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Here is my 2024 effort for Contemporary Performance. This response is under timed conditions. As a result, there WILL be mistakes!! Please please please PM me when you find mistakes. I would love to fix them. There are many different ways of analysing. It’s a real risk putting this out here as I’m sure anyone who teaches ... Read more
Well, here is this year’s attempts! As always, please let me know of any issues so I can fix them. My gratitude to the VCE community we have which is really strong. Especially to Susie Heggie for your wisdom and double checking and Steven Majstorovic who helped me get access in time! Read more- Here is my 2023 effort for the new study design – Repertoire Performance. Thank you to the facebook crew who got the files to me! This response is under timed conditions. As a result, there WILL be mistakes!! Please please please PM me when you find mistakes. I would love to fix them. There are many ... Read more
- Here is my 2023 effort for the new study design – Contemporary Performance. Thank you to Adrian and Steven who got the files to me and who helped explain what the different feels were! This response is under timed conditions. As a result, there WILL be mistakes!! Please please please PM me when you find mistakes. ... Read more
- Here is my 2022 effort. Thank you to Amy who got the files to me. This is our last exam of this Study Design! Again, this response is under timed conditions. As a result, there WILL be mistakes!! Please please please PM me when you find mistakes. I would love to fix them. There are many ... Read more
2023 is the year a new study design will be implemented in Victoria for the Victorian Certificate of Education. In a recent Webinar, I put together three powerpoint slides that demonstrated how both Contemporary and Repertoire streams of the new VCE Syllabus (hitting us all 2023) could be taught together. The blue text indicates the ... Read more- 2021 VCE Aural and Written Exam for Music Performance. Jenny Gillan’s sample Answers. Please let me know if you find any errors! Read more
- Is it possible to feel more than one thing at a time? Is it possible to express more than one thing in music at the same time? Read more
- 2020 Music Performance Exam Sample Responses completed in a timed setting on the day of the exam. Read more
For the time poor who are wanting to improve their music analysis skills, I’ve got you covered! These videos were born out of a desire to provide resources to Music students and a lack of time. Fortunately, this seems to have been a winning combination and there are even people wanting to know where all ... Read more
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- Here is my 2023 effort for the new study design – Contemporary Performance. Thank you to Adrian and Steven who got the files to me and who helped explain what the different feels were! This response is under timed conditions. As a result, there WILL be mistakes!! Please please please PM me when you find mistakes. ... Read more
- Here is my 2022 effort. Thank you to Amy who got the files to me. This is our last exam of this Study Design! Again, this response is under timed conditions. As a result, there WILL be mistakes!! Please please please PM me when you find mistakes. I would love to fix them. There are many ... Read more
- 2023 is the year a new study design will be implemented in Victoria for the Victorian Certificate of Education. In a recent Webinar, I put together three powerpoint slides that demonstrated how both Contemporary and Repertoire streams of the new VCE Syllabus (hitting us all 2023) could be taught together. The blue text indicates the ... Read more
- 2021 VCE Aural and Written Exam for Music Performance. Jenny Gillan’s sample Answers. Please let me know if you find any errors! Read more
- Is it possible to feel more than one thing at a time? Is it possible to express more than one thing in music at the same time? Read more
- 2020 Music Performance Exam Sample Responses completed in a timed setting on the day of the exam. Read more
- For the time poor who are wanting to improve their music analysis skills, I’ve got you covered! These videos were born out of a desire to provide resources to Music students and a lack of time. Fortunately, this seems to have been a winning combination and there are even people wanting to know where all ... Read more
- Lockdown 2020 and there’s not much of myself left after teaching my students and my class of Gillans at home. Five minutes is all I’ve been able to manage to give to the outside world, but it seems to have been embraced! Here’s a list of Mini Musicianship sessions for those playing along at home. ... Read more
