Music - National 4
SCQF Framework
SCQF Level: 4
SCQF Credit Points: 24
Skills Framework
Delivering Centre
Vale of Leven Academy
Purpose and Aims
The purpose of the Course is to provide a broad practical experience of performing and creating music, and to develop related knowledge and understanding of music.
This Course is practical and experiential in nature and includes flexibility in the contexts for learning. It helps learners to develop a general interest in music, and to develop performing skills on their two selected instruments or on one instrument and voice.
The Course also provides opportunities for learners to develop composing skills and their understanding of music. The Course enables learners to develop their skills and creative capabilities as a musician.
Performing music, for example, demands skills of autonomy, interpretation and creativity, as well as providing the opportunity to build confidence and self-esteem. The practice required to develop these skills can promote perseverance and resilience. The skills that learners gain throughout the Course will be valuable for learning, life and work.
The aims of the Course are to enable learners to:
♦ develop performing skills in solo and/or group settings on their selected instruments or on one instrument and voice
♦ perform music with sufficient accuracy while maintaining the musical flow
♦ create original music using compositional methods and music concepts when composing, arranging or improvising
♦ develop knowledge and understanding of the social and cultural factors influencing music
♦ develop knowledge and understanding of music and musical literacy by listening to music and identifying level-specific music signs, symbols and concepts
♦ reflect on their own work and that of others
Recommended Entry
Entry to this Course is at the discretion of the centre.
However, learners would normally be expected to have attained the skills, knowledge and understanding required by the following or equivalent qualifications and/or experience:
♦ National 3 Music Course or relevant component Units.
In terms of prior learning and experience, relevant experiences and outcomes may also provide an appropriate basis for doing this Course.
Progression
This Course or its Units may provide progression to:
♦ National 5 Music, other qualifications in Music or related areas
♦ further study, employment and/or training
Career Options
Further Information
Course Content
The Course has an integrated approach to learning and includes a mixture of practical learning and underpinning understanding of music.
In the Course learners will draw on their understanding of music styles and concepts as they experiment with using these when performing and creating music.
To achieve the Course, learners must successfully complete the three mandatory Units and the Added Value Unit. Each of the component Units of the Course is designed to provide progression to the corresponding Unit at National 5. Units are statements of standards for assessment and not programmes of learning and teaching. They can be delivered in a number of ways.
Music: Performing Skills (National 4) In this Unit, learners will develop performing skills on two selected instruments, or on one selected instrument and voice. They will perform level-specific music with sufficient accuracy while maintaining the musical flow. Learners will, through regular practice and reflection, develop technical and musical performing skills.
Music: Composing Skills (National 4) In this Unit, learners will experiment with and use compositional methods and music concepts in imaginative ways when creating their own music. Learners will reflect on their own creative choices and decisions, and develop a basic understanding of how musicians develop their ideas and create their music.
Understanding Music (National 4) In this Unit, through listening, learners will develop knowledge and understanding of a variety of level-specific music concepts and music literacy. They will listen to music extracts and identify which specific music concepts are used and where these appear in the music. They will develop an understanding of the distinctive sounds of specific music styles and common music signs, symbols and terms used in music notation.
Added Value Unit: Music Performance (National 4) This Unit adds value by introducing challenge and application. In the music performance, learners will draw on and extend their performing skills in a new context. Learners will prepare and perform a programme of music in a solo setting and/or as part of a group.
Course Assessment Structure
All Units are internally assessed against the requirements shown in the Unit Specification. They will be assessed on a pass/fail basis within centres. The assessment of the Units in this Course will be as follows.
Music: Performing Skills (National 4) In this Unit, learners will be required to provide evidence of musical performing skills on their two selected instruments, or instrument and voice, and of reflecting on their performing skills. Learners will maintain the musical flow and play, with acceptable accuracy, sections of level-specific music.
Music: Composing Skills (National 4) In this Unit, learners will be required to provide evidence of a basic understanding of the creative process and how compositional methods and music concepts are used by others. They will provide evidence of experimenting and using compositional methods and music concepts imaginatively to create their own music, and of reflecting on their creative decision making and music.
Understanding Music (National 4) In this Unit, learners will be required to provide evidence of their knowledge of level specific music concepts and music literacy. They will evidence their understanding of the factors which influence the distinctive sounds of specific music styles, identify music concepts in excerpts of music, and identify and recognise the meaning of music signs, symbols and terms.
Added Value Unit.
The Added Value Unit will address the key purposes and aims of the Course as defined in the Course Rationale. It will do this by addressing one or more of breadth, challenge or application.
In the National 4 Music Course, the Added Value Unit will focus on
♦ challenge
♦ application
Learners will draw on, extend and apply the skills they have learned during the Course. This will be assessed through a performance of a programme of music. It will be underpinned by knowledge and understanding of music and will be sufficiently open and flexible to allow for personalisation and choice.