Music learning area contacts:

• ATAR

  Music is a universal expression of human experience. It reflects the development of culture and identity in all societies throughout history.

  Music has an incredible capacity to inspire and elicit an emotional response through listening and performing and provides opportunities for creative and personal expression.

  Through the practical study of Music, both individually and with others, students grow in confidence as musicians by engaging in opportunities to perform, compose, analyse and develop music literacy.

  Students demonstrate critical and creative thinking, self-regulation, collaboration, reflective practice, resilience and perseverance that are integral to the development of holistic musicians.

  As empathetic, independent learners, students seek life-long engagement and enjoyment through the pursuit of music, be it personal, social, cultural and/or vocational.

  What's changing

  •  ATAR Year 12 What's changing - General capabilities (379.9 KB) Last updated: 03 Nov 2025 11:50am
  •  ATAR Year 12 What's changing - General capabilities (316.4 KB) Last updated: 03 Nov 2025 11:50am
  •  ATAR Year 12 What's changing - Rationale and Aims (386.9 KB) Last updated: 03 Nov 2025 11:50am
  •  ATAR Year 12 What's changing - Rationale and Aims (314.3 KB) Last updated: 03 Nov 2025 11:50am

  Syllabus

  •  ATAR Syllabus Year 11 - For teaching from 2026 (724.4 KB) Last updated: 30 Jan 2026 11:05am
  •  ATAR Syllabus Year 11 - For teaching from 2026 (2.7 MB) Last updated: 30 Jan 2026 11:05am
  •  ATAR Syllabus Year 12 (767.3 KB) Last updated: 23 Jan 2026 1:37pm
  •  ATAR Syllabus Year 12 (2.7 MB) Last updated: 23 Jan 2026 1:37pm
  •  ATAR Year 12 summary of minor syllabus changes for 2025 (683.3 KB) Last updated: 17 Oct 2024 2:25pm

  Grading

  • Grade descriptions in Year 11 syllabus

  • Grade descriptions in Year 12 syllabus

  Support Materials: Written component

  •  Music Glossary for the WACE Music Syllabuses (396.7 KB) Last updated: 21 Feb 2024 1:22pm
  •  Glossary of key words used in the formulation of questions (381.7 KB) Last updated: 28 Jan 2026 11:38am
  •  Glossary of key words used in the formulation of questions (212.3 KB) Last updated: 28 Jan 2026 11:38am
  •   ATAR Year 11 and 12 Designated Works List 2023 – 2027 (860.6 KB) Last updated: 23 Sep 2025 9:05am
  •  Music ATAR Year 11 sample assessment outline (314.2 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:21pm
  •  Music ATAR Year 11 sample assessment outline (606.9 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:21pm
  •  Music ATAR Year 11 sample course outline (587.2 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:21pm
  •  Music ATAR Year 11 sample course outline (669.6 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:21pm
  •  Music ATAR Year 11 sample assessment tasks (1.1 MB) Last updated: 21 Feb 2024 1:15pm
  •  Music ATAR Year 11 sample assessment tasks (3.9 MB) Last updated: 21 Feb 2024 1:16pm
  •  Music ATAR Year 12 sample assessment outline  (304.4 KB) Last updated: 21 Feb 2024 1:12pm
  •  Music ATAR Year 12 sample assessment outline (361.9 KB) Last updated: 21 Feb 2024 1:11pm
  •  Music ATAR Year 12 sample assessment tasks (1.0 MB) Last updated: 27 Feb 2024 10:11am
  •  Music ATAR Year 12 sample assessment tasks (2.8 MB) Last updated: 21 Feb 2024 1:12pm
  •  Music ATAR Year 12 sample course outline (565.0 KB) Last updated: 21 Feb 2024 1:13pm
  •  Music ATAR Year 12 sample course outline (428.2 KB) Last updated: 21 Feb 2024 1:13pm

  Support Materials: Practical component

  •  Music Performance Resource Package Year 11 and Year 12 Suggested technical work and repertoire (2.7 MB) Last updated: 16 Jan 2025 3:12pm
  •  Music Practical (composition) marking template (128.7 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 2:32pm
  •  Music Practical (composition) marking template (23.8 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 2:32pm
  •  Music Practical (performance) marking template (140.2 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 2:32pm
  •  Music Practical (performance) marking template (60.1 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 2:32pm
  •  2021 Music ATAR Practical (Performance) examination marking key - Guide to change (160.2 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:26pm

  • For practical examination marking keys, refer to Examination Materials tab below.