One of the best things about releasing the song I wrote for my parents – Oma and Opa’s song is seeing the versions people have done. Children, adults from young to old it’s been amazing. I’ve had a school in Queensland and a guitarist from Italy. I’ll share some of the ones I’ve found here. Sheet ... Read more
Well it’s been a bit of a whirlwind. I’ve written a song, it went viral in a non-corona kinda way. I found a guitarist and someone who could record it (same guy actually!) and I arranged it for piano, did a chord chart etc. This has been my last two days: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDyANvBZAaM The wonderful thing about it ... Read more
I had a lot of fun making this one and dreaming up others to come! I’ve wanted to do bite size advice for music analysis and this seems to be the right vehicle for it. I always like hearing from teachers and students so if there’s a concept you’d like to suggest, feel free to email ... Read more- My dear, dear students. Congratulations on getting beyond this exam!! I’m not kidding when I say warming up the VCASS class before this exam is one of my favourite teaching activities. There’s just a lovely energy – plus, you’re a great group of students so being with you before this means a lot to me. ... Read more
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUpi_arLNjY&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0LN-uwlu8RoPlN3NI4kFHks9noIFxCCFywj83pdYpOSDfvJDoEPpcAmD8 Question: Using only two of the following elements discuss how character is created in the following work: 1) tempo 2) blend of instrumental voices 3) tone colour 4) articulation Answer: Character: Tranquil Tone Colour The opening string quartet section begins with a unified warm, resonant tone colour due to the use of similar mid to low register, legato sustained chords. This aids the creation ... Read more
- This is the first Facebook analysis question for 2019! Go team!! If you’d like to play along at home, Like the Listening Beyond Hearing Facebook page for further questions, advice and event notification. One of my favourite songs most recently sung to me by my dear friend and piano man, Trevor Jones. Ironically, I just ... Read more
Listening Beyond Hearing is now self-published and available at the ‘Shop’ tab of the Listening Beyond Hearing website. Read more
To be used in conjunction with “Listening Beyond Hearing” Chapter VIII: Harmony Here is the forth completed video for use with the chapter on Harmony. Thank you to Timothy Mallis for your composition and to Eliza O’Connor for your work putting this video together. https://vimeo.com/330935814 Read more- To be used in conjunction with “Listening Beyond Hearing” Chapter VIII: Harmony Here is the third completed video for use with the chapter on Harmony. Thank you to Mati Gwizdalla and Jem Sherwill for your composition and to Eliza O’Connor for your work putting this video together. https://vimeo.com/330912373 Read more
- To be used in conjunction with “Listening Beyond Hearing“ Chapter VIII: Harmony. Here is the second completed video for use with the chapter on Harmony. Thank you to Tim Mallis for your composition and to Eliza O’Connor for your work putting this video together. Read more
- To be used in conjunction with “Listening Beyond Hearing“ Chapter VIII: Harmony. Page 157 – 160. It has long been my wish to have these videos up online so that the audio and visual element can be used together while exploring the world of harmony covered in chapter eight. Thank you to ex students Mati Gwizdalla for your ... Read more
Listening Beyond Hearing is a big book! I can understand that some teachers may be struggling to find the time to work through everything in the limited time available and that there is a need to priorities. With that in mind, the following is a suggested schedule for a class studying VCE Music that will ... Read more- Question 2 Work: ‘Dawn Mantras’ by Ross Edwards Performers: Sydney Children’s Choir, Cantillation, Lyn Williams (Conductor) Album: Eternity: The Timeless Music of Australia’s Composers ABC Classics, 2004) Excerpt length: 1’46” (10 Marks) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECP5AydSmnc Describe the ways in which tone colour is used to achieve expressive outcomes. Character – Low, resonant, rumbling male voices enter with complementary tone colours to the reverberant, rumbling tone colour of the ... Read more
- Question 1 Work: ‘Them Wolves’ by Nigel Westlake Performers: Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Album: Babe: Orchestral Soundtrack (DewABC Classics, 2015) Excerpt length: 1’38” (8 marks) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RirT53cA0lM Discuss how the performers use dynamics and blend of instrumental voices to achieve expressive outcomes. The initial expressive outcome of tranquility is created through a unified blend of instrumental voices. Instruments play with warm, resonant tone colours. Particularly lower brass and ... Read more
