Level 3 Music
3MUS Subject DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Ms A. Plummer.
Recommended Prior LearningMusic reading definitely helps at L3. If you are rusty in this area, it is worth your while brushing up on this highly useful skill. You can take L3 if you achieved 14 credits or more at NCEA Level 2 Music and have shown success (Merit or higher) with at least two of the following - Solo Performance, Group Performance, Composition, Written work such as research projects or the Music Works External or theory.
Group Performance can be a big component of L3. Most students will have already performed at this level. There is an expectation that you will be part of a band or group already when starting this course.
To get an idea of the standard, watch the senior combo rehearse one of the pieces they performed for the senior prizegiving 2019 Senior Combo - Toby, Carmen, Jordan, Jay and Daniel
Level 3 Musicians are likely to include students from Level 2 who excelled in either Performance, Composition or both. The course caters for expertise to develop only in these areas. In 2025 Level 3 Music will need to be blended with the L2 course in order for it to run. Solo and Group Performance recitals, alongside a Composition/SongWriting or Arrangement portfolio will form al of your work.
Students may choose to do a Composition (8 credits) AND a Song Writing (8 credits) portfolio. This will take up the entire course and is worth 16 credits - (6 pieces of music in total).
Like Level 2, you can get credits for a 2nd instrument performance. Essentially the Solo (8 credits) , Group (4 credits) and 2nd Instrument (4 credits) will provide 16 credits in total.
Students are advised to have regular tuition on their instrument/voice to help them achieve the required level for the performance elements.
Students are expected to perform at musical events in or out of school.
Watch the L3 band of 2019 perform at the Musical Extravaganza
Subject Overview
Term 1
We collaborate on Group Performance of which you must perform 2 pieces in the same event.
Solo recital number 1 is selected and regular practise begins. You must play at least 2 pieces in the same recital - (a minimum of 4 in total)
Composition/Song Writing ideas are explored (You must do 3) These will be shared through open discussion, listening and work shopping. Composition 1 must be complete by the end of Term 1.
Theory skills are taught to all students and extended theory will be introduced for those doing the Score Reading External and Analysis.
This year we have the option of doing an Analysis Internal based on a substantial music work. We study the second movement of Beethoven's Symphony no 7. This internal is mostly geared towards students who gained an Achieved or higher for the Score reading External at L2 or who read music fluently.
Some students may decide to do the Research a Music Topic standard, which offers UE credits for reading.
Term 2
Recital 1 is completed in June.
Some students will perform their Group pieces in a school event such as the Musical Extravaganza
Arrangement 1 is completed (You have to do 2) and they need to be transcribed.
Score analysis internal practice takes place and the assessment for those interested happens at the end of the term.
Composition 2 is completed
Term 3
Recital 2 is completed late September
Some students will perform their Group pieces in a school event such as the Musical Extravaganza or Soiree.
Arrangement 2 is completed
Score analysis internal practice takes place
Composition 3 is completed
The Music External West Side Story is Introduced, analysed and written about. This external has 4 UE literacy credits reading and writing.
Term 4
There are opportunities for students to complete recitals and compositions should it be required.
Practice Essays for the West Side Story External and Score reading will take place.
Final Compositions need to be recorded alongside a detailed commentary ready for the portfolio deadline
Approximate Costs and Equipment/Stationery
A quality pair of headphones, your own instrument to practise on at home. Composers will need their own laptop that can run advanced recording software such as Ableton Live, Pro Tools or Logic, MuseScore 4