Level 2 Music
2MUS Subject DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Ms A. Plummer.
Recommended Prior LearningSo, if you're thinking about taking Music, then it is wise to have the following from L1. At least a Merit with Solo or Group Performance at Year 11 and a Merit or higher in Composition and Listen and Catch / Beats Recreation. Therefore you will have achieved 15 or more credits at NCEA Level 1 in Music at M or higher, to do Level 2.
Students that enjoyed the practical elements at level 1 should definitely choose this course. There are plenty of practical opportunities available such as the Solo and Group Performance standards which are collectively worth 10 credits. A further 3 Credits are also available for performing on a second instrument. Acoustic guitar and electric guitar count as 2 instruments.
We spend time doing song analysis both for the lyric content of songs and to assist with theory. There is more emphasis on individual creativity at L2. Many students choose to do composition (6 credits and pieces) or Instrumentation (4 credits and1piece). Instrumentation requires a proficient level of music reading. This is where we take an existing piece of music which is already transcribed, and then re-arrange it for a quintet of instruments of your choice. This is scored using the software Sibelius or Musescore 4 . Musescore is an excellent free music notator programme which is amazingly easy to use. I recommend you download it as soon as possible and start to see how it works. Compositions can be done collaboratively, like you can see in this video below from the L2 boys of 2020.
Feeling Free Recorded in 2020
INTERNALS - Solo Performance (2 pieces) = 6 credits. Group performance (1 piece) = 4 . 2nd instrument ( 1 piece ) = 3. Composition (2 pieces) = 6 . Instrumentation (48 bars ) = 4 . Investigation = 4.
EXTERNALS - Music Works = 6 (and has UE accredited reading credits attached to it. Aural = 4 and Score Reading = 4.
So, as you can see, there are lots of standards to choose from!
For the Music Works External, we focus on 1950s Jazz, delving into the magnificent album Time Out by Dave Brubeck. The context of this covers a range of social issues such as the Civil Rights Movement and the Cold War. We also look at the development of Progressive Rock focusing on Pink Floyd's concept album Dark Side of the Moon and it's crazy use of state of the art recording techniques and psychedelic stage shows.
For those that excel in theory, there are 2 other external exams. An accurate understanding of music reading, and theory are essential if you wish to do either the Aural or the Score Reading External.
Your Group Performance will be presented in the Musical Extravaganza which will be on Thursday May 29th 2025 - a bit earlier than 2024 due to 2025 being a School Musical Year.
Ziad performing his Group Piece "Live High" at the musical extravaganza 2019
Subject Overview
Term 1
The solo and group performance is the main focus. It is essential to select a repertoire that challenges. Plenty of practical sessions will occur to help get these 2 standards underway.
We start instrumentation which is mostly for those students that read music well. Guitarists ,vocalists and drummers are encouraged to do song writing or composition unless you are a strong music reader, in which case you can do either or both.
We spend time going over essential theory skills such as key signatures to assist with musical analysis and creative tasks.
We also complete the Investigation - an easy project task where you research an aspect of NZ music such as a well-known artist or band and present a slideshow and audio analysis to the class or small group. This will be filmed.
OR - if you prefer, you will complete the Instrumentation task ( only really suitable for music readers).
Term 2
The first solo performance exam will be the main focus to start Term 2. The Instrumentation quartet is due in draft form as is composition number 1. A quality recording is helpful and a detailed commentary explaining the creative process is required. We spend time learning how to write about musical characteristics in detail through listening work. We concentrate on writing compare and contrast answers to generic questions based on the Music Works we study.
The Musical Extravaganza will be one of the highlights of the Term. Many students get their group performance credits at this concert. Students are encouraged to develop their playing style and the delivery of their performance. Such skills are work-shopped in class time.
We also learn about Jazz in the 1950s, the context of this and some actual pieces from the albums Time Out by Dave Brubeck and
A Kind of Blue by Miles Davis.
Term 3
Term 3 is when creative tasks get completed. Recordings get fine-tuned and written commentaries on creative work are submitted. There is plenty of opportunity for students to receive feedback on their progress before the final submission date. We focus on the second Music Work in depth and continue to do practice written tasks. Students taking theory externals will receive one on one or small group tuition. Solo Performance number 2 is completed, and students are prepared for a prelim exam which usually happens during one of the extended learning times.
Term 4
Even though students will be doing lots of practise papers and questions to prepare for the externals, there will still be plenty of time to do some practical work, to have fun with music-making so as not to get too stressed focusing on exams. Some students may be completing their solo or group performances if they didn't get the chance to do these in Term 3.
Often students that excel in song writing or composition complete more work than they need to because it is their passion, and so can submit this work for these standards the following year when they do Level 3.
Pathway
Most students go onto L3 Music who excel in either performance, composition or both
Approximate Costs and Equipment/StationeryStudents will need a quality pair of headphones and their own device that is capable of running a DAW such as Ableton Live, Logic or Pro Tools.