Higher

While entry is at the discretion of the centre, pupils would normally be expected to have attained an N5 award.

Music with Performing

Course Outline

Pupils are required to perform on 2 instruments, compose and listen.

Performing – each instrument is worth 30% of the marks

Instruments should be chosen from the following categories

Bagpipes Guitar/Bass Guitar Tuned Percussion

Brass Keyboard/ Piano Voice

Drumkit Woodwind

Composing – Pupils are required to produce a folio of music. Pupils should demonstrate an ability to analyse music and use this information to create their own composition. Pupils are encouraged to develop their technology skills by using the computer and Sibelius program to help with composition. This unit is marked Pass/Fail. However pupils need to pass this in order to achieve the full course award.

Listening – this element is worth 40% of the marks

Pupils will study different styles of music and develop aural recognition of musical concepts, ensembles etc as well as develop knowledge of musical literacy.

Assessment

A Visiting Examiner will assess performance, on both instruments, in March of S5. Composing will be internally assessed and externally moderated. Listening will be assessed by a written paper taken during the main diet of examinations in May/June.

Advanced Higher

While entry is at the discretion of the centre, pupils would normally be expected to have attained a Higher award.

Music with Performing

Course Outline

Pupils are required to perform on 2 instruments, compose and listen.

Performing – each instrument is worth 30% of the marks

Instruments should be chosen from the following categories

Bagpipes Guitar/Bass Guitar Tuned Percussion

Brass Keyboard/ Piano Voice

Drumkit Woodwind

Composing – Pupils are required to compose two pieces of music. Pupils are encouraged to develop their technology skills by using the computer and Sibelius program to help with composition. This unit is marked Pass/Fail. However pupils need to pass this in order to achieve the full course award.

Advanced Higher – the folio should consist of 2 compositions each lasting a minimum of 1 ½ minutes.

Listening – this element is worth 40% of the marks

Pupils will study different styles of music and develop aural recognition of musical concepts, ensembles etc as well as develop knowledge of musical literacy.

Pupils have to produce a 1500 word commentary demonstrating a sound knowledge as well as personal reflection of the pieces chosen to study. The commentary is marked Pass/ Fail. However pupils need to pass this in order to achieve the full course award.

Assessment

A Visiting Examiner will assess performance, on both instruments, in May of S6. Composing will be internally assessed and externally moderated. The listening dissertation will be internally assessed and externally moderated. Listening will be assessed by a written paper taken during the main diet of examinations in May/June.

S3 – S6

Daily practice is essential. Those who do not have access to an instrument at home are expected to practice in the Music department at interval/lunchtime or during supported study. Practical work is monitored regularly by teachers to ensure that progress is being made. Written homework is marked by the teacher.

Worksheets, musical dictionary and revision materials are issued to reinforce listening concepts taught in class. Homework tasks are issued on a weekly basis. As 60% of the certificate Music course is practical based, pupils are strongly encouraged to attend supported study classes to further their practical skills. The department issues pupils with a list of reputable websites which pupils can access to enhance listening skills and practise exam type questions.