- Interpretation A Work: ‘Billie Jean’ Performer: Michael Jackson Album: Thriller (MJJ Productions INC., 1982 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr4EQDVETuA Timing: 1 minutes 52 seconds Interpretation B Work: ‘Billie Jean’ Performer: Chris Cornell Album: Carry On (Interscope Records, 2007) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xW25VB1Mpw Timing: 1 minutes 46 seconds Compare the ways in which the two interpretations create different expressive outcomes through three of the following: tempo balance of music lines tone colour articulation *Note the question asks for only three. I have provided responses for all ... Read more
- Thank you for your analysis response, anonymous, and permission to publish it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGMabBGydC0 Question: How does articulation and tone colour create character in the following work? Listen to the first 1 min 30 seconds Character: joyful Jenn Gillan: Great having the character stated clearly at the start. the pizzicatto guitar (or banjo) in the upper register acts as a melodic accompaniment ... Read more
- Thank you for your analysis response, anonymous, and permission to publish it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGMabBGydC0 Question: How does articulation and tone colour create character in the following work? Listen to the first 1 min 30 seconds The character of this work is driven and upbeat with aspects of articulation and tone colour that create this are: Jenn Gillan: Consider more sophisticated character ... Read more
- After talking with Anna van Veldhuisen, and her commenting that her students were freaking out over the amount I write in my analysis, I decided it might be time to demonstrate how my mind works while I analyse music. So I’ve picked a piece and without preparation have analysed it for you, live to Video. Excuse ... Read more
Earth is Sleeping Rhythm Naming Game Thank you again to my students at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School for their enthusiastic participation. Especially to the students from Orientation Week who came in especially. Also to colleagues Melinda Sawers and Sue Lyons and alumni Jem Sherwill and Leighton Triplow for lending their expertise. None of ... Read more
Wake in the Moonlight Double Circle game Thank you again to my students at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School for their enthusiastic participation. Especially to the students from Orientation Week who came in especially. Also to colleagues Melinda Sawers and Sue Lyons for lending their expertise. None of this would be possible without James ... Read more- Interpretation A Work: ‘A Case of You’ Performer: Prince Album: A tribute to Joni Mitchell (Nonesuch, 2007) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lJ0f75oSL4 Timing: 2 minutes 28 seconds Interpretation B Work: ‘A Case of You’ Performer: k.d. lang Album: Hymns of the 49th Parallel (Nonesuch, 2004) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–Cpg7P_B1c Timing: 2 minutes 21 seconds Compare the ways in which the performers manipulate the following to achieve expressive outcomes: Tone colour Balance of music lines Improvisation/embellishment/ornamentation A Tranquil but more energetic B ... Read more
- Question 2 Work: ‘Out of Time Part III’ Artist: Iain Grandage Performers: WA Youth Orchestra with Alumni Excerpt length: 1’32” (8 Marks) Describe how the performers create and sustain mood and character in this work. An elated, uplifting, energetic, excited character is created and sustained through The use of high pitch and shimmering, metallic tone colours in the glockenspiel These tone colours are later reflected by the ... Read more
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmVXLnmdstY Question 1 Work: ‘Albatross’ Artist: Sarah Blasko Album: What the Sea Wants, the Sea Will Have (Dew Process/Universal Music Australia, 2006) Excerpt length: 1’02” a) How do the performers use tone colour to achieve expressive outcomes? (5 marks) A tranquil character with an underlying sense of restlessness is created through Overall, unified, warm, mellow, resonant tone colours. Often due to low pitch Aspirate and ‘creaking’ tone colours in ... Read more
- Listen to the first 1 min 17 seconds Listen to the first 1 min 8 seconds Question: How have different expressive outcomes been created through the elements of music in these two excerpts? Refer to improvisation, ornamentation and embellishment and one other element of music, either Dynamics Blend of instrumental voices Balance of instrumental lines Tone Colour Thank you, anonymous, for this response and ... Read more
