This Presentation will look at, and include discussion on -

• Understanding the requirements for Music 1 and Music 2 Performance
• Interpreting and unpacking HSC Performance Marking Guidelines
• What are the examiners looking for?
• What makes a successful HSC music performance?
• How can students demonstrate their understanding of the concepts?
• Is their repertoire within the chosen topic?
• Effective ensemble communication - who, when and how?

About the Presenter

Meryl Jackson-Kew OAM  (BMus.BEd., AMusA, ATCL, MMTA)

Meryl is a professional music educator, conductor of choirs and orchestras, composer, music therapist and music examiner. She also holds Certificate III in Media and Live Entertainment, Cert IV in Training and Assessment and Teaching Certificate (Yamaha), Teaching Certificate (Kodaly).

Meryl has been the Music Director of the Illawarra Choral Society since 2008 and Music Director of many music theatre productions.

Meryl has over 40 years experience teaching Early Childhhood Music, (Wollongong Conservatorium, Keiraville Pre-School, Southern Highlands), Secondary Music (Heathcote High, Figtree High, St Marys College) and in Tertiary Music Education(UOW) as well as her private studio teaching. Since 1994, Meryl has organised and co-ordinated HSC Music workshops, publishing study/skill booklets and CDs for all Music 1 and Music 2 students attending the workshops.

Meryl has 20 years experience as an HSC marker for Music 1, Music 2 and Extension Candidates. Although retired from Marking, Meryl holds many workshops for teachers and students and is widely sought after as a examiner for HSC Trial exams across metropolitan and regional schools.

From her many years in Senior Music education, Meryl noticed a lack of resource material based on Topics for senior music students. Hence, as a co-author with Aleksandar Vujic, has recently released her 11^th published textbook, through Wiiripang Publications. Recognition for Meryl’s work in Education, has resulted in her being awarded with two awards for Excellence in Teaching, a production team award From The National Trust for the musical Quarry (Music Direction and Orchestration) and an Order of Australia Medal in the 2016 Queens Birthday Honours.

First Thursdays

These regular professional development sessions were originally the brainchild of MTA Member Annette Allerding, who wanted music teachers to be able to meet and share ideas. Originally named Keys, Cakes and Conversation (KCC) the group went online during Covid, and eventually reached numbers often in excess of 50 teachers, meeting each month on Zoom. The Music Teachers' Association of NSW is delighted to bring these sessions into our fold. We want the sessions to continue to be free to our members, but we also believe it is important to pay presenters for their valuable time. So we ask you to consider a giving a donation towards the costs if you are able. You will be given the option to donate when you book your place.