounds with their voices or instruments
    5. experimenting with ways of using graphic notation to represent different qualities of sounds in music they are improvising, for example, high/low, long/short

Music Practices

  1. Sing and play instruments to create and practise chants, songs and rhymes including those used by cultural groups in the local community (VCAMUM018)
    Elaborations
    1. practising techniques for singing songs and playing classroom instruments, for example through music games
    2. singing and playing music to explore the expressive possibilities of their voices and instruments
    3. learning songs that feature patterns or familiar language, for example, working with a Koorie Elder to learn counting songs, colour songs or alphabet songs in the local Aboriginal language
    4. improvising and documenting (notate) patterns and soundscapes, for example using graphic notation
    5. using questions such as ‘what did this music make you think about and why’ as a starting point for making decisions about how music will be performed

Present and Perform

  1. Rehearse and perform songs and short instrumental pieces which they have learnt and composed (VCAMUP019)
    Elaborations
    1. practising achieving accuracy of vocal pitch by learning how to place the voice
    2. developing an understanding of the difference between beat and rhythm when singing, playing and responding to music
    3. experimenting with different dynamics and tempi to make decisions about which best communicates an intended mood or feeling
    4. using movement and body percussion accompaniment to enhance performance of a song
    5. use questions when rehearsing to make expressive choices that will communicate intended aims, for example ‘what do you want your audience to think about as you perform?’

Respond and Interpret

  1. Respond to music, expressing what they enjoy and why (VCAMUR020)
    Elaborations
    1. drawing on teacher guidance provided in response to their music-making
    2. talking about how voices, instruments and movement are used in music they make and hear
    3. describing how they have used different qualities of sound to represent ideas in a soundscape, for example, instrumentation, high/low, long/short, loud/soft, feel
    4. sharing observations of music performances they have participated in or heard in the community, for example, identifying which instruments were used or where is this music from?, why was it made?

Foundation Level Achievement Standard

By the end of Foundation, students sing and play instruments to communicate their experiences and ideas. They explore contrasting sounds and improvise with them. Students match pitch when singing. They understand and respond to the beat and simple rhythm patterns.

Students describe the music to which they listen, identifying what they enjoy and why.

Levels 1 and 2

Levels 1 and 2 Description

In Levels 1 and 2, students listen to and experiment with a range of sounds. They develop skills in imagining and creating and performing music which explores their ideas about the world. Students share their music with peers. They present music for school events and experience diverse music as members of an audience.

Students select and make choices about their use of the elements of music as...

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Levels 1 and 2 Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Use imagination and experimentation to explore musical ideas using voice, movement, instruments and body percussion (VCAMUE021)
    Elaborations
    1. improvising short pitch and rhythm patterns using voice and instruments
    2. using voice and body percussion to experiment with the elements of music and create contrasting musical ideas, for example, noise and silence, faster and slower, longer and shorter, higher and lower, louder and softer, happy and sad
    3. recording music ideas using technologies and graphic notation
    4. exploring contrasting tone colours on the same instrument, for example, scraping and hitting a drum, using hands and different beaters
    5. using listening as a starting point for exploration, for example, discussing how other performers use loud and soft or identifying ideas that could be used in compositions

Music Practices

  1. Sing and play instruments to improvise, compose and practise a repertoire of chants, songs and rhymes, including those used by cultural groups in the local community (VCAMUM022)
    Elaborations
    1. practising and performing music, learnt aurally and through reading from invented and learnt symbols
    2. singing and playing music to explore the expressive possibilities of their voices and instruments, for example in music games
    3. using responses to music to inform interpretations, for example, how is the mood of this music communicated? What instruments were used and how was their sound different?
    4. using movement and body percussion to create accompaniments for songs, chants and rhymes
    5. learning songs that were created in or are about the local area, for example, learning a song taught by a member of the local Koorie community

Present and Perform

  1. Rehearse and perform songs and instrumental music they have learnt and composed to communicate ideas to an audience (VCAMUP023)
    Elaborations
    1. working collaboratively to make choices about dynamics to perform a variety of music such as songs and rounds using their natural voice
    2. following cues when performing songs and short instrumental pieces they have learnt
    3. experimenting with contrasting tempos and sudden and gradual changes of dynamics to achieve particular effects in performance
    4. accurately playing and singing rhythmic and melodic phrases and patterns using their voices, tuned and untuned instruments
    5. clapping the repeating pattern in a piece, identifying which instruments played the melody and the accompaniment

