Music
National 4/National 5
Course Overview
There are three components in the National 4 and National 5 Music courses:
Performance: The purpose of the performance is to allow candidates to demonstrate skills on either two selected instruments, or on a selected instrument and voice, each at ABRSM (or equivalent) Grade 2 level (N4) or Grade 3 level (N5) or above. Learners will perform solo and undertake a regular practice regime as well as a performing examination. At National 5 level, you must also perform an 8 minute performance at the required standard on two instruments, or on one instrument and voice, to a Visiting Examiner. The performance has 60 marks (50% of the overall course award).
Assignment (Composing): The purpose of the assignment is to explore and develop musical ideas to create a piece of music. The assignment has two parts: composing a piece of music and then reviewing the process. The piece may be in any style/genre and must last between a 1 minute and a maximum of 2 minutes and 30 seconds. The assignment has 30 marks (15% of the overall course award).
Question Paper (Listening): The purpose of the question paper is to assess candidates’ knowledge and understanding of music concepts and music literacy. Candidates demonstrate their conceptual knowledge and understanding of music by responding to questions that relate to excerpts of music in different styles. A range of question types are used in the question paper. All questions in the question paper are mandatory. The question paper has 40 marks (35% of the overall course award).
Faculty Principal Teacher
Mrs T MacKay
Assessment Methods
While entry is at the discretion of the music department staff; students would be expected to have some level of musical experience.
National 4: It would be beneficial for you to have studied Music in S2 and/or have some prior experience of playing a musical instrument or singing and be able to recognise and describe basic musical words and styles.
National 5: Recommended entry is National 4 course or any relevant component units. It is expected that you will already be familiar with, and have a secure understanding of the National 3 and 4 music concepts and have experience of singing or performing on at least one musical instrument.
Learning and Teaching Approaches
A combined National 4/5 Music course will be offered, allowing for pupils to work at the level most suited to their ability. The course is split into three different units of work: History of Classical Music, History of Popular Music and Scottish & World Music, and the Course design allows for personalisation and choice, through active learning. The Course employs a wide range of teaching methodologies and learning approaches, such as independent learning, individual and group work, research skills, using verbal and written responses and self/peer evaluation, as well as developing skills in literacy, numeracy, health and wellbeing and skills for learning, life and work.