Performance band descriptions for Music Extension
HSC performance band descriptions for Music Extension summarise the knowledge, understanding and skills typically demonstrated by students at each band level. NESA uses these holistic descriptions to report a student's level of achievement in the HSC exam.
Band E4
The typical performance in this band displays highly sophisticated understanding of the concepts of music, demonstrating independence of thought and a personal style. This is exemplified in a particular option when the candidate:
- displays a high level of creativity in composition demonstrating superior use of compositional techniques, sophisticated development of ideas and musical refinement, OR
- presents a well-argued hypothesis demonstrating sophisticated and perceptive understanding of the concepts of music, OR
- demonstrates a superior level of performance based upon stylistic refinement and highly developed technical skills.
Band E3
The typical performance in this band displays sophisticated understanding of the concepts of music demonstrating independence of thought and the emergence of a personal style. This is exemplified in a particular option when the candidate:
- displays a high level of creativity in composition demonstrating successful use of compositional techniques and sustained development of ideas and musical refinement, OR
- presents a well-argued hypothesis demonstrating sophisticated understanding of the concepts of music, OR
- demonstrates a high level of performance based on a convincing and stylistic interpretation and highly developed technical skills.
Band E2
The typical performance in this band displays comprehensive understanding of the concepts of music demonstrating some independence of thought. This is exemplified in a particular option when the candidate:
- displays creativity in composition demonstrating successful use of compositional techniques, development of ideas and musical discrimination, OR
- presents a hypothesis demonstrating thorough understanding of the concepts of music, OR
- demonstrates an accomplished level of performance based on a convincing and stylistic interpretation and a high level of technical skill.
Band E1
Performance reported as Band 1 indicates that the minimum standard expected was not demonstrated.