At Tamworth High School, we offer the Mandatory, Additional, Music I, Music II and Extension Music courses.

Music is a hands on subject and we try to create a good balance between theory and practical.

The Mandatory Course is covered in stage Four (years seven and eight). Through Performance, Composition and Listening activities students experience a broad range of musical styles. Students learn about the concepts of music;

• PITCH
• DURATION
• TONECOLOUR
• TEXTURE
• STRUCTURE
• DYNAMICS AND EXPRESSIVE TECHNIQUES

Students are given the opportunity to develop skills on guitar, keyboard and various pitched percussion instruments.

Year Eight students are offered a Guitar Elective in which they learn basic guitar skills and to further skills they already have.

The Additional Course allows students to focus on an instrument of their choice. Students continue to expand their knowledge of the concepts of music. Students develop skills on their chosen instrument with greater opportunities for performance practice and composition. Students are encouraged to perform as often as possible and to develop and share their compositions. We also encourage students to experiment with technology in music in all areas of music study. Through directed Listening activities students increase their understanding of style and musical practice.

Music I, Music II and Extension Music are offered to students in Stage Six.

Music I is for students who have a passion for music but not necessarily a great deal of formal training. Based largely on music appreciation, students study music through Performance Composition and Listening. Students are encouraged to continue to experiment and master a range of technologies available in music. A large range of topics are available for study with three being studied for the Preliminary Course and three more for the HSC Course. Students will then present the three topics for their HSC as performance composition or Viva Voce along with a written paper.

Music II and Extension, again open to any music student with a passion for music, is more formal in design. Students study a mandatory topic and one of their own choice (similar to the topics available in music I). Students develop sophisticated skills in performance. They are required to present a composition as part of their core study and to develop a greater knowledge of the musicological study of music.

Students at Tamworth High School are given many opportunities to participate in the school community outside the classroom. We offer a number of performance ensembles for students to become involved in.

• CONCERT BAND
• STAGE BAND
• VOCAL ENSEMBLE
• STRING ENSEMBLE
• JAZZ BAND
• PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
• ROCK BANDS

All these groups require no more than a student’s commitment. We are often involved in the schools formal assemblies Regional functions Regional Camps and Regional Ensembles. Students are encouraged to reach for the stars. We have a long history of student involvement in the Talent Development Program

For students who are interested in learning an instrument there are group lessons available with itinerant tutors in both woodwind and brass.