Respond and Interpret

  1. Respond to music, communicating their preferences and discussing where and why people in their local area make and perform music, including the music of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (VCAMUR024)
    Elaborations
    1. describing shapes and patterns in music they have composed or performed, for example, clapping a repeating rhythmic pattern in a song
    2. focussing attention on other musical parts when composing or performing in a group, for example, what instruments play the melody? The accompaniment? Is the texture thick or thin in the opening/middle/end section of your composition?
    3. when listening, describe how the different use of elements of music creates moods, effects or contrast
    4. identifying where they might see and hear music in their lives and community and discussing their experiences, for example, sharing experiences of taking part in music performances or attending a Harmony Day concert featuring performances by a Koorie rock band and performers representing other cultural groups in the local area and asking questions such as why is music an important part of many celebrations or why did I feel like singing and dancing with the performers?

Levels 1 and 2 Achievement Standard

By the end of Level 2 students use imagination, their voices and instruments to improvise, compose, arrange and perform music. They explore and make decisions about ways of organising sounds to communicate ideas. They achieve intended effects and demonstrate accuracy when performing and composing.

They describe ways contrasts and effects can be created in music they listen to, compose and perform and their understanding of the purposes of music in different social and cultural contexts.

Levels 3 and 4

Levels 3 and 4 Description

In Levels 3 and 4, learning in Music involves students making and responding to music independently and collaboratively with their peers and teachers.

Students extend their understanding of the elements of music and their ability to interact with other musicians as they develop their music knowledge and skills. They listen for and perform independent rhythms over an underlying beat and recognise...

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Levels 3 and 4 Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Use imagination and creativity to explore pitch, rhythm/time and form, dynamics and tempo using voice, movement and instruments (VCAMUE025)
    Elaborations
    1. varying the use of the elements of music to create different effects, for example, singing with gradual dynamic and tempo changes or altering the expressive shape of repeating phrases
    2. exploring and varying instrumental timbres in isolation and combination, for example, playing softer or louder, or changing the playing technique on an instrument
    3. identifying and explaining features in music using terminology and a range of notation
    4. using imagination to explore concepts, for example, lightness and weight, considering the effective use of the elements
    5. using movement to demonstrate an understanding of musical form, for example, changing actions as the music changes or devising a movement sequence to show different sections in a song or instrumental piece.

Music Practices

  1. Use voice and instruments to sing, play and arrange music from different cultures, times and locations, and improvise and compose music in different forms (VCAMUM026)
    Elaborations
    1. practising singing and playing a range of music from different cultures, including cultures within their local community
    2. experimenting with ways of singing and playing expressively, such as learning and practising a song with different dynamics and tempo or adding introductions, accompaniment patterns or movement
    3. exploring given rhythm and pitch patterns, structures or timbres to improvise and create music and record the resulting compositions, for example, manually or with technology, using a combination of graphic and conventional notation
    4. practising reading traditional and invented notation in music as they rehearse and perform
    5. researching information to guide decisions about how the music should be performed, for example, why was this music written, who were the original performers, how can performers communicate the composer’s ideas?

Present and Perform

  1. Rehearse and perform songs and instrumental music they have learnt and composed, shaping elements of music to communicate ideas to an audience (VCAMUP027)
    Elaborations
    1. rehearsing and performing music using a range of techniques including technologies to enhance mood
    2. planning and rehearsing their music for a live or virtual performance, for example, deciding where the performers will stand, how they will begin and end, practising following cues from the music and other members of the group
    3. refining their compositions and performances based on peer and teacher evaluations and with a focus on specific music technique and elements
    4. developing and refining techniques on a range of conventional and unconventional melodic and non-melodic percussion instruments, voice, and digital instruments to create and vary tone colour and expression

