“Our big concern is that this changes the culture of these performing arts topics,” McDonald said.

Professor Michael Anderson, an expert in drama education at the University of Sydney, said his research had shown the power of performance to develop collaboration, creativity and communication skills.

“It encourages creativity and allows students to create their own work in their own voice,” he said. “Unfortunately, opportunities for students’ creative voices to be heard in education are becoming rare. »

Anderson was hired by NESA to consult on the program, but left the position after the draft program ignored feedback from teachers and experts.

“This is deeply disappointing and undermines my confidence in the NESA process,” he said in his resignation letter.

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Changes to the Music 1 program would double the duration of the theory exam, from one to two hours. The study of contemporary music would be compulsory while the other 22 subjects – including medieval music – would be eliminated.

Debra Batley, president of the Australian Society for Music Education NSW, said the current course provided options for teachers and students.

“Saying you have to perform music in a contemporary form is like going to visual arts and saying everyone has to do an oil painting this year. That’s how restrictive this change is,” Batley said.

“I don’t see how removing choices and dictating repertoire styles actually reflects real-world musical practice or helps hone students’ practical skills in what is essentially a hands-on subject.”

A NESA spokeswoman said: “Public consultation is a key pillar of curriculum reform and we welcome feedback on the draft curriculum and, in this case, the draft assessment requirements. »

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