- Listen to the first 1 minute 12 seconds Thank you, anonymous, for this response and permission to publish it! Question: How does tone colour and articulation create character in this work? How does tone colour and articulation create character in this work? (4 marks) Character: longing /serene Female voice: delicate and aspirant though creating the longing character through aspects of ... Read more
- A much stronger response! This is what can happen when a student takes on feedback, does the suggested reading and has another go! Listen to the first 1 minute 12 seconds Thank you, anonymous, for this response and permission to publish it! Question: How does tone colour and articulation create character in this work? How does tone colour and ... Read more
- First 1 minute 34 seconds First 1 minute 34 seconds (then fade) Thank you, anonymous, for this response and permission to publish it! Question: How has the treatment of improvisation/ornamentation/ embellishment and phrasing resulted in different expressive outcomes in the following works? Bye Bye Black Bird Frank Sinatra Piece has an upbeat and jolly character Jenn Gillan: I would maybe ... Read more
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjZ3NsEdj0Q First 1 minute 34 seconds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAalPmO1Hlw First 1 minute 34 seconds (then fade) Thank you, anonymous, for this response and permission to publish it! Question: How has the treatment of improvisation/ornamentation/ embellishment and phrasing resulted in different expressive outcomes in the following works? Character of A (Frank Sinatra) : Energetic and jovial Character of B (Etta Jones) : Playful and carefree Improvisation/ornamentation/embellishment: A: B: · ... Read more
- Listen to the first 1 minute 12 seconds Thank you, anonymous, for this response and permission to publish it! Question: How does tone colour and articulation create character in this work? How does tone colour and articulation create character in this work? (4 marks) The lead female vocal line opens with a heavily aspirated attack, creating an intense, stressed ... Read more
- Listen to the first 1 min 17 seconds Listen to the first 1 min 8 seconds Question: How have different expressive outcomes been created through the elements of music in these two excerpts? Refer to improvisation, ornamentation and embellishment and one other element of music, either Dynamics Blend of instrumental voices Balance of instrumental lines Tone Colour Thank you, anonymous, for this response and ... Read more
- Listen to the first 1 min 17 seconds Listen to the first 1 min 8 seconds Question: How have different expressive outcomes been created through the elements of music in these two excerpts? Refer to improvisation, ornamentation and embellishment and one other element of music, either Dynamics Blend of instrumental voices Balance of instrumental lines Tone Colour Thank you, anonymous, for this response and ... Read more
- Listen to the first 1 minute 12 seconds Thank you, anonymous, for this response and permission to publish it! Question: How does tone colour and articulation create character in this work? How does tone colour and articulation create character in this work? (4 marks) The overall musical character is sombre and reflective. Jenn Gillan: Good having character front and centre ... Read more
- Listen to the first 1 minute 12 seconds Thank you, anonymous, for this response and permission to publish it! Question: How does tone colour and articulation create character in this work? Creates a sorrow feel through her breathy and airy tone which symbolises sadness. Jenn Gillan: Great putting character front and center, though I’d maybe say the character and ... Read more
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCwITCu25qA Listen to the first 1 minute 12 seconds Thank you, anonymous, for this response and permission to publish it! Question: How does tone colour and articulation create character in this work? – This work has a despairing yet hopeful character. Jenn Gillan: Great listing the character up the top. Makes it clear from the very start. – The vocalist uses ... Read more
- Listen to the first 1 min 17 seconds Listen to the first 1 min 8 seconds Question: How have different expressive outcomes been created through the elements of music in these two excerpts? Refer to improvisation, ornamentation and embellishment and one other element of music, either Dynamics Blend of instrumental voices Balance of instrumental lines Tone Colour Thank you, anonymous, for this response and ... Read more
- Listen to the first 1 min 17 seconds Listen to the first 1 min 8 seconds Question: How have different expressive outcomes been created through the elements of music in these two excerpts? Refer to improvisation, ornamentation and embellishment and one other element of music, either Dynamics Blend of instrumental voices Balance of instrumental lines Tone Colour Thanks to Sarah Bouquet for this response and ... Read more
