11–12Music Extension 11–12 Syllabus (2025)
The new Music Extension 11–12 Syllabus (2025) is to be implemented from 2027 and will replace the Music Extension Stage 6 Syllabus (2009).
2026 and 2027
- Plan and prepare to teach the new syllabus
2027, Term 4
- Start teaching the new syllabus for Year 12
- Start implementing new Year 12 school-based assessment requirements
2028
- First HSC examination for the new syllabus
Content
Year 12
Students undertake a specialisation in performance OR composition OR musicology to extend their mastery of discipline-specific knowledge. Students apply current musical practice, research and commentary to inform the development of practice in their chosen area. Throughout the development of the Major work, students evaluate and reflect on their creative processes in their Major work journal.
In Performance, students refine and extend knowledge, understanding and skills in the rehearsal and performance of solo and ensemble repertoire. They develop skills in critical listening to extend their technical skill and stylistic interpretation in both solo and ensemble performance. Students contribute informed solutions to the challenges of technical and musical interpretation of repertoire and integrate Music context and Music language into their interpretation of performed music.
In Composition, students refine and extend knowledge, understanding and skills in the creation and realisation of original contrasting pieces or movements. They develop skills in critical listening and score study to extend their understanding and application of Compositional language, stylistic influences and the craft of writing for voices and/or instruments. Students contribute informed solutions to the challenges of the technical requirements and musical interpretation of their composed work and integrate Music context and Music language into the realisation of their own compositions.
In Musicology, students refine and extend the knowledge, understanding and skills of critical listening and analysis in the realisation of their organisation, development and expression of ideas in a written argument supported by musical examples and quotations. They develop the skills of synthesis and comparison to extend their knowledge and understanding and apply this to the interpretation of musical evidence from primary and secondary sources. Students formulate a research question and justify a viewpoint, integrating Music context and Music language in their critical analysis and evaluation of musical evidence and the commentary of others.
Demonstrate solo and ensemble leadership and collaboration in the preparation of musical performances
Prepare repertoire with technical proficiency and attention to idiomatic, technical and musical components
Apply performance techniques and strategies to the expressive components of musical interpretation
Apply knowledge created in workshops with other music makers to the unique interpretation of existing and new works
Demonstrate musical leadership and collaboration in the creation and development of original musical ideas
Apply Music language to innovative music making techniques
Demonstrate technical capabilities and conventions when composing for solo and ensemble voices and/or instruments
Apply knowledge created in workshops with other creators to refine creative solutions for voices and/or instruments
Evaluate a range of musical influences including scores, recordings, interviews and the commentary of composers, performers, accompanists, and other music makers and artists
Analyse and interpret primary and secondary sources using Music context and Music language
Select and evaluate musical evidence from primary and secondary sources to construct and defend a critical position
Evaluate how music functions as a site of artistic, cultural, historical and social practice and meaning