AH Music

Note: Before completing a Learner Pathway choice form, students must check with the Curriculum Leader of Music to ensure that their practical skills (on both instruments) enable them to take a course at a particular level.

Description of Course

Through the study of Advanced Higher Music, a candidate will experience music as a performer, composer and listener. There is a wide variety of careers/further education options open to those who have studied Music. Music is also widely accepted as an entrance qualification for all university courses and is recognised as being a subject that develops critical thinking and independent learning skills. Performance is at the centre of this course.

Course Content

Performing Skills

Performance on 1st instrument/voice and performance on 2nd instrument /voice

Composing Skills

Students produce an audio folio of original work, with an original score or performance plan, building competence in handling a range of compositional techniques. Students have access to and develop skills in using Music software such as Noteflight, Garageband and Ableton.

Understanding Music

Students listen to a wide variety of music and develop the ability to identify a range of musical and stylistic concepts. Students are expected to develop musical literacy, relating music heard to notated scores. Students also complete an essay comparing and contrasting music of their choice.

Assessment

Performance

Perform to a Visiting Examiner a programme on two instruments or instrument and voice lasting a total of eighteen minutes. The performance time on either of the selected instruments/voice must be a minimum of six minutes within the programme. The minimum standard of music played is equivalent to Associated Board or Trinity Rock School Grade 5. The performance is worth 60% of the overall marks.

Performances can be given on a variety of instruments or voice (see list for Higher above). Many students are able to study one instrument with a school instrumental teacher although, due to demand, we cannot guarantee that all requests can be met. Students are expected to take advantage of the many performing opportunities on offer, both in school and in the wider community.

Composition

This is sent to the SQA for marking and is worth 15% of the overall marks.

Question Paper

A listening exam paper is taken in the main diet of SQA exams and is externally assessed. The paper assesses a student’s knowledge and understanding of music concepts, literacy and their ability to identify and analyse concepts. This paper is worth 35% of the overall marks.