Orchestral Music 1600–Present takes musicians on a chronological journey through Western art music, from the 17th century to the most influential styles of contemporary composition.
Students will build skills in score analysis, rhythmic and melodic dictation, and sight-singing as they explore the defining musical ideas of each period. The course examines the works of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms, tracing the development of the symphonic form, before moving into Late Romanticism, Serialism, and Post-Modernism. Students will analyse key works by composers such as Debussy, Messiaen, and Schoenberg, and consider their lasting impact on the Western art music tradition.
This course is an ideal preparation or extension for students intending to study, or currently studying, International Baccalaureate (IB) Music or HSC Music 2/Music Extension.
Orchestral Music 1600–Present covers several areas of essential knowledge for HSC Music 2.
Wednesdays weekly, 6:30pm-7:30pm
Sessions: 24 per year (12 per semester)
Classes take place during NSW School Term periods. For the full 2026 schedule, please click here
Weekly classes are delivered via SYOnline, SYO's digital platform.
External Musicians
$490
SYO Musicians
$385
Scholarships: Regional Scholarships are available for students living more than 200 kilometres from the Sydney CBD and Opportunity Scholarships are available for students who are facing financial hardship or circumstances that would otherwise prevent them from joining SYO – please contact us at [email protected]
Open to all musicians aged 14-19 (Years 9-12), particularly suited to those studying elective music. Students should be very confident in reading and understanding musical notation to get the most out of this course.
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