About the Learning Area

We have a team of 38 music staff covering all areas of classical and contemporary music styles; all orchestra and band instruments; voice; keyboard instruments including pianoforte and harpsichord; and classroom music. Some of the staff are conductors of bands, choirs, orchestras and strings, and several are also specialists in chamber groups, rock bands and jazz groups.

The wide range of Music courses offered in the Senior School caters for individual differences, integrated VCE and IB music courses and specialist tuition programs. There are three strands to the Music program at Carey:

class music;
music performance; and
specialist tuition.

Through participation in the programs, students develop skills in performing and presenting. They develop teamwork skills and discipline in organisation and expression; they contribute to school events; they provide a community social service.

Class Music is a part of the core curriculum from Early Childhood to Year 7 inclusive. From Year 8 to Year 12 Class Music is an elective subject. The curriculum emphasises appreciation, listening, analysis of music, composing and studies in the theory of music. The course work includes some practical music making. The music selected for study enables students to gain an insight into many different cultures and nations.

Music Technology

Music technology is integrated into the Music programs from Year 7 to Year 12. Using notebook computers, music technology allows students to research their own interests in greater depth using CD-ROMs and the Internet. They are able to compose and develop aural skills at their own pace and record and edit music using industry-standard recording equipment. There are two Music Technology laboratories with iMac desktop computers, MiDi keyboards and a Roland Digital Workstation. This is a very exciting time to study music.

Students use the multimedia capabilities of their computers to

sequence and notate music;
record performance from keyboards using the MIDI interface;
experiment with basic hard disk recording and sound mixing;
burn CD-ROM recordings and podcasts of their own live performance; and
produce sheet music.

Students edit and record analogue and digital sound, and MIDI language and digital sound. A separate course that allows students to study music technology in contemporary popular music incorporates some Certificate 2 and 3 Music Industry Skills modules.

Specialist Tuition

We offer specialist tuition in instrumental, speech and voice. Tuition is primarily provided by more than 27 specialist sessional teaching staff and co-ordinated by the Director of Music. Students may choose to receive tuition as an extra�curricular subject or elect it as part of VCE or IB Music courses.

School Colours and Insignia in Music

Students in Senior School who achieve Grade 7 AMEB (Australian Music Examination Board), or equivalent on an instrument, or Grade 5 AMEB or equivalent on voice, are eligible to receive School Colours in Music providing participation and contribution criteria are met. The conditions for School Colours and Insignias are explained on Blackboard under the Policies tab.

Extension Programs

Performance calendar: Each year we develop a Music performance calendar to provide opportunities for students to develop their musicianship as soloists and in chamber/small ensemble and large group performance.
Concerts: Concerts are mainly organised for students within a section of the school, although some concerts may involve the whole school. Each year Music students perform in a wide range of concerts including Autumn Concerts, the Annual Concert, the Choral Evening, Carols, VCE/IB Recitals, Cabaret Night, and CPM: Open Mic. These concerts typically feature a wide range of music styles and characters.
School events: Students participate in school events including Easter and Christmas Services, Commencement Service, Anzac Day Service, weekly school assemblies, weekly chapel services and Open Day. They make a valuable contribution to school life at Carey.
Diploma of Music Examinations: Students are able to develop their solo practical skills by sitting for Diploma of Music Examinations once they have achieved the prerequisite Grade examinations in practical and theory.

Musical productions, music performance and tuition programs