NCEA Level 2 Music

This course builds on the skills of performance and composition developed to a competent level from Level 1. Instrumentation and score reading, will be developed to a competent level. Students will be encouraged to perform at organised events such as the New Zealand Chamber Music Festival or the Rock Quest Competition.

Learning and assessment activities are based around the four strands from the Arts Curriculum document:

• Developing practical knowledge in music (theory, score reading)
• Developing ideas in music (composing music)
• Communicating and interpreting in music (listen to, read and play music)
• Understand music in context (developing knowledge and understanding of a variety of music styles both past and present)

Music technology is offered across 3 standards, which build on one another. An electronics standard where students create a guitar pedal is new at this level and encourages students to apply different forms of knowledge in a music context. Another new standard is the psychology of addiction and how it pertains to musicians in a performance context.

Please Note – While students have the opportunity to further their own interests in music, this course has a set programme of teaching and learning based on the curriculum. Each year a course is designed to allow all students in the class to access at least 14 credits and a subject endorsement through two external papers.

Psychology as a full year course is offered as part of music at this level. This leads onto Level 3 Psychology. Students learn about the approaches to psychology and look at the psychology of addiction as it related to music and performance. Additionally students look at psychological research, ethics and examine the different fields of psychology. 

Special Conditions:

• As part of the performance requirements for assessment, students need to continue with their course of instrumental tuition on their performance instrument throughout the year (either privately or via the college). It is recommended that lessons be on an individual basis for at least ½ hour per week. Extra charges may apply in some cases.
• Students must be prepared to take part in performance opportunities
• Music technology is offered to students who have completed levels 1 tech standards
• It is expected that students will attend scheduled lessons with their tutor and non-attendance for unjustified reasons may result in the student losing this opportunity

A student will be withdrawn from a standard if the teacher is not confident that the achievement of the standard is within the reach of the student or there is no evidence of the student attempting the assessment.