Respond and Interpret

  1. Identify features of the music they listen to, compose and perform, and discuss the purposes it was created for, including the music of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, using music terminology (VCAMUR028)
    Elaborations
    1. identifying the features of music used in different contexts, and, using music terminology describe the ways in which it fulfils specific purposes in its composition and presentation
    2. discussing the planning, developing or refining of aspects of music they are composing or preparing to perform and how their music has been influenced by music they have listened to or previously performed
    3. evaluating compositions, performances and creative processes, for example, ‘how successfully did the group collaborate to communicate the intended ideas in the composition?’
    4. comparing the expectations and requirements of performers and audience in different cultural and social settings and apply this learning in their own performances, for example, viewing a performance at a Tanderrum and talking with a representative from the local Koorie community about how the performance space is organised and using ideas from this conversation to plan how the performance space will be organised for their next performance
    5. comparing music in their community to music of other cultures, times and locations, for example, ‘what clues in the music tell us where it was made, who made it and why? Do you use similar ideas in your music?

Levels 3 and 4 Achievement Standard

By the end of Level 4, students improvise, arrange, compose, and accurately and expressively perform songs and instrumental music to communicate intentions and ideas to audiences. They document their compositions.

Students describe and discuss similarities and differences between music they listen to, compose and perform. They discuss how they and others use the elements of music to communicate ideas and intentions in performance and composition.

Levels 5 and 6

Levels 5 and 6 Description

In Levels 5 and 6, Music involves students continuing to listen to, improvise, compose, arrange and perform music, independently and collaboratively with their peers, teachers and communities.

Students explore more complex aspects of rhythm, pitch, dynamics and expression, form and structure, timbre and texture in music they perform and compose. They sing and play independent parts against contrasting...

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Levels 5 and 6 Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Explore ways of combining the elements of music using listening skills, voice and a range of instruments, objects and electronically generated sounds to create effects (VCAMUE029)
    Elaborations
    1. experimenting with elements of music by improvising patterns, phrases and melodies and exploring a range of concepts, ideas and feelings
    2. identifying and describing features of rhythm, melody and structure that create effects in their improvisations
    3. exploring options for interpreting dynamics and articulations in music they sing and play
    4. using graphic and conventional notation and technology to record music ideas

Music Practices

  1. Develop and practise technical skills and use of expressive elements of music in singing, playing instruments, improvising, arranging and composing (VCAMUM030)
    Elaborations
    1. practising interpreting and applying more extended or complex rhythm patterns and overlaying patterns
    2. making choices about how to interpret graphic and conventional forms of notation
    3. exploring rhythm, pitch, texture and expressive elements, for example, dynamics, tone colour or articulation to create contrast, repetition and balance in improvisations, arrangements and compositions
    4. using technology to monitor progress in learning and rehearsing music they have composed, for example, using a mobile device to record a work or using a checklist to evaluate how well the music is achieving intended effects
    5. using listening responses to guide development of compositions and performances, for example, what evidence supports your decisions about the way dynamics should be used in this performance?, how can dynamics be indicated in this score?

Present and Perform

  1. Rehearse and perform songs and music they have learnt, including their own compositions, combining aspects of the elements of music and using performance skills, to communicate ideas and intentions to an audience (VCAMUP031)
    Elaborations
    1. considering the layout and sound quality of performance spaces when planning live performances
    2. exploring and applying different performance styles, and drawing on music from other locations, cultures and times as sources of ideas, for example, using relevant protocols for representing community or cultural stories such as songs or stories from the local Koorie community in performance
    3. using appropriate breath control, phrasing and interpretation in a range of contexts
    4. applying the tone colours of instruments and sounds from different times, places and cultures, for example, the djembe or angklung
    5. describing intentions for a performance, for example, what do the performers intend audiences to experience and understand from the music? How will performers manipulate elements of music to create these effects?

Respond and Interpret

  1. Explain how aspects of the elements of music are combined to communicate ideas, concepts and feelings by comparing music from different cultures, times and locations, including the music of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (VCAMUR032)
    Elaborations
    1. reviewing one’s own music, outlining their use of performance techniques and discussing the purpose of using specific presentation and production elements
    2. providing and responding to feedback to refine performances and compositions
    3. talking and writing about music from other places and times and how cultural understandings shape responses to music; for example, listening to examples of contemporary music that uses Aboriginal instruments such as the didgeridoo or clap sticks and asking ‘how does this music draw on music traditions or styles from other times, cultures or locations?
    4. identifying the features of music from other contexts, for example, investigate traditional and contemporary music from Asia, considering traditions, customs and conventions

Levels 5 and 6 Achievement Standard

By the end of Level 6, students use the elements of music, their voices, instruments and technologies to improvise, arrange, compose and perform music. They sing and play music in different styles and use music terminology, demonstrating listening, technical and expressive skills, performing with accuracy and expression for audiences.

