In Stage 6, students apply the knowledge learnt in the elective course to music in the senior years in strength based course.
The preliminary course is based around the mandatory topic of music from 1600-1900 as well as an additional topic, which is decided upon as a class. The 2-unit HSC music 2 course focuses on the mandatory course of music of the Last 25 Years (australian focus) and an additional topic, which is chosen by the students individually in consultation with their teacher. Individual choice of the additional topic further allows for a strength based approach to further ensure success.
Student is required to complete an aural and musicology examination, an up to 2 minute composition, performance with sight singing based on the mandatory topic (Music of the Last 25 Years). Students choose an elective option from performance, composition or musicology based on their strengths and interests based on their consulted additional topic choice. This strength based approach allows students to develop their practice and achieve consistently outstanding results in music 2.
Students undertaking music 2 in the HSC may also wish to consider taking music extension and must be undertaking the music 2 course to be eligible to participate. This 1-unit course is a step beyond music 2 in a single, specialised area of music from performance, musicology or composition. In the course, performance students will perform a recital of 2 solo and 1 ensemble piece from any style, period or genre of no more than 20 minutes. Musicology students will present a 3000 word essay on any topic related to music from any style, period or genre including composers. Composition students will compose two contrasting pieces of up to a combined length of no more than 6 minutes. This strength based approach allows students to develop their practice and achieve consistently outstanding results in music extension.
Incursions and workshops
Every year, the staff at Manly Campus provides incursions and excursions to assist music 2 and extension students, which includes active professional composers and performers to work one on one with each student, providing specialist instruction and reinforcing the work undertaken in the classroom.
Each year we have been fortunate enough to commission a work from an australian composer to be included in the HSC repertoire of selected students.
As part of the support days organised for the Music HSC curriculum, our campus takes part in the annual HSC music day, held at Freshwater Campus in the HSC year. This day allows the 5 campuses of the Northern Beaches Secondary College to come together and undertake specific workshops relating to either the music 1 or music 2 course including extension. Our students took part in music 2 workshops which focus on our 4 learning areas: aural, musicology, performance and composition. They receive valuable information relating to their practical and written submissions from their peers and staff across the college. .