Music FAQs

No but it is helpful to be able to play an instrument (including voice) and know some music theory.

Yes both SL and HL students must perform and compose for all of the components.

There will be informal performances within the class as well as more formal performances. Some will be solo performances and some in ensembles. You will work with your teacher to discuss this and any public performance will be well prepared.

Composing is a big part of the course, but the methods of composition are really varied. For example, if you find writing music in standard notation difficult you can record your work or use music technology. What you compose is up to you, but you will have lots of guidance from your teacher.

No. We encourage all students to have instrumental or vocal lessons but they can be outside school and by any teacher of your choice.

Three components are exactly the same, but for HL you must also do a project called ‘The Contemporary Music Maker’. This is a real-life project that you must do with at least one other student (they do not have to be a Music student).

If you want to go on to study music there are an enormous number of different courses. These include a straight Music degree (which normally includes a number of different options within it), Popular Music, Jazz, Performance, Music Technology, Musical Theatre etc. It is also a highly regarded course which many universities give great value to. Even if you don’t go on to study Music, most universities have lots of musical activities to get involved in where you can meet like-minded people.