Curriculum

Brighton Secondary School offers unique opportunities for the study of music curriculum at secondary level through specialised staffing and resources. In years 7 and 8 we offer three tiers of Music options: Music Experience, Core Music, and Special Interest Music. In years 9 and 10 students can continue study in Core Music and Special Interest Music. Students in years 11 and 12 can choose from all six SACE Stage 1 and Stage 2 subjects and an additional Integrated Learning subject focussed on Sound Technology.

The following information is subject to some variation from year to year.

Pathways and Courses

Music Experience (years 7 or 8)

(No prerequisites)

Music Experience is a 6-month (one semester) experiential music course. Students will learn some basic skills on the guitar, keyboard and percussion instruments while covering some entry level musicianship, cultural, analytical and creative tasks. Students wishing to study music for more than 6 months should choose Core Music, which provides the option of a musical pathway through to year 12.

Core Music (years 7-10)

(No prerequisites for years 7 and 8. Entry into years 9 or 10 Core Music (without study in years 7 or 8) via an interview with music staff)

In Core Music, students will have the opportunity to play in a class band, string ensemble or percussion ensemble. We welcome beginners and continuing students to Core Music. Students will have access to free, weekly instrumental music lessons on most instruments to support their learning. Most instruments can be hired from the school so there is no need to own an instrument. Choosing Core Music will also allow students to participate in the many co-curricular ensembles and choirs available before school, at lunchtime and after school. Core Music students are also eligible for the incredible local and international music tours.

Special Interest Music (years 7-12)

(Entry via audition)

Special Interest Music (SIM) caters for students with a passion and desire to study music more intensively. SIM students study all aspects of the Core Music curriculum, and in addition they develop their skills through a concentrated focus on areas such as solo performance, composition and arranging, cultural and analytical studies, and a wide variety of practical courses. Follow this link to our Special Interest Music page for further information about entry into the SIM program.

Practical Applications courses are specialist areas of study that SIM students undertake throughout years 7 to 10. Across the four years students explore a wide range practical topics which can include Guitar, Keyboard, Rhythm Class, Kodály, Sonic Arts, Improvisation, Technology, and Instrumental Chamber.

SACE Stage 1 and Stage 2

Brighton Secondary School offers all 6 SACE Music subjects as well as an Integrated Learning subject focussing on Sound Technology.

Students who have studied Core Music are typically suited to select Music Foundations as a pathway to Music Explorations. Students who have studied SIM are typically suited to select Music Craft as a pathway to Music Studies. Sound Technology has no prerequisites and is available to students with no previous study in Music.

Accelerated entry into Stage 2 subjects is possible for younger students who have demonstrated high-levels of success in the relevant field(s). Students are to submit an expression of interest to the Music Coordinator for consideration.

Structure and Content

In years 7-10 music curriculum students study a variety of theoretical and practical subjects with more personalised choices available in years 11 and 12.

Students have the opportunity to work in a wide range of musical settings that will reinforce the concepts of life-long learning and global citizenship while providing opportunity and pathways into tertiary education and careers in the music industry.

Year 7 Music Experience (one term)

  • Cultural and Analytical Studies [1 lesson per week]
  • Guitar [1 lesson per week]
  • Percussion [1 lesson per week]
  • Technology [1 lesson per week]

Year 7 Core Music (one semester)

  • Year 7 Band/Year 7 String Ensemble/Year 7 Percussion Ensemble [2 lessons per week]
  • Musicianship [1 lesson per week]
  • Choir (Soprano/Alto or Tenor/Bass) [1 lesson per week]
  • Instrumental lesson [1 lesson per week]

Year 7 SIM

  • All Year 7 Core Music elements
  • Instrumental lesson on a 2nd instrument [1 lesson per week]
  • Solo Performance [1 lesson per week]
  • Composition [1 lesson per week]
    • Introduction to Notation Software (Noteflight)
    • Graphic Scores
    • Theme and Variation
    • Song Writing
    • Small Ensemble Project and Journal
  • Cultural and Analytical Studies [1 lesson per week]
    • Elements of Music
    • Instrument Classification
    • Instruments of the Orchestra
    • History of Rock and Pop
    • Pop Forms
  • Practical Applications [1 lesson per week]

Year 8 Music Experience (one semester)