  Examination Materials

  •  2026 Practical (performance and/or composition portfolio) examination requirements (10.6 MB) Last updated: 27 Mar 2026 10:40am
  •  2026 Practical (performance) marking key (404.3 KB) Last updated: 27 Mar 2026 10:40am
  •  2026 Practical (composition) marking key (336.4 KB) Last updated: 27 Mar 2026 10:40am
  •  2026 Practical Examination – Composition portfolio submission form (724.4 KB) Last updated: 29 Apr 2026 4:26pm
  •  2026 Practical examination – Declaration of confidentiality and conduct for accompanist (811.0 KB) Last updated: 29 Apr 2026 4:26pm
  •  2026 Practical Examination – Repertoire cover page (807.0 KB) Last updated: 29 Apr 2026 4:26pm
  •  2026 Practical Examination – Repertoire cover page (90.3 KB) Last updated: 30 Apr 2026 10:40am
  •  2026 Practical Examination – Declaration of authenticity (678.5 KB) Last updated: 29 Apr 2026 4:06pm
  •  2025 Summary examination report for candidates (291.0 KB) Last updated: 19 Mar 2026 2:28pm
  •  2025 Examination (620.4 KB) Last updated: 12 May 2026 10:17am
  •  2025 Marking Key (383.9 KB) Last updated: 30 Jan 2026 11:51am
  •  2025 MUS Practical Examination Option 1 (Performance) Front Cover (279.1 KB) Last updated: 29 Aug 2025 12:00pm
  •  2025 MUS Practical Examination Option 2 (Composition portfolio) Front Cover (262.5 KB) Last updated: 29 Aug 2025 12:00pm
  •  2025 MUS Practical Examination Option 3 (Performance and Composition) Front Cover (289.5 KB) Last updated: 29 Aug 2025 12:00pm
  •  Additional Past ATAR Course Examinations
• General

  The Music General course encourages students to explore a range of musical experiences, developing their musical skills and understanding, and creative and expressive potential, through a selected musical context. The course consists of a written component incorporating Aural and Theory, Composing and arranging, Investigation and analysis, in addition to a practical component. The Aural and Theory content in the written component is generic, and can be adapted and extended to suit any selected context. The practical component consists of three different options and can be delivered in a different context, independent of the written component. Students select only one option, and can choose to perform on an instrument or voice, submit a composition portfolio, or complete a production/practical project. The Music General course provides opportunities for creative expression, the development of aesthetic appreciation, and understanding and respect for music and music practices across different times, places, cultures and contexts. Students listen, compose, perform and analyse music, developing skills to confidently engage with a diverse array of musical experiences both independently and collaboratively. Studying music may also provide a pathway for further training and employment in a range of professions within the music industry.

  What's changing

  •  General Year 12 What's changing - General capabilities (407.9 KB) Last updated: 03 Nov 2025 11:56am
  •  General Year 12 What's changing - General capabilities (316.5 KB) Last updated: 03 Nov 2025 11:56am
  •  General Year 12 What's changing - Rationale and Aims (387.2 KB) Last updated: 03 Nov 2025 11:56am
  •  General Year 12 What's changing - Rationale and Aims (314.1 KB) Last updated: 03 Nov 2025 11:56am

  Syllabus

  • Note: the design brief for the externally set task (EST) has been modified, for teaching from 2024.
    The changes, from 2024 onwards, are as follows:
    * questions will be based on content from the Aural and theory and Investigation and analysis sections of the syllabus only
    * the design brief will specify that the EST does not include an audio component.

  •  General Syllabus Year 11 - For teaching from 2026 (748.0 KB) Last updated: 29 Jan 2026 2:57pm
  •  General Syllabus Year 11 - For teaching from 2026 (420.4 KB) Last updated: 29 Jan 2026 2:57pm
  •  General Syllabus Year 12 (527.5 KB) Last updated: 06 May 2025 9:18am
  •  General Syllabus Year 12 (420.8 KB) Last updated: 06 May 2025 9:19am
  •  Music Scope and Sequence Year 11 and 12 General Course (253.5 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:50pm
  •  Music Scope and Sequence Year 11 and 12 General Course (104.3 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:50pm

