Philosophy - Why should I study Music?

Music is an essential part of the human experience and a unique mode of creativity, expression and communication. Though music is rooted in specific societies and cultures, it also transcends—and often connects—them. Music not only offers a way of understanding the world, but also a means by which we can express and share our understanding of it with others.

The study of music encourages inquiry into creative practices and performance processes. Music study develops listening, creative and analytical skills, as well as encouraging cultural understanding and international-mindedness. In this way, music is a catalyst for expanding critical thinking—a crucial life skill.

In this course, students and teachers engage in a journey of imagination and discovery through partnership and collaboration. Students develop and affirm their unique musical identities while expanding and refining their musicianship. (Music Guide, International Baccalaureate Organization. February 2020)

Course Content - What will I be studying?

Throughout the course, students are encouraged to explore music in varied and sometimes unfamiliar contexts. Additionally, by experimenting with music, students gain hands-on experience while honing musical skills. Through realising and presenting samples of their musical work with others, students also learn to communicate critical and artistic intentions and purpose. Students fulfil roles as researcher, creator and performer; experimenting, exploring and presenting music through each role. Students develop and affirm their unique musical identities while expanding and refining their musicianship through the lens of four Areas of Inquiry:

1. Music for sociocultural and political expression Examples may include protest songs, liturgical music, national anthems

2. Music for listening and performance Examples may include chamber music of the Western art tradition, cool jazz, experimental music

3. Music for dramatic impact, movement and entertainment Examples may include music for film, ballet or musical theatre

4. Music technology in the electronic and digital age Examples may include electronic dance music, technology in popular music production

Engagement with these AoIs takes place across three contexts:

• Personal context – music that has significance to the student, and that they are most familiar with. Students consider their immediate cultural context and interests that contribute to their emerging musical identity.

• Local context – music that has local significance, but that may be unfamiliar to the student. This can be music from within the student’s local, regional or cultural communities, and may include music that the student is not currently engaged with.

• Global context – unfamiliar music from a variety of places, societies and cultures. This will include music that the student has not yet connected or engaged with. The music may be from a distant global region or even music in closer geographical proximity but more culturally distant that has not been previously accessible to the student.

The role of music technology in the course

For 21st-century musicians, learning to make music by engaging with a range of technologies is now a fundamental skill and is therefore a central aspect of this curriculum.

Assessment - How will I be assessed?

Prerequisites - What do I need to know before choosing Music?

For students wishing to study Music, it is important that they are reasonably adept on a musical instrument (including voice), or with music technology and are familiar with some form of music notation. We would like students to have studied a Music course at MYP or an equivalent educational level. However, students who have only ever studied Music outside school are very welcome to join the course, or to discuss the possibility of doing so with our Music teacher.

What will allow me to be successful?

Be curious and listen to, play and create as much music as possible.

What can I do with Music in the future?

The mixture of creativity, discipline, and communication that music study demands enhances learning skills, communication skills, creativity, teamwork, discipline, cultural awareness, respect for others, and self-esteem through personal accomplishment.

Music is highly respected by universities as it requires students to develop a range of technical, analytical and communication skills through creative tasks requiring perceptive analysis and insight. Having practical and essay writing components, Music complements a range of other subjects, from Sciences to the Arts and is a good academic grounding for both Music and non-Music related degree courses

Being a musician isn’t the only career in music – other options include being a sound technician, community musician, music therapist, teacher, or private tutor, or a range of careers in the music industry, in a concert hall or music venue or in the creative industries, such as in film, TV, theatre, radio, arts administration, or creative education.

Here's what Oxford University says about its Music degree - “The varied nature of the course enables students to develop highly desirable skills in areas such as self-management, creativity, data analysis, performance, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, all of which makes them an attractive prospect for potential employers… other popular destinations for Music graduates… include broadcasting, publishing, law, politics and the Civil Service. Rather than limiting your career prospects, a music degree opens doors to a wide range of careers.”