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBq87dbKyHQ Listen to the first 1 min 17 seconds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Wd–YgSCfA Listen to the first 1 min 8 seconds Question: How have different expressive outcomes been created through the elements of music in these two excerpts? Refer to improvisation, ornamentation and embellishment and one other element of music, either Dynamics Blend of instrumental voices Balance of instrumental lines Tone Colour Thank you to Jacob Biviano for this ... Read more
Lamington Game, music and lyrics by Jenny Gillan Clapping circle or line game Thank you again to my students at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School for their enthusiastic participation. Especially to the students from Orientation Week who came in especially. None of this would be possible without James Lauritz who filmed it all, donated ... Read more
Thanks to all who attended my 2017 presentation at the AMusE VCE Conference. My notes can be seen below. Read more
Chapter Four: Texture Chapter Four of my book, Listening Beyond Hearing relates to musical texture. For this chapter I had an ex student, the talented Mateusz Gwizdalla, compose a melody which he then arranged using different textures. The score of these examples are in the book with further comment, YouTube links and activities. Hearing the textures as well as ... Read more
Vegetarian Bear & The Emperor’s New Clothes Partner songs. Music, Lyrics and Game by Jenny Gillan This game is dedicated to Anna, who made me a Vegetarian Bear badge and who always loved the song. Thank you again to my students at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School for their enthusiastic participation. Especially to the students ... Read more
Thank you again to my students at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School for their enthusiastic participation. Especially to the students from Orientation Week who came in especially. Also to colleagues Melinda Sawers and Sue Lyons and ex students Leighton and Jem for lending their expertise. None of this would be possible without ... Read more- Blow the Man Down Traditional Sea Shanty. Game by Jenny Gillan Thank you again to my students at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School for their enthusiastic participation. Especially to the students from Orientation Week who came in especially. Also to colleagues Melinda Sawers and Sue Lyons and ex students Leighton and Jem for lending ... Read more
- One Rainy Night Melody by Deborah Smith, Lyrics and game by Jenny Gillan Thanks to Deborah Smith for the time we’ve spent together writing games and collating resources. Your generosity as an educator and friend is so much appreciated! Thank you again to my students at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School for their enthusiastic participation. Especially ... Read more
- The third question in the 2016 VCE Music Style and Composition Exam. QUESTION 3 Excerpt: George Deryfus, Sextet for didjeridu and Wind Ensemble (10 Marks) https://youtu.be/Y51y3VJ7lIY?t=13m20s (1 minute 4 seconds) Discuss how contrast is used in this excerpt The didgeridoo and woodwind instruments set up contrast immediately through articulation and tone colour. The didgeridoo has legato articulation of the drone which is ... Read more
- The final analysis question of prerecorded music for the 2016 Music Style and Composition Exam. Sample responses by Jenny Gillan Question 4a. Describe the treatment of melody in excerpt 4a Hubert Giraud and Jean Drejac ‘Sous le ciel de Paris’ This question features two excerpts from this work – excerpts 4a and 4b. 4b includes all of excerpt 4a ... Read more
- The second question in the 2016 Music Style and Composition exam. These questions would also be worthwhile setting for Music Performance exam students as revision. QUESTION 2a. Excerpt: Mia Makaroff ‘Butterfly’ (2 minutes 1 second) (10 Marks) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st4zI_37JtU Explain how the voices are used in this excerpt In the introductory chord of this excerpt voices are used in the manner of ... Read more
- It is the first year I’ve put my responses up for this subject, and may well not be a regular thing given the insanity of my timetable at this time of year but for your interest, here are my responses to the 2016 exam. Question 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGt000iascg Excerpt: George Gershwin An American in Paris (1 minute 7 seconds) (10 Marks) Discuss ... Read more