  • Cultural and Analytical Studies [1 lesson per week]
  • Keyboard [1 lesson per week]
  • Musicianship [1 lesson per week]
  • Technology [1 lesson per week]

Year 8 Core Music

  • Year 8 Band/Year 8 String Ensemble/Year 8 Percussion Ensemble [2 lessons per week]
  • Musicianship [1 lesson per week]
  • Choir (Soprano/Alto or Tenor/Bass) [1 lesson per week]
  • Instrumental lesson [1 lesson per week]

Year 8 SIM

  • All Year 8 Core Music elements
  • Instrumental lesson on a 2nd instrument [1 lesson per week]
  • Solo Performance [1 lesson per week]
  • Composition [1 lesson per week]
    • Rhythm Composition
    • Writing a Melody
    • Compositional Devices
    • Pentatonic Arrangement
    • Small Ensemble Project and Journal
  • Cultural and Analytical Studies [1 lesson per week]
    • History of Western Music and Elements of Music (Gregorian Chant to Romantic)
    • Classical Forms
    • Commercial Music
    • Conducting and Score Reading
  • Practical Applications [1 lesson per week]

Year 9 Core Music

  • Year 9 Band/Year 9 String Ensemble/Year 9 Percussion Ensemble [2 lessons per week]
  • Musicianship [1 lesson per week]
  • Choir (Soprano/Alto or Tenor/Bass) [1 lesson per week]
  • Instrumental lesson [1 lesson per week]

Year 9 SIM

  • All Year 9 Core Music elements
  • Instrumental lesson on a 2nd instrument [1 lesson per week]
  • Solo Performance [1 lesson per week]
  • Composition [1 lesson per week]
    • Film Music
    • Theme and Variation
    • Gaming Music
    • Percussion Quartet
  • Cultural and Analytical Studies [1 lesson per week]
    • Sonata Form/Baroque Suites
    • Australian Music
    • Film Music
    • Contemporary styles
  • Practical Applications [1 lesson per week]

Year 10 Core Music

  • Year 10 Band/Year 10 String Ensemble/Year 10 Percussion Ensemble [2 lessons per week]
  • Musicianship [1 lesson per week]
  • Choir (Soprano/Alto or Tenor/Bass) [1 lesson per week]
  • Instrumental lesson [1 lesson per week]

Year 10 SIM

  • All Year 10 Core Music elements
  • Instrumental lesson on a 2nd instrument [1 lesson per week]
  • Solo Performance [1 lesson per week]
  • Composition [1 lesson per week]
    • Blues
    • Commissioned Work
    • Impressionism
    • Duet and Trio Arranging
  • Cultural and Analytical Studies [1 lesson per week]
    • History of Jazz
    • World Music
    • 20th and 21st Century Music
    • Female Composers
  • Practical Applications [1 lesson per week]
  • SACE Personal Learning Plan (PLP)

SACE Stage 1 - Music Foundations (1MVD20)

(Suggested background: Core Music or SIM)

  • Performance and Part Testing
  • Performance Discussion
  • Composition/Arrangement and Folio
  • Reflection on Creative Work
  • Research/Analysis
  • Responding to Musical Works/Listening Journal

SACE Stage 1 - Music Craft (1MVD20)

(Suggested background: SIM Music or Core Music students with an interest in musicianship/theory and composing/arranging)

  • Performance and Discussion
  • Performance Portfolio
  • Arrangement and Folio
  • Musicianship (4-part Vocal Style/Jazz Harmony)
  • Aural/Analysis

SACE Stage 2 - Music Explorations (2MEX20)

(Suggested background: Stage 1 Music Foundations (1MXE20))

  • Musical Literacy (30%)
  • Explorations (40%)
  • Creative Connections (30%)

SACE Stage 2 - Music Performance - Ensemble (2MEB10)

(Suggested background: experience in an extra-curricular ensemble)

  • Performance (30%)
  • Performance and Discussion (40%)
  • Performance Portfolio (30%)

SACE Stage 2 - Music Performance - Solo (2MSO10)

(Suggested background: Stage 1 Music Craft (1MVD20) or experience in solo performance)

  • Performance (30%)
  • Performance and Discussion (40%)
  • Performance Portfolio (30%)

SACE Stage 2 - Music Studies (2MSI20)

(Suggested background: Stage 1 Music Craft (1MVD20))

  • Creative Works (30%)
  • Musical Literacy (40%)
  • Examination (30%)