Students explain how the elements of music are used to communicate ideas and purpose in the music they listen to, compose, and perform. They describe how their music making is influenced by music from different cultures, times and locations, using music terminology.

Levels 7 and 8

Levels 7 and 8 Description

In Levels 7 and 8, students make and respond to music independently and collaboratively, with their peers, teachers and communities.

Students using listening skills to identify and make decisions about how they can manipulate rhythm, pitch, dynamics and expression, form and structure, and timbre and texture to achieve expressive outcomes or realise specific intentions when composing and performing...

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Levels 7 and 8 Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Experiment with elements of music, in isolation and in combination, using listening skills, voice, instruments and technologies to find ways to create and manipulate effects (VCAMUE033)
    Elaborations
    1. identifying use of elements of music, for example, pitch contour/phrasing , articulations, dynamics, tempo, tone colour, melodic or rhythmic patterns in music they listen to and perform or transcribing ideas for use in own performance or composition
    2. improvising on given material to extend music ideas through singing and playing, for example, learning (aurally), memorising and then extending a short melodic motif
    3. experimenting with texture by layering sound in different ways, for example, using looping software
    4. manipulating sound quality by exploring how sounds are produced by different instruments and voice types, for example, manipulating timbre, dynamics or by trialling use of different bowing or breathing techniques or use of equipment such as a plectrum, and using this knowledge when learning a new solo, improvising or composing an ensemble piece
    5. using listening response as starting points for improvisation, composition or performance, for example, how are the elements of music manipulated to create an effect/mood/feel? How can I manipulate dynamics/articulation/tone colour to achieve this effect in performance?
  2. Develop music ideas through improvisation, composition and performance, combining and manipulating the elements of music (VCAMUE034)
    Elaborations
    1. using technology to manipulate specific elements such as pitch or timbre to create intended effects in composition and performance
    2. manipulating their voices and/or instruments through timbre and expressive techniques to convey intended style, considering safety, correct posture and technique
    3. use recordings to research different ways of interpreting notated solo or ensemble music, or to create a specific feel, for example straight/swing, smooth, tense, light
    4. experimenting with different types of notation to communicate and record ideas
    5. identifying musical ideas behind variations of the same piece of music, for example, why does the same piece sound different when different musicians play it?, which version do they prefer and why?

Music Practices

  1. Create, practise and rehearse music to develop listening, compositional and technical and expressive performance skills (VCAMUM035)
    Elaborations
    1. learning and rehearsing Australian works from different musical styles and traditions
    2. creating chord progressions and improvising melodies, focusing on style specific techniques, for example, using scales or modes
    3. using notation and audio recordings to evaluate options for creating music, for example, recording work in progress and evaluating against criteria they have developed from listening to performances of works in similar styles
    4. exploring and manipulating the elements of music within given parameters to create a personal interpretation, for example, ‘what is the social or cultural context of this piece, for whom would it be performed, and how might this influence the performance? What features of the music indicate it is from a particular time or location?’
    5. using listening skills to experiment with ways of achieving cohesion and balance in ensemble performances and make choices to communicate the composer’s intentions, for example, identifying which instrument has the melody, which instruments are playing the same line, an accompaniment, or driving the feel?
  2. Structure compositions by combining and manipulating the elements of music and using notation (VCAMUM036)
    Elaborations
    1. combining and manipulating the elements of music to imitate a range of styles, for example world music styles, street music styles, jazz styles, minimalism, K-Pop, a capella, dance styles
    2. exploring ways to combine and extend music ideas within specific forms such as song form, ABA, or improvising motifs and combining them with a chord progression to create music for a film-score segment to create solo (unaccompanied) work or an ensemble work
    3. arranging a familiar melody, for example, writing counter-melody, bass line and variations or reworking the rhythm/feel to fit a particular music style and create a score using notation (by hand or with technology)
    4. exploring technologies as tools for creating, notating, recording, sharing and discussing music ideas, for example, how effectively are the expressive techniques indicated in the notation of the composition? What are the strengths of this performance or composition?

