Tawa College Tawa College

10 Music Studies

10MSS
Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Mr M. Cameron, Mr I. Stone.

Recommended Prior Learning

It's highly recommended that you take an instrument lesson of some sort to support your classroom learning. You can do this for free through the school!


Do you love music? Are you interested in learning more about the history and theory of music? Do you want to compose, perform, and create? Do you want to be in a highly motivated classroom environment? Then Music Studies is the class for you!

Music Studies is a great place for academic and ambitious students to find a home other like-minded students - a place for those who are hungry to learn about new things. The class is motivated and focused - which means we learn a lot, and we go deep into the details. 

You don't have to be amazing at music already to take Music Studies - you just need to be willing to push yourself!

So what do we do in Music Studies?
--> We learn about music theory. Don't worry if you've never done it before - you will start at the level you are at and work at your own pace.
--> We learn about music history. That includes music history of classical music, as well as other cultures from around the world.
--> We compose music. Sometimes this is just with instruments and singing, like for Songwriting, and sometimes it's using the Sibelius notation software. You work at the level of complexity that you are at - you don't need prior experience!
--> We play music in groups. This is usually to support one of the ideas we've learned in class.

In Music Studies, your teacher will guide you on a journey of musical discovery!

What's the difference between Music Studies and Music Performance?
- Music Performance doesn't have as much theory - just the basics.
- Music Performance has class time to play your instruments.
- Music Performance uses Garageband to compose instead of Sibelius. 
- Music Performance is more self-directed, and Music Studies is more teacher-led.

You can take both Music Studies and Music Performance if you want the best of both worlds!


Course Overview

Term 1
Analysing Songs
Writing our own songs
Theory

Term 2
Music from around the World
Composing based on our Heritage
Theory

Term 3
Orchestral and Film Music
Composing Music to a Video
Theory
Listening Skills

Term 4
New Zealand Music
Group performance
Theory
Listening Skills

Learning Areas:

Arts, Music


Pathway

Level 1 Music Performance Technology 101, Level 1 Music Studies 101

Careers in the music industry: performing, songwriting, composing, live music entertainment, music education, music production, artist management, marketing and PR, music journalism, recording engineering, music arranging.

The unique skills of the musician are becoming increasingly marketable in a world where communication, confidence, creativity and innovation give graduates an edge. Music plays a central part in the games we play, our social media and our real-life gathering places.