- Question 16 Work: ‘Deception Bay’ Artist: Boo Seeka a) Describe how the vocalist uses tone colour to create expressive outcomes. (4 marks) The expressive outcome, a laid-back, relaxed character. Tone colours are warm and mellow created through a male vocalist singing at comfortable register = relaxed The overall approach to vocal tone colour remains stable. There are subtle changes but generally the tone colours ... Read more
- Question 17 Work: Wild Swans Concert Suite – Eliza Aria Composer: Elena Kats-Chernin Track from the album: Wild Swans (ABC Classics, 2007) (12 Marks) This excerpt has changing moods. Discuss how the performers create these moods using: blend and balance between voice and instruments articulation The mood of this work is tranquil at points and more energetic at others. Blend and balance: In the opening tranquil sections the parts ... Read more
In 2017 the VCE introduces a new syllabus for Music Performance. To support teachers and students studying this new syllabus, Edition Three of ‘Listening Beyond Hearing’ is nearly complete! I’m particularly excited about the Harmony chapter. Read more- Here’s the fourth response to the ‘Babe’ question, together with my feedback, as posted on the VCE Music Support Facebook page 2016. Again, thank you for your time completing this analysis and courage to have it published. This one is from Eliza O’Connor who’s getting much better don’t you think?! How is tension created in this ... Read more
- Here’s the third response to the ‘Babe’ question, together with my feedback, as posted on the VCE Music Support Facebook page 2016. Again, thank you for your time completing this analysis and courage to have it published. How is tension created in this piece? Analyse up until “Get yourself a dog, Hoggett” A tense , suspenseful chaotic character is created ... Read more
- Here’s the second response to the ‘Babe’ question, together with my feedback, as posted on the VCE Music Support Facebook page 2016 How is tension created in this piece? Analyse up until “Get yourself a dog, Hoggett” Tension is created through the manipulation of the expressive elements by the players. The opening features the airy, aspirate flutes in their middle register, ... Read more
- Here’s the first response to the ‘Babe’ question as posted on the VCE Music Support Facebook page 2016 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZcpUUiaFzE How is tension created in this piece? Analyse up until “Get yourself a dog, Hoggett” Response gratefully received from Steven Alesi A tense and uneasy character is created in this work through a plethora of rhythmic, melodic and harmonic techniques that create ... Read more
- The third response to an analysis question set for the VCE Music Support Facebook page. Thank you for your responses! The Lumineers – Ho Hey Question: Describe how only two of the following expressive devices contribute to character in this work: Tone Colour Blend and Balance Articulation Dynamics Rhythm Character: carefree, folksy, and spirited Jenn Gillan: Watch ‘folksy’ as a term here. It’s ... Read more
- The Lumineers – Ho Hey Question: Describe how only two of the following expressive devices contribute to character in this work: Tone Colour Blend and Balance Articulation Dynamics Rhythm The overall character is laid back and joyous. Jenn Gillan: In a case such as this, where only two elements are required according to the question, it’s wise to state which elements you’re dealing with ... Read more
- The first response to the Facebook page analysis question. Thank you, Eliza O’Connor again for your work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvCBSSwgtg4 The Lumineers – Ho Hey Question: Describe how only two of the following expressive devices contribute to character in this work: Tone Colour Blend and Balance Articulation Dynamics Rhythm The character of this piece is reflective, joyful and peaceful. The Blend and Balance of the work is ... Read more
- The second sample response gratefully received. Please keep ’em coming and thank you for taking the risk. It’s a brave thing to do! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRmlXFxqLcI Listen to the first 1 min 35 seconds. Question: How is character expressed in this work? An overall energetic character is expressed in this work: Jenn Gillan: Good choice of character word. Is the character the same ... Read more
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRmlXFxqLcI Listen to the first 1 min 35 seconds. Question: How is character expressed in this work? Thank you to Eliza O’Connor for this response. Character = lively, energetic, frantic, chaotic, urgent Jenn Gillan: A lot of character words. Maybe one or two fewer? Cluster like chords happen frantically lending the piece to feel urgent Jenn Gillan: Needs a little more ... Read more
