Music
“Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them – a world of work, culture, intellectual activity and human involvement. The future of our nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music.” – Gerald Ford
Although we provide our students with the necessary skills to become rock stars and concert pianists, this is not our only aim. At St Peter’s College, we strive to build well-rounded young people who are capable of excelling in any career. The study of music develops important skills that can be applied in all walks of life.
Universities’ Admission Point Scores are based on performance, irrespective of subject choice. A result of 80% for music will earn a student just as many points as 80% for maths or science. Many degree programs, particularly Medicine, look favourably on students who have studied music due to their ability in the areas noted above.
Taking music as a subject in high school does not limit career choice. Although it is quite possible to make a very decent living as a musician, whether in the performance, production or education spheres, it is possible to pursue any career. The study of all subjects is supported by the discipline and time management skills ingrained in young musicians.
Most importantly, in an increasingly unstable job market where young people are often required to forge their own paths and create their own opportunities, the ability to think creatively is often the difference between those who succeed and those who fail... and music is, above all, a creative art!
SO WHAT IS MUSIC?
10 BENEFITS OF SUBJECT MUSIC:
| 1 | Musical training helps develop language and reasoning |
| Students who have early musical training will develop the areas of the brain related to language and reasoning. The left side of the brain is better developed with music, and songs can help imprint information on young minds. | |
| 2 | A mastery of memorization |
| Even when performing with sheet music, student musicians are constantly using their memory to perform. The skill of memorization can serve students well in education and beyond. | |
| 3 | Better APS (Admission Point Scores) for University |
| Students who have experience with music performance or appreciation score higher on the APS. | |
| 4 | Success in society |
| Music is the fabric of our society, and music can shape abilities and character. Student involvement in the Extra-mural Programme has proven to have a positive impact on social skills of young children. Musical education can greatly contribute to children’s intellectual development as well. | |
| 5 | Music builds imagination and intellectual curiosity |
| Introducing music in the early childhood years can help foster a positive attitude toward learning and curiosity. Artistic education develops the whole brain and develops the student’s imagination. | |
| 6 | Musical instruments can teach discipline |
| Students who learn to play an instrument can learn a valuable lesson in discipline. They will have to set time aside to practice and rise to the challenge of learning with discipline to master playing their instrument. | |
| 7 | Development in creative thinking |
| Learners who study the arts can learn to think creatively. This kind of education can help them solve problems by thinking outside the box and realizing that there may be more than one right answer. | |
| 8 | Music can develop spatial intelligence |
| Students who study music can improve the development of spatial intelligence, which allows them to perceive the world accurately and form mental pictures. Spatial intelligence is helpful for advanced mathematics and more. | |
| 9 | Responsible risk-taking |
| Performing a musical piece can bring fear and anxiety. Doing so teaches kids how to take risks and deal with fear, which will help them become successful and reach their potential. | |
| 10 | Preparation for the creative economy |
| Investing in creative education can prepare students for the 21st century workforce. The new economy has created more artistic careers, and these jobs may grow faster than others in the future. |
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN MUSIC AND MEDIA:
| Music Producer | Songwriters | Artist & Reperoire Co-ordinator | Music Therapist | Audiologist |
| Music Director | Program Director | Film Music Composer | Video Game Sound Designer | Recording Artist/Session Musician |
| Jingle Composer | Acoustic Engineering Consultants | Musicologist | Broadcasting | Film and Video Editor |
| Podcast | Blogger & Vlogger Specialist | Artistic Director | Media Content Development & Operator | Music Publicist |
| Entertainment Lawyer | Music Journalist | Instrument Repairer & Tuner | Concert Promoter | Community Music Teacher |
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBJECT MUSIC:
Please see the information below which outlines the requirements of all music students during the Senior Phase of their music education.
Music in Grade 10, 11 and 12 is very different, and exponentially more demanding than the Creative Arts Music Elective.
Music Theory
The Grade 9 November Music Examination is based on the Grade 1 to 3 Trinity Theory Syllabi. The concepts covered in this exam form the basis of all of the theory that will be taught over the next 3 years. Students need to be very comfortable with this content and should achieve at least 70% for the written music paper.
Music Analysis
Students are required to engage with complex theories of aesthetics as we study music from the 1600s to contemporary times. It is imperative that students are well versed in reading music. They will frequently be called upon to read orchestral scores and complex ensemble compositions.
Essay writing is another important tool. Senior music students will be required to write numerous essays each year and should feel comfortable conducting research and articulating their ideas in writing.
The table below outlines the subjects that will be covered in each year of study, as well as the Grade 12 set works.
Music Performance
All Grade 10, 11 and 12 music students are required to attend weekly practical lessons with a specialist teacher. Students who wish to take music as a senior subject should perform pieces preferably of a Grade 3 Trinity, Rock n Pop, ABRSM or Rockschool standard for their final Grade 9 examination.
Please feel free to contact Mr Antonio Lottering (lotteringa@stpeterscollege.co.za ) should you have any questions about whether Senior Music is the correct subject choice for your child.
