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NSW Curriculum
NSW Education Standards Authority

7–10Music 7–10 Syllabus

Record of changes
Implementation from 2026
Expand for detailed implementation advice

Content

Stage 5

Composing
Music in practice
  • Apply knowledge of compositional devices to generate musical material

  • Experiment with different compositional techniques and structures to develop and refine musical material

  • Develop musical material within macrostructures

  • Control a range of sound sources, sound production methods and digital technologies to improvise, generate, compose, manipulate, arrange, notate and record compositions

  • Critically reflect on and document compositional choices and process

  • Annotate draft compositions using a range of notations incorporating dynamics, articulation and expressive markings to indicate the intent of the performance, as appropriate to the style

  • Apply the protocols and responsibilities of working safely and respectfully with others

Music in context
  • Explore how conventions of different styles and media can be used and combined to create meaning

  • Compose in different styles and for different purposes and/or audiences

  • Combine styles to create new ideas

  • Evaluate own and others’ success in communicating ideas and intent and use feedback to refine and improve

  • Communicate personal, social or ethical views through composition

  • Adapt or arrange own or others’ compositions for different purposes or audiences

  • Consider the capabilities of performing media and the needs and perspectives of performers when composing

  • Examine how interpretation is affected by changes in instrumentation and orchestration

  • Understand the ways in which music can be adapted, arranged or appropriated for different audiences or contexts, or to achieve different purposes

  • Apply knowledge of cultural significance and respectful protocols when composing music inspired by Indigenous cultures such as those of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples

  • Apply protocols related to information, identity and intellectual property when composing, commenting on or sharing compositions or related material on public or private forums

Elements of music
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  • Analyse and discuss use of the elements of music in own compositions and the compositions of others

  • Manipulate and combine the elements of music to create musical ideas and/or communicate meaning, through improvising or composing

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