  Grading

  • Grade descriptions in Year 11 syllabus

  • Grade descriptions in Year 12 syllabus

  Support Materials

  •  Music Glossary for the WACE Music Syllabuses (597.3 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:11pm
  •  Music Glossary for the WACE Music Syllabuses (396.3 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:11pm
  •  General Year 11 sample course outline (569.0 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:52pm
  •  General Year 11 sample course outline (416.2 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:52pm
  •  General Year 11 sample assessment outline (463.9 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:52pm
  •  General Year 11 sample assessment outline (357.7 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:52pm
  •  General Year 11 sample assessment tasks (1.4 MB) Last updated: 30 Oct 2024 2:37pm
  •  General Year 11 sample assessment tasks (483.8 KB) Last updated: 30 Oct 2024 2:36pm
  •  General Year 12 sample course outline (1.5 MB) Last updated: 30 Oct 2024 2:39pm
  •  General Year 12 sample course outline (470.8 KB) Last updated: 30 Oct 2024 2:28pm
  •  General Year 12 sample assessment outline (467.7 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:57pm
  •  General Year 12 sample assessment outline (357.3 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:57pm
  •  General Year 12 sample assessment tasks (1.4 MB) Last updated: 30 Oct 2024 2:25pm
  •  General Year 12 sample assessment tasks (517.1 KB) Last updated: 30 Oct 2024 3:15pm

  Externally Set Task Materials 2026

  •  2026 General EST Unit 3 content (291.5 KB) Last updated: 25 Sep 2025 2:33pm

  Externally Set Task Materials 2025

  •  2025 General EST Unit 3 content (204.6 KB) Last updated: 18 Sep 2024 9:58am

  Externally Set Task Materials 2024

  •  2024 General EST Unit 3 content  (357.8 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:37pm

  • Externally set tasks with their associated marking key and work samples are teacher resources and are housed within the Teacher Support Material Extranet. Teachers can login or register for an account at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/extranet/login.

  Externally Set Task Materials 2023

  •  2023 General EST Unit 3 Content (267.8 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:10pm

  • Externally set tasks with their associated marking key and work samples are teacher resources and are housed within the Teacher Support Material Extranet. Teachers can login or register for an account at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/extranet/login.

  Externally Set Task Materials 2022

  •  2022 General EST Unit 3 Content (362.5 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:33pm

  • Externally set tasks with their associated marking key and work samples are teacher resources and are housed within the Teacher Support Material Extranet. Teachers can login or register for an account at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/extranet/login.

  Externally Set Task Materials 2021

  •  2021 MUS General EST Unit 3 Content (364.4 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:22pm

  • Externally set tasks with their associated marking key and work samples are teacher resources and are housed within the Teacher Support Material Extranet. Teachers can login or register for an account at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/extranet/login.

  Externally Set Task Materials 2020

  •  2020 General EST Unit 3 Content (369.7 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:10pm

  • Externally set tasks with their associated marking key and work samples are teacher resources and are housed within the Teacher Support Material Extranet. Teachers can login or register for an account at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/extranet/login.

  Externally Set Task Materials 2019

  •  2019 General EST Unit 3 content (204.9 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 2:50pm

  • Externally set tasks with their associated marking key and work samples are teacher resources and are housed within the Teacher Support Material Extranet. Teachers can login or register for an account at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/extranet/login.

  Externally Set Task Materials 2018

  •  2018 General EST Unit 3 content (193.0 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 2:33pm

  • Externally set tasks with their associated marking key and work samples are teacher resources and are housed within the Teacher Support Material Extranet. Teachers can login or register for an account at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/extranet/login.

  Externally Set Task Materials 2017

  •  2017 General EST Unit 3 content (186.1 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 2:24pm
  •  2017 General EST Unit 3 content (186.7 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 2:24pm

  Externally Set Task Materials 2016

  •  General sample EST (338.8 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:52pm
  •  General sample EST (230.4 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:52pm
  •  General sample EST marking key (355.0 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:52pm
  •  General sample EST marking key (236.1 KB) Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:52pm

  • Externally set tasks with their associated marking key and work samples are teacher resources and are housed within the Teacher Support Material Extranet. Teachers can login or register for an account at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/extranet/login.

Syllabus Review

The Authority is reviewing the Music General syllabuses. For further information, please contact:

Nick Fielding
Principal Consultant

Nick.Fielding@scsa.wa.edu.au