Present and Perform

  1. Rehearse and perform to audiences in different settings and contexts, a range of music they have learnt or composed, using techniques and expression appropriate to style (VCAMUP037)
    Elaborations
    1. experimenting with ways of realising features such as treatment of elements of music, or performance techniques when rehearsing an ensemble work
    2. maintaining technical and expressive control throughout a performance, for example, performing with correct posture and techniques for tone production (breathing, bowing, fingering etc)
    3. identifying how members of an ensemble communicate during a performance, the range of dynamics used and how the style was created and maintained
    4. experimenting with different ways of staging a performance to communicate ideas and intentions to an audience
    5. rehearsing to control tone and volume to create a balanced sound in ensemble performance

Respond and Interpret

  1. Analyse composers’ use of the elements of music and stylistic features when listening to and interpreting music (VCAMUR038)
    Elaborations
    1. identifying the elements of music aurally and then discussing how these elements, performance techniques and composition devices are used and manipulated, for example, discussing the shape of a melody in a particular part and how that part relates to the rest of the musical texture
    2. identifying how the elements of music and instruments have been used in the piece, and compare them to the compositional devices used in their piece
    3. researching performances through real or virtual sources to analyse and compare performers’ interpretations and discuss how each communicates the composer’s intentions
  2. Identify and connect specific features and purposes of music from contemporary and past times including the music of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to explore viewpoints and enrich their music making (VCAMUR039)
    Elaborations
    1. identifying contexts, for example, social, historical or cultural contexts relevant to the forms and styles represented in music they listen to and/or perform
    2. locating and exploring specific examples of contemporary Australian or Asian music, through questions such as ‘How does this music relate to its social context, its makers and audiences? What are the protocols for performing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music and other culturally specific performances? What historical forces and influences are evident in the music? How does this style of music vary from those seen in other traditions or other locations?
    3. describing the role of music in different cultures including local Koorie culture and using this information when planning performances or compositions, for example, when planning a program for a multi-cultural day concert that will feature performances by students and members of the local community of music created by the students and other performers
    4. using scores or charts to annotate features and ideas for interpretation, for example, annotating the score of a work they have created to prepare for a rehearsal

Levels 7 and 8 Achievement Standard

By the end of Level 8, students manipulate the elements of music and stylistic conventions to improvise, compose and perform music. They use evidence from listening and analysis to interpret, rehearse and perform songs and instrumental pieces in unison and in parts, demonstrating technical and expressive skills. They use music terminology and symbols to recognise, describe and notate selected features of music.

Students identify and analyse how the elements of music are used in different styles and apply this knowledge in their performances and compositions. They evaluate musical choices they and others have made to communicate ideas and intentions as performers and composers of music from different cultures, times and locations.

Levels 9 and 10

Levels 9 and 10 Description

In Levels 9 and 10, learning in Music involves students using their voices, instruments and technology as they make and respond to music independently and in small groups, and with their teachers and communities. They explore music as an art form through listening, composing and performing, developing a personal voice as composers, performers and audience.

Students continue to develop their listening...

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Levels 9 and 10 Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Improvise and arrange music, using aural awareness and technical skills to manipulate the elements of music to explore options for interpretation and developing music ideas (VCAMUE040)
    Elaborations
    1. using listening skills and memory to identify, sing and notate pitch and rhythm patterns, intervals and familiar chord changes
    2. improvising and using technologies to develop the texture of a composition, for example, exploring instrumentation, dynamics and expressive techniques, using digital tools to create and manipulate tone colour
    3. experimenting with layering of sound to develop a personal style in improvisation and composition
    4. applying aural understanding of key and tonality when improvising and composing
  2. Manipulate combinations of the elements of music in a range of styles, using technology and notation to communicate music ideas and intentions (VCAMUE041)
    Elaborations
    1. manipulating sound sources and technology to suggest or replicate style
    2. experimenting with and comparing how elements of music are used to communicate musical intentions in traditional, digital and graphic scores and charts, from different styles
    3. using varied traditional and invented notation and technology to document compositions and indicate their intentions for how performers should interpret the work
    4. interpreting how changes in instrumentation and orchestration affect the interpretation of this piece

