DSE Music tutor

DSE Music (Subject Code: MUSIC) aims to cultivate students’ musical literacy, creativity, and critical listening skills. The curriculum covers Western classical music, Chinese music, popular music, and world music. It emphasizes three core competencies: performance, composition, and listening & analysis. It is designed for students who have a strong interest in music and a basic foundation in performance or music theory.

---

I. Curriculum Structure

DSE Music is divided into compulsory and elective parts, with assessments covering music theory, practice, and cultural understanding.

1. Compulsory Part (70% of total score)

(1) Listening (30%)

• Musical Elements Analysis: Melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, timbre, etc.
• Musical Styles and Periods:
  • Western music (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern)
  • Chinese music (Opera, Folk, Contemporary Chinese music)
  • Popular music (Jazz, Rock, Electronic)
  • World music (Indian, African, Latin music, etc.)
• Listening Exam: Students listen to audio clips and identify instruments, styles, and musical structures.

(2) Performance (20%)

• Students must prepare two contrasting solo or ensemble pieces (at least one must be Western classical or Chinese music).
• Assessment format: Live performance (e.g., piano, violin, vocal) or video submission (in specific cases).

(3) Composition (20%)

• Portfolio: Submission of two original works (instrumental, vocal, or electronic), with accompanying commentary.
• Written Composition: On-site composition based on prompts (e.g., melody development, harmonic arrangement).

2. Elective Part (30% of total score, choose one of the following)

1. Advanced Performance: Perform an additional piece of higher difficulty (e.g., ABRSM Grade 6 or above).
2. Advanced Composition: Submit a more complex original work (e.g., symphonic excerpt, film score).
3. Thematic Research: Conduct a study on a music-related topic (e.g., “The Development of Hong Kong Pop Music”) and write a 3,000-word report.

---

II. Assessment Methods

DSE Music is assessed through School-Based Assessment (SBA) and public examination:

Component	Assessment Format	Weight
Listening	Written exam (MCQ, short answers)	30%
Performance	Live performance or video submission	20%
Composition	Portfolio + on-site composition task	20%
Elective Part	Advanced performance/composition/research	30%

---

III. Learning Objectives and Skills

1. Music Theory and Analysis: Master harmony, musical forms (e.g., sonata form, variation form).
2. Performance Techniques: Improve instrumental or vocal skills and interpret various musical styles.
3. Compositional Ability: Learn techniques such as motif development, orchestration, and arrangement.
4. Cultural Understanding: Compare Eastern and Western musical characteristics, and explore music’s role in society (e.g., wartime songs).

---

IV. Who Is This Subject For?

• Students with ABRSM / Trinity Grade 5 or above in performance or theory.
• Those passionate about composition, music research, or performance.
• Students planning to pursue further studies in music, music education, music therapy, or arts administration.

---

V. Further Studies and Career Prospects

1. Local Further Education

• University Programs: HKU (Music Studies), CUHK (Department of Music), HKBU (Creative Arts – Music).
• Post-secondary Institutions: HKAPA (Performance, Composition), VTC Diploma in Music Technology.

2. Career Paths

• Professional performer, music teacher, composer/arranger.
• Music therapist, arts administrator, music producer.

---

VI. Common Learning Materials and Resources

• Textbooks: New Senior Secondary Music (Manhattan Press), Listening Training Manual.
• Theory References: ABRSM Theory Grades 5–8, Harmony Textbook.
• Listening Resources: Naxos Music Library, Classical music channels on YouTube.

---

DSE Music is ideal for students with a solid musical foundation who wish to pursue in-depth music studies. The course combines academic and practical training, developing comprehensive musical skills. Candidates must balance performance, composition, and theory, and listen widely across musical styles to prepare for listening exams. For recommendations on repertoire or guidance on music theory techniques, feel free to reach out!

---

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference only. For official details, please visit the Hong Kong Education Bureau website:
www.edb.gov.hk/tc/index.html
This article is a draft written and compiled by AI. Edited by Professor Jonathan Chan. Chief Editor: Eric Kong.