MUSIC INVESTIGATION
VCE Units 3 and 4
Music Investigation involves both performance
research in a Focus Area and performance of
contrasting works that are representative of that
Focus Area
 The research of music characteristics and
performance practices representative of the
Focus Area underpin the Investigation,
Composition/improvisation/arrangement and
Performance areas of study throughout the year
 Aural and theoretical musicianship skills are
developed across all areas of study.

The Focus Area is the basis for study of
repertoire, performance, technique and general
musicianship
 The Focus Area selected should be of particular
interest to you and one which will complement
your experience and abilities as a performer
 The Focus Area should provide scope for you to
develop your performance expertise and
musicianship
 Works selected for performance should allow you
to demonstrate interpretive mastery of the
repertoire as well as highly developed technical
skills on your chosen instrument


Your interpretation of works in the performance
program is informed by;
- study of repertoire that is representative of the
Focus Area yet diverse in character
- research into and application of performance
practices relevant to the Focus Area
- investigation and analysis of characteristics of
a range of contrasting works that are representative of
the Focus Area
- insights from composing/improvising/arranging
and performing an original work that incorporates
music characteristics typical of the Focus Area
OVERVIEW
OF THE YEAR
Unit 3
Unit 4
Outcome 1
Presentation
(20 marks)
Folio (S/N)
Folio (S/N)
Outcome 2
Folio of tech work
created (S/N)
Composition/Improv/
Arrangement
(20 Marks)
Outcome 3
Performances
Tech Work (5 marks)
15 mins (S/N)
Performances
Tech Work (5 marks)
10 mins (S/N)
UNIT 3
In this unit you will investigate a chosen Focus Area
 You will explore this Focus Area through the following
three areas of study;
Investigation
Composition/improvisation/arrangement
Performance
 You will use a work selected from a prescribed list as a
starting point, and design and investigate into a specific
area of music which becomes your Focus Area

Your Focus Area is the basis for study of repertoire,
performance, technique and general musicianship
 You should select a Focus Area that is of particular
interest to you and which complements your experience
and abilities as a performer
 Your Focus Area should provide scope for you to
develop your performance expertise and musicianship
 Works selected for the performance program should
allow you to demonstrate interpretive mastery of the
repertoire as well as highly developed technical skills on
your chosen instrument/s

OVERVIEW
OF
OUTCOMES
OUTCOME
TASK
MARKS
Outcome 1
Demonstrate understanding of
performance practises, context/s and
influences on music works
Folio
An investigation folio which will be divided into four sections which
you will be contributing to over the course of the semester;
- Development of the Focus Area statement
- Listening diary
- Analysis
- Contextual/historical issues relevant to the Focus Area
Oral Presentation
A multimedia report that uses examples from a representative sample
of works to define characteristics and context/s of works that are
representative of a selected Focus Area
S/N
Outcome 2
Compose, improvise and/or arrange
and discuss music characteristics and
performance practises
Folio of technical work and exercises
Compile a portfolio of technical work and exercises you have created
which demonstrates an understanding of a Focus Area
S/N
Outcome 3
Present a performance of music
works that communicates
understanding of the Focus Area
Performance of technical work and exercises
A performance that demonstrates:
- application of individual and, as appropriate, ensemble, technical,
stylistic and expressive techniques used in performance of works to
communicate understanding of the Focus Area
- technical work and exercises selected to develop skills to
communicate technical, expressive and stylistic characteristics of
works being prepared for performance
Performance of selected works (15 minutes)
- At least 2 pieces, one of which must be your list piece
5 marks
20 marks
S/N
AREA
OF
STUDY 1
Choose and describe a Focus Area
 You will use aural comprehension, music theory and
general musicianship knowledge and skills as you listen
critically to recordings of performances and examine
relevant texts including musical scores
 You will research and analyse, aurally and visually, a
sample of music works representative of the Focus Area,
to gain a broad understanding of stylistic and structural
characteristics

(music works include your performance pieces aswell as other pieces related
to your Focus Area)
You will develop knowledge of performance practises
used by leading practitioners associated with the Focus
Area
 You will develop knowledge of relevant influences on
the works that are representative of the Focus Area

(appropriate music terminology and language must be used to describe and
discuss)
OUTCOME 1
Demonstrate understanding of performance practices,
context/s and influences on music works.
Part A: Investigation folio
Part B: Oral presentation
AREA
OF
STUDY 2
You will apply research findings from Outcome 1
 You will create a folio of composition or arrangement
exercises, sketches, or recorded improvisations that
demonstrate understanding of the Focus Area
 You will undertake a variety of
composition/improvisation/arranging tasks to explore
characteristics typical of the works studied in Outcome
1 and works selected for performance

You will develop an understanding of the influence of
idiomatic instrumental techniques, performance
conventions, the skill levels of performers and other
practical considerations that may have an impact on the
compositional process
 You will create a score or recording that can be used to
prepare and present a performance of selected exercises
 You will discuss characteristics of your completed
exercises in relation to research findings from Outcome
1

OUTCOME 2
Compose, improvise and/or arrange and discuss music
characteristics and performance practices.
Task: Folio of technical work and exercises created
AREA
OF STUDY
3
You will plan, rehearse and perform a program of
works representative of the selected Focus Area
 You will develop relevant instrumental and
performance techniques and apply performance
practises to build your expertise as a performer
 You will consolidate your ability to present musically
engaging performances using the performance
practises and conventions relevant to your Focus Area
 You will explore ways of expressively shaping your
chosen works and develop your ability to communicate
your artistic intentions to an audience