Music Practices

  1. Create, practise and rehearse music to interpret a variety of performance repertoire with increasing technical and expressive skill and awareness of stylistic conventions (VCAMUM042)
    Elaborations
    1. rehearsing solo and ensemble repertoire to develop technical skill and musical sensitivity and an increasing stylistic understanding, for example, considering how performers can manipulate elements of music used in a piece to convey a cultural identity or feel,
    2. working collaboratively to develop ensemble skills and an understanding of the role of each member of the ensemble in a performance
    3. recording and evaluating performances using digital technologies, for example, listening to a recording of their own performances and identifying areas for improvement
  2. Plan, develop, and notate compositions with an understanding of style and convention (VCAMUM043)
    Elaborations
    1. composing, improvising and arranging in different styles, exploring different instrumental combinations or combining acoustic and digital sounds, for example, improvising over accompaniment created in real-time using a looping pedal
    2. creating music for different purposes and occasions, for example, a film soundtrack, that enhances the narrative arc of the film
    3. composing and arranging music using the elements of music to communicate style and genre, considering contemporary Australian styles and emerging genres such as Aboriginal hip-hop, mash-up and classical fusion of instrumentation such as orchestral instruments and the didgeridoo
    4. manipulating elements of music and performance techniques to elicit emotional responses appropriate to the narrative when composing music for a game or film

Present and Perform

  1. Perform music applying techniques and expression to interpret the composer’s use of the elements of music and compositional devices (VCAMUP044)
    Elaborations
    1. setting up the performance space and using production elements to enhance a sense of style for an audience
    2. performing music from scores made by themselves and others, exploiting musical features of works across a range of styles and contexts in performance, for example, how are these two performances different, which one was more successful with audiences and why?
    3. recognising the influence of social, cultural and historical developments and incorporating these into their performance, using performance techniques and manipulating expressive elements to communicate the composers’ intentions
    4. using aural skills and reading notation to develop interpretation as they perform known and unknown repertoire in a range of styles
    5. using listening as a research tool to develop aims for a performance, for example, comparing performances and identifying features that audiences connect to

Respond and Interpret

  1. Evaluate a range of performances and compositions to inform and refine their own music making (VCAMUR045)
    Elaborations
    1. analysing how the use and combination of the elements of music defines their developing personal style and how their style is influenced by cultural and historical styles, for example, features of a piece that are typical of the social context in which it was created
    2. listening to, analysing and comparing the performance practices of others to shape and refine their interpretation of a piece of music, for example ‘what historical influences are evident in this performance?
    3. comparing music from different styles to identify and describe stylistic, cultural and historical practices and inform their own composition and performance practice, for example, evaluating the use of the elements of music when listening to and interpreting music
    4. investigating why and how different traditions, styles and contexts affect the experience and interpretation of a piece of music and taking this into account when interpreting and composing music, for example, How are the elements of music used in this piece to convey a cultural identity?
  2. Analyse a range of music from contemporary and past times, including the music of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to explore differing viewpoints, enrich their music making, and develop understanding of music practice in local, national and international contexts (VCAMUR046)
    Elaborations
    1. evaluating and comparing stylistic interpretations of a range of music to develop aesthetic awareness
    2. comparing and evaluating audience responses and performer roles across a broad range of formal, informal, virtual and interactive settings
    3. evaluating their own and others’ music, and using feedback to refine and improve performances and compositions
    4. discussing the influence of music on the development of personal and cultural identity in local, national and international contexts, for example, by considering songs by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and/or other Australian musicians who draw on the cultures of their families and asking questions such as what is the cultural context in which this music was composed or performed or how does this music relate to cultural identity of its composer/performer?

Levels 9 and 10 Achievement Standard

By the end of Level 10, students interpret, rehearse and perform solo and ensemble repertoire in a range of forms and styles. They demonstrate a developing personal voice and technical control, expression and stylistic understanding. They use general listening and specific aural skills to enhance their performances and use knowledge of the elements of music, style and notation to compose, document and share their music.

Students aurally and visually analyse works and performances of different styles. They evaluate the use of elements of music and defining characteristics from different musical styles. They use their understanding of music making in different cultures, times and places to inform and shape their interpretations, performances and compositions.

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