WACE ATAR Music study plan

Transcribe by ear eight four-bar melodic fragments in treble and bass clef, then verify each against a score

Identify and label all diatonic intervals and triad qualities within one octave at sight, scoring at least 90% on a self-made drill sheet

Map the four exam domains against your current strengths, writing a one-page diagnostic listing three specific weaknesses per domain

Build a reference timeline of two works from each of four stylistic eras (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, twentieth century) noting genre, instrumentation and one defining feature

Analyse eight short excerpts to identify key, cadence type and harmonic function using Roman numerals

Compose four original four-bar melodies that each end with a different cadence (perfect, imperfect, plagal, interrupted)

Harmonise a given eight-bar diatonic melody using primary and secondary triads, checking each progression for voice-leading errors

Notate all work by hand and in notation software, correcting any rhythmic or enharmonic inconsistencies

Transcribe four two-part rhythmic and melodic dictations of increasing length (four, six, eight and eight bars) with at least 80% pitch accuracy

Compose a sixteen-bar piece in binary form using a specified key, a modulation to the dominant or relative major, and a notated cadence plan

Apply at least three texture devices (imitation, contrary motion, pedal point) and label each in the score

Identify and correct parallel fifths and octaves in your own harmonisation

Write a 400-word contextual analysis of one prescribed-style work covering genre, form, instrumentation and social function

Compare two works from different eras on the same theme, listing four concrete musical differences with bar references

Complete a timed forty-minute theory paper covering intervals, scales, chords and cadences, then mark it against a model answer

Aurally identify form type (binary, ternary, rondo, theme and variations) in six unfamiliar recordings after two listenings each

Arrange a given melody for two contrasting instruments, respecting range, transposition and idiomatic writing

Rehearse and record a solo programme excerpt of at least three minutes, logging tempo and accuracy for each take

Set three specific technical targets for your instrument or voice (e.g. breath control, intonation in a named passage) and practise them daily

Annotate your arrangement with dynamics, articulation and phrasing marks that a performer could follow without verbal instruction

Perform your solo programme from memory or with minimal reliance on the score, recording two full run-throughs

Evaluate each recording against a four-criterion rubric (accuracy, tone, expression, stylistic awareness) and write targeted corrections

Research the historical performance conventions of one work in your programme and apply two of them in a revised performance

Sight-read two unfamiliar short pieces at tempo, recording both and noting errors

Complete two full timed mock papers under exam conditions, covering aural, theory and analysis sections

Write a 300-word investigation on a cultural or historical topic linking a work to its context, citing specific musical evidence

Revise your composition or arrangement in response to feedback, documenting each change and its rationale

Build a one-page summary sheet of key terms, forms and harmonic conventions for final review

Perform a complete final programme run-through and record it as a single uninterrupted take

Submit the final composition or arrangement with a clean engraved score and, where required, a recording

Review the summary sheet and error logs, re-testing only the items previously marked wrong

Rehearse the practical setup (warm-up, equipment, timing) twice to confirm exam-day readiness