You will extend your instrumental skills through
regular practice and explore ways to develop empathy
and other ensemble skills through rehearsal with other
musicians (as appropriate)
OUTCOME 3
Present a performance of music works that communicates
understanding of the Focus Area
Part A: Performance of technical exercises
Part B: Performance of program consisting of at least 2
pieces, one of which must be your prescribed list piece
(15 minutes)
UNIT 4
In this unit you will continue to explore and research
within the chosen Focus Area from Unit 3
 You will prepare program notes to accompany your
end-of-year performance (Focus Statement)
 You will create a
composition/improvisation/arrangement that draws on
musical characteristics of the Focus Area
 You will continue to rehearse and prepare for an endof-year performance exam of 25 minutes

You will continue to use skills in awareness, transcription, music
theory and music analysis to support your work
OVERVIEW
OF
OUTCOMES
OUTCOME
TASK
MARKS
Outcome 1
Evaluate and present interpretive
approach to a program of music
works
Folio
Further research to extend your understanding of the
possibilities for performance in preparation for the end-ofyear exam. This research will contribute to the Focus
Statement
Performance of composition/improvisation/arrangement
An oral report that discusses how a
composition/improvisation/arrangement created and
performed by the student is representative of the Focus Area.
The report should draw on examples from a score/chart of the
work and a recording of the performance
S/N
Outcome 2
Compose/improvise/arrange and
perform a music work and discuss
the use of music characteristics,
instrumental techniques and
conventions in the work
Outcome 3
Demonstrate artistic intent and
understanding of the Focus Area in
a cohesive and engaging
performance of music works
Performance of technical work and exercises
A performance that demonstrates:
- application of individual and, as appropriate, ensemble, technical,
stylistic and expressive techniques and performance conventions to
communicate artistic intent in performance of works that are
representative of a Focus Area
- technical work and exercises selected to refine skills and
performance practises required to communicate technical,
expressive and stylistic characteristics or works been prepared for
performance
Performance of program (25 minutes)
Performance of the end-of-year program which consists of at least 4
contrasting works, one of which must be from the Prescribed Solo
List of your instrument or from the Group List Section A or B. A Focus
Statement must be included
20 marks
5 marks
S/N
AREA
OF
STUDY 1
You will use your learning from Unit 3 Outcome 1 and
further research to reflect on and evaluate your
interpretive approaches to the music works being
prepared for performance
 You will use this research to extend your understanding
of the possibilities for performance that balance
relevant personal, stylistic, practical, technological,
historical and cultural influences
 You will prepare program notes based on your research
and evaluation that may be used to introduce the
Outcome 3 performance program


You will use those program notes to create your Focus
Statement which must be provided for the end-of-year
performance examination
OUTCOME 1
Evaluate and present your interpretive approach to a
program of selected works
Task: Investigation folio
AREA
OF
STUDY 2
You will complete an original composition,
improvisation or arrangement that demonstrates music
characteristics of the Focus Area and works selected for
performance
 You will apply your understanding of idiomatic
instrumental techniques, performance conventions,
performer abilities and other practical considerations as
you create and refine the work for performance
 You will create a score or recording that is used to
prepare the work for performance
 You will perform the work and explain its context in
relation to the Focus Area

OUTCOME 2
Compose/improvise/arrange and perform a music work
and discuss the use of music characteristics,
instrumental techniques, performance techniques and
conventions in the work
Task: Performance and explanation of piece
AREA

OF
STUDY 3
You will prepare and present a program of works of
diverse character that are relevant to your selected
Focus Area (at least 4 pieces, one which must be your
prescribed list piece)
You will refine your ability to present a musically
engaging performance using the performance practices
and conventions relevant to your selected Focus Area
 You will explore ways of expressively shaping your
chosen works and consolidate your ability to
communicate your artistic intentions convincingly to an
audience

You will analyse the structural characteristics and use
of the elements of music in the works, investigate
relevant contextual issues and explore the relationship
between these and performance techniques associated
with the style of the works
 You will also research and evaluate a range of existing
interpretations to enhance your awareness of the
variety of possible approaches and apply this awareness
to your own interpretations


You will continue to extend your instrumental skills
through regular practice and consolidate effective
ensemble skills through rehearsal with other musicians
(as appropriate)
You will enhance your understanding of the
possibilities for performance of the selected works
 You will consider how to achieve balance between
relevant personal, stylistic, practical, technological,
historical and cultural influences in shaping
interpretations of chosen works
 You will also study ways of applying performance
conventions relevant to the Focus Area

You will continue to study technical work and exercises
to support preparation of the performance program and
develop your ability as a performer
 You will select technical work and exercises to develop
performance stamina, achieve unified interpretation
within a group or with an accompanist, and/or extend
and refine mastery of performance techniques
associated with particular works (dependant on instrument

and performance context)
OUTCOME 3
Demonstrate artistic intent and understanding of the
Focus Area in a cohesive and engaging performance of
music works
Part A: Performance of technical work and
exercises
Part B: Performance of at least 2 pieces (10 minutes)
END-OF-YEAR EXAMINATION






You will perform as a soloist OR as a member of a
group
It will contribute 50 per cent
The end-of-year performance will draw on knowledge
and skills from Unit 3 Outcome 3 and Unit 4 Outcome
3
You will present a live performance of at least four
contrasting works that relate to the Focus Area
You will create a Focus Statement outlining your
Focus Area and the relationship of the selected
performance program
At least ONE work will be chosen from the Prescribed
List of Notated Works OR the Prescribed List of Group
works