Music
Description
Music is the art of organising sounds and silence, expressing intellectual, emotional and spiritual aspects of human
experience. Music is an art form that can be combined with other forms. It can communicate a broad range of historical, cultural and socioeconomic ideas and issues. Music is taught as an academic subject, offered in combination with practical tuition on an instrument. Learners are usually involved in a busy performance and competition schedule and expected to perform in concerts regularly. Aural, Harmony and History of Music are taught as part of this subject. Learners should be at a Royal Schools of Music / Unisa / Trinity College Grade 2 level at the beginning of Grade 8.
Purpose
Apart from developing as a musician and performer, either on a musical instrument or the voice, learners learn to be confident and disciplined; they develop analytical skills and have lots of fun.
Curriculum
Topics covered are:
- Musical performance and improvisation
- Music literacy
- General music knowledge and analysis
In respect of music, it is only the National Senior Certificate Music course that is considered as a designated subject. Other music courses may be recognised as NSC subjects but are not considered to be ‘designated’ for the purpose of qualification for degree studies.
Should I take this subject?
If you love music and can cope with the pressure of doing this as an 8th subject then music is an excellent option.
Careers
Music students will be well prepared for any job that requires self-discipline, working in teams, the presentation of information to large groups, creative and innovative or ‘out-the-box’ thinking and obviously any career in the Performing Arts.
Read up more on careers in the Performing Arts.