Past Music Perf VCAA Papers -Any point completing?

[monis]

Hi
Since the number of practice exams for Music Perf are very limited, is there any point doing the past VCAA papers from the old study design, ignoring the prescribed ensemble works section?
Thanks in advance.

[Wog]

Always great to complete the past exams, get a feel of what you are up for at the end of the year. It also consolidates your knowledge so you go into the exam knowing the exact format and questions they will ask. There should be no surprises on the exams as you should have had similar questions on musicianship Outcomes/ SACs ever since unit 1!

If you click on the Group Performance exams from the previous study design, you will find that they are more relevant to the current study design than the Solo exams. The solo exams expect you to know lydian, algerian, gypsy scales etc!
So when completing  the Group exams, ignore section B and c, and you may have to add the rhythm to the top of the melodic transcription questions.

Hope that Helps!

[keltingmeith]

Honestly, I wouldn't even worry about doing past papers all too much. Looking at the current papers, you know what kind of stuff they'll ask - think of your own kinds of questions! Make up your own chord progressions, pick a random scale/interval and write it. Listen to songs on your iPod, and think about what message they're trying to convey. How are they conveying it through their use of texture/tone/dynamics/etc? Extend this to your own group/solo work - what kind of a message are YOU trying to convey - how are YOU using the elements of music to convey it? Performing for people in your music class, ask them to talk about it. That way, you also know if those elements are coming through, and their practising their aural skills.