- Question 17 Work: ‘The Brumbies from ‘The Man From Snowy River’ Artist/Composer: Bruce Rowland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw6nB1_E4GA 2 minutes 8 seconds How do performers manipulate expressive elements to communicate tension within this work? In your response refer to at least two of the following: Articulation Dynamic Range Tempo Choice Tone Colour Tone colour: The introductory low, rumbling, reverberant drone immediately creates a tense character through extremely low pitch ... Read more
- Question 16 Work: ‘The Village’ (excerpt) Artist: Boy and Bear Track from the album: The Moonfire 1 minute 35 seconds. a) Describe how the performers create character in the vocal parts of this work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RxaRKEaLzc An energetic yet relaxed character is created through varying vocal techniques which create a wide variety of tone colours. Sudden changes in approach to rhythm and tone colour also ... Read more
Thanks all those who attended the VCE Aural and Analysis skills day yesterday. We had such a responsive group, it was a real pleasure to work with you all. Nothing warms an educator’s heart quite like a room full of students asking lots of questions! Read more- It was great to network and share some robust discussion at the aMuse VCE Conference once more. Thank you to all who came and participated. In my session we began but did not complete the guided listening sheet for tone colour in Iain Grandage’s, Travelling from ‘Remember Me’ Iain Grandage is an Australian composer so this work fits in with ... Read more
New Chapters I’m excited to be working with some ex students and current colleagues preparing new chapters for my analysis book, Listening Beyond Hearing. New chapters which will (hopefully!) be ready for next year’s change to the VCE Syllabus: Harmony Articulation Form Comparison of works More analysis questions I am currently in the process of collating and editing sample harmonic analysis from my past Victorian ... Read more- When I First Came To This Land Trad. American folk song. Game by Jenny Gillan & Deborah Smith Thanks to my students at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School and to James Lauritz for their work on this project. We had a lot of fun. https://vimeo.com/165124230 When I First Came to This Land from Jennifer Gillan on Vimeo. Verse 2: When I ... Read more
- Back to Back Canon Canon and game by Jenny Gillan https://vimeo.com/165219424 Back to Back Canon from Jennifer Gillan on Vimeo. I have the pleasure of working with the talented Musicianship students at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School. Our most recent project has been recording videos to release to teachers to support the Secondary Classroom Music Program. My deepest ... Read more
- There has been some question as to whether vibrato is considered part of articulation. I have had many discussions with many colleagues about this and some feel it is and some feel it isn’t!! If this teaches me anything it’s that there can be many approaches to a question and that the music and academic world ... Read more
- Question 17a Work: ‘Sharpen the Battle Claws’ Artist: David Hirschfelder Track from the album: Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’ Hoole (Water Tower Music, 2010) a. Describe two ways in which performers use articulation to create character in this excerpt. Performer use vibrato to create character. Sometimes the vibrato is used sparingly. In the introduction there is limited vibrato in ... Read more
- Question 16 Work: ‘Stakeout’ Artist: The Tango Saloon Track from the album: Shadows & Fog (Newmarket Music, 2012) Explain the performers’ use of instrumental timbre and the blend of instrumental lines to create a sense of character in this performance. Initial Character – reflective with restless undertones. A reflective character is created through use of stable approach to timbre (tone colour). The woodblock and ... Read more
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA54NBtPKdI Question: How are musical elements used to develop character in this work? Chord progressions from the acoustic guitar introduces a blissful character during the intro. Jenn Gillan: This would be more powerful if you mentioned the sorts of harmonies used. Chord progressions are used everywhere and they don’t necessarily = bliss. A little more needed here. The vocalist ... Read more
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgkHd6eBfoE Question: Explain how dynamics and blend and balance of instrumental voices are used to contribute to expressiveness in the following work: Cat Empire, Wine Song * Please only analyse the first two minutes Sample Response II By Hayley Witmore Lyrical and Passionate, Reflective, Somber character: Jenn Gillan: Lyrical is not really a character word. Reflective and passionate contrasting words? Is passionate ... Read more