Higher Music
DURATION
1 Year / 240 Hours
COURSEWORK
Performance 60% of award
EXAM
Question Paper 40% of award
COST
No Cost
What will you learn?
The three units we will study are:
Music: Performing Skills; In this unit the learner will:
Perform at Grade IV standard (minimum) on two instruments. Candidates must show ability to perform in a range of styles; develop musical and technical skills and self-reflect on the quality and accuracy of their performing. Candidates must record and reflect on at least two sections of pieces on each instrument throughout the year, plus maintain a regular practice diary.
Music: Composing Skills; In this unit the learner will:
Create original music by showing an understanding of how a range of musical methods and concepts are used by composers; experiment in creative ways to produce a folio of pieces using the musical concepts studied; develop musical ideas and self-reflect on their creative choices and decisions.
Understanding Music; In this unit the learner will:
Recognise and identify level-specific music concepts; identify and analyse the social and cultural influences which have influenced the distinctive sounds and structure of specific music styles and identify and show understanding of the meaning of music signs, symbols and terms
Why do this course?
The course provides candidates with a broad practical experience of performing, creating and understanding music. It enables them to work independently or in collaboration with others, and can help them to plan and organise, to make decisions, and to take responsibility for their own learning.
What will you experience?
A wide range of learning and teaching strategies will be used such as whole class, paired and/or group work. Work in class will be supported by classroom materials, ICT and specific web sites. Pupils will be involved in setting their own targets and evaluating their own as well as others progress. Pupils will be expected to take responsibility for their learning.
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before selecting this course
Homework
Homework will be set by the class teacher on a regular basis, this will be available on TEAMs. Activities set may include practice of a practical skill, preparation for assessment or research for an assignment.
Assessment
Performance - 60 Marks
The performance should be at Grade IV standard (minimum) on both instruments and candidates must perform for a minimum duration of twelve minutes in total (times can be flexible, provided at least four minutes on one instrument). The final Added Value Performance will take place in February/March each year to an SQA Visiting Assessor.
Question Paper - 40 Marks
This will test learners’ knowledge and understanding of musical concepts and music literacy. Learners will demonstrate conceptual knowledge and understanding of music by responding to questions that relate to musical excerpts, music concepts and styles. This will take place in May/June in a formal SQA examination.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Entry is at the discretion of the Principal Teacher Faculty, Performing Arts. However, as a guide:
Pass (A-C) at National 5 Music
Progression and Employment
Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course
Progression
Advanced Higher Music
Employment
