Music

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The Year 10 Music course challenges students to engage practically with music as researchers, performers and creators. Students will be able to develop as musicians in their own areas of interest while also broadening their musical and artistic perspectives.

In Year 10 music as a subject enables students to:
Engage with music through Discovery, Creativity, and Performance by:

• Develop skills and confidence as solo performers
• Develop collaborative skills through ensemble activities and tasks
• Develop composition skills through composition tasks, each teaching a different creative process
• Develop analysis, audiation and theory skills, and learning how they apply to different musical contexts and styles
• Take active responsibility for their own learning, through goal setting and self-reflection
• Consider the implications of context on music, such as cultural, political, and philosophical influence and functions
• Developing competency with music technology software for live performance, recording and composing

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme music course is designed to offer students the opportunity to build on prior experience in music while encouraging a broad approach to the subject and developing new skills, techniques and ideas.

The IB music course fosters students’ musicianship and shapes their musical identities as researchers, creators and performers. The course encourages inquiry intro creative practices and performance processes. Students will also develop listening, creative and analytical skills, as well as encouraging cultural understanding and critical thinking.

Throughout the course, students are encouraged to explore music in varied and sometimes unfamiliar contexts. This will include studying and experiencing world music, western art music, popular music, jazz and electronic music. Additionally, by experimenting with music, students gain hands on experience while honing musical skills. Through realising and presenting samples of their work with others, students also learn to communicate critical and artistic intentions and purpose.

The Music course at QACI is extended and enhanced by students’ participation in:

• Workshops and performances by visiting local and international musicians
• Regular sessions with a composer-in-residence
• Group percussion lessons
• Co-curricular ensembles, including choir, strings and contemporary music ensemble
• Performance opportunities as both solo performers and ensembles
• Recording studio classes
  

Composition

Composition forms a major component of the IB Music Program. During their study students aim to develop creative skills through exploration, control anddevelopment of musical elements. Creativity demands self-discipline and focus on the part of students as they shape and assemble the musical elements to express a particular mood, character or other intended meaning.

A music technology composition uses computers together with a variety of software programs and/or hardware. Music technology compositions demonstrate skill and creativity in their use of Music Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) based programs, sequence-based programs, sound-generating software, recorded audio, analogue synthesizers, concrete sounds and assorted hardware.

Music composition is a rigorous and challenging task for most young musicians, most of who have had very little experience. We are fortunate enough at QACI to have our very own composer in residence, Nicole Murphy, who meets with IB music classes across the course of the Diploma developing composition ideas and skills.

Extra-Curricular Music Ensembles and Tutorial Schedule 2024

Note: Due to the rigour and time requirements of the IB, it is recommended that students do not sign up for more than two ensembles.

String Collective: Directed by Rory Dollard

A non-traditional and collaborative string ensemble experience, where players will be engaged in a variety of repertoire, including various world music cultures. This ensemble is strongly encouraged for all music students who are string players, but is also open to non-music students or students for whom it is a second instrument.

Percussion: Directed by Steve Stiller
Compulsory for all music students. Ensembles conducted during class time to extend composition and performance skills in a practical setting.

Vocal Collective: Directed by Alison Rogers
A large choral group that is strongly encouraged for all music students who are vocalists, however, students do not need to study music to join.

Vox: Directed by Alison Rogers                                   
A small, chamber vocal group. This is an extension group for more experienced vocalists with the ability to learn their parts independently - students must be in Vocal Collective to be considered for Vox (entry via audition).​