Primary Catalogue

This Miniclip explores the musical element of rhythm—which is all about the timing of sounds. The video describes long and short sounds using a variety of instruments and clapping methods to demonstrate, and shows how combining these different sounds can create a rhythm! Show Less

In this colourful Miniclip, your students will learn all about the musical element of texture—the layers of sound in music! Through a mixture live-action and animation, students will learn about the differences between thick and thin textures; and the effects of monophonic, homophonic, and polyphonic textures. Also discussed is the concept of a melody and the role of accompaniment, demonstrated with a performance of Waltzing Matilda. Show Less

Introduce the musical element of form to your students with this fantastic Miniclip! Musical form describes the structure in a piece of music, which is demonstrated through sing-a-longs to Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and Ring-a-ring o’ Roses. Other concepts covered include ternary form, ostinato, call and response, and a canon. Show Less

Introduce the element of timbre to your students with the bright graphics, demonstrations, and clear explanations in this Miniclip. Your students will discover how instruments have a different timbre, why this occurs, and the moods that timbre can be used to create. Show Less

Your students will learn about the musical element of dynamics—or differences in volume. This Miniclip describes loud and quiet dynamics, and defines concepts such as pianissimo, piano, forte, fortissimo, crescendo, and decrescendo in easy to understand ways. Show Less

What is the essence of Irish music? If you answered 'Riverdance', you need to broaden your thinking. This is a fascinating look into Irish music that explains why the art form is so central to Irish culture and identity. This programme explores the history of music in Ireland, including popular instruments and various styles for dancing and singing. Show Less

Whether it’s the unique sounds of a Koto, Shamisen, Shakuhachi or Shinobue, or the pounding of traditional drums, Japanese music has evolved over centuries as an integral part of the nation’s rich culture. Featuring Shakuhachi performer Adam Simmons, Koto performer Brandon Lee and Japanese drummer Toshi Sakamoto, this video explores the history of Japanese music, its structures and a range of traditional instruments. Show Less

Over thousands of years, music has woven through India’s rich culture. Though Indian music has changed and diversified, tradition remains strong. This programme introduces the origins and cultural relevance of music in India. Indian classical, folk and Bollywood melodies and rhythms are discussed. Demonstrations of how to play widely used instruments – the bansuri, tanpura, sitar, tabla and kinjira – will be of particular interest to music students. Show Less

African music permeates the many diverse cultures across the continent. The legacy that African musical traditions have passed to contemporary musicians is rich and varied. From the iconic djembe drum to the distinctive a capella choir vocals, Africa’s music embraces many instruments and rhythms. This program presents a selection of music from the countries of Africa that have impacted movements such as blues, jazz, rock and rap. Show Less

Young Bobby is learning a lot about the orchestra from his new mentor, Strauss the conductor. But he still has more to learn before he can become a member of the orchestra. Through the antics of these two engaging puppet characters we are introduced to the percussion section of the orchestra, exploring the history and development of ancient membranophones and idiophones to modern day orchestral percussion instruments. We see and hear these instruments in action, exploring a range of playing techniques and varying timbres. This Australian-made, curriculum fit program also highlights important performers and outlines the typical orchestral idioms of today, various educational programs, and emphasises contemporary concepts. Show Less

Which generation had the best music? Can our narrator's history lesson of contemporary music from 1950s Rock 'n' Roll to Grunge in the 90s convince his grandson that rock and roll is king? Or will his grandson's rundown of urban Hip Hop music styles like Beat Box and Rap change his tune? This clip is a concise introduction to the many musical styles and famous artists that have contributed to the richness of contemporary music. Show Less

What does it really take to compose your own song? Join our young musician as he gathers tips from members of the rock band Art Nova, as each artist explains what works for him when it comes to producing a song and lyrics. The takeaway lesson for viewers is that there is more than one way to write music and lyrics - the trick is to find what works for you! Show Less

Join our narrator as he introduces the basics of classical music and musical theatre to his grandson. This clip will give anyone new to these musical styles an overview of classical music eras and composers, and popular styles of musical theatre such as jukebox and spectacle. Show Less

How do musicians know which notes to play and how to play them? This clip introduces the basics that any beginning musician needs to know about music composition including pitch, volume, duration, tempo, and how these are expressed on sheet music. This is an excellent starting point for new music students. Show Less

Composing can be an amazing experience – whether you're a budding Mozart, a techno freak, a hard-core guitarist or a complete novice with just a computer at hand – self-expression has never been as easy. But you've still got to know the basics to get yourself heard. This programme looks at a variety of starting points for composition through the eyes of some of Australia’s emerging composers and songwriters in a number of styles and genres. Featuring hip hop hero DJ Bonez, rock gods The Art Nova and Mark Pollard, and the head of composition at the Victorian College of the Arts, this programme covers what composition is, theme and variation, lyrics and music and form and structure. A practical and entertaining look at this popular subject. Show Less

Music and musicians throughout time have reflected fashion, culture, social and cultural events. Young people play music in rock bands, choirs, orchestras, play 'guitar-hero' and 'sing-star', consume music on TV, MySpace, iPods, YouTube, DVD and movies all reflecting many varied styles and genres of music and musical experience. This programme takes the viewer on a 'snapshot' tour of many musical genres taking in views of classical art music, rock and pop music, opera and musical theatre, 20th and 21st century film music and orchestral collaborations with heavy metal, rap and hip hop. Show Less