Music

Why Take Music?

• Music is a “Hands on, ears on” subject at Chanel College. All students who take the music course have an opportunity to experience playing an instrument.
• Students are encouraged to learn to listen critically and form opinions about the music they listen to. They are encouraged to articulate their opinions and share their musical experiences.
• Students who take music learn important skills of self management through learning and practising on instruments, and working with others through group performances and rehearsals.
• Music students have opportunities to perform in front of their peers and develop their confidence, and build on theoretical and practical music skills.
• There are opportunities for music students to attend concerts by visiting musicians, groups and orchestras, and learn about the history of a wide range of musical styles, performers and composers. 
• Through learning about music students will gain a deeper understanding of the music they hear around them, and a greater appreciation of what it takes to make great music.
• Music is now offered to a senior level at the College, so students considering tertiary study or a career in music can get started here at Chanel.

Courses:

The music courses at Chanel College cover all aspects of music but have an emphasis on performance and practical music.

Year 7- 8

Intended as an entry level course for students who may not have had any prior education in music. The course content includes:

• Basic guitar, keyboard and percussion instrument skills.
• Rudiments of music theory.
• Listening skills –aurally identifying instruments, pitch and simple rhythms.
• Basic composition skills – soundscapes, music to accompany a story/film clip, ostinato patterns.

Year 9

The year 9 course is on a term rotation, meaning class sizes are smaller which allows for more in depth practical group work. This course is an opportunity for students to learn more about playing instruments, and applying that knowledge to real playing situations. Course content includes:

• Rhythm – reading and writing rhythms, performing as part of a percussion ensemble, Brazilian and African rhythms.
• Keyboard and guitar skills.
• Performance skills – rehearsing and performing as part of a music group.
• Study of musical genres.
• Theory of music.
• Composition – composing a simple melody.

Year 10

The year 10 course is designed to get students ready for NCEA Level 1.
Topics covered are similar to the Standards that will be encountered in Year 11 and include:

• Composition – song writing, composing melodies, basic harmony, structure in music.
• Performance - performing a variety of musical styles, as part of a group and as a featured soloist.
• Music in context – Eras in classical music, History of popular music in New Zealand.
• Elements of music, comparing and contrasting different pieces of music, using musical terminology to describe pieces of music.
• Aural training – identifying and transcribing rhythms, melodies and chord progressions by ear.

QUALIFICATION NCEA Level One

Entry Prerequisites

Satisfactory Year Ten Music experience.

Course Components

Press for Arise

Press for Singing Mouse