Higher Music

Course Assessment

The course assessment has four components totalling 130 marks:

• Component 1: question paper – worth 40 marks

• Component 2: assignment – worth 30 marks

• Component 3: performance - instrument 1 – worth 30 marks

• Component 4: performance - instrument 2 – worth 30 marks.

For the performance component, you will perform a programme of music that is set by your school, either using two selected instruments or one selected instrument and voice. This will be assessed by a visiting SQA assessor.

For the assignment component, you will be asked to compose one piece of music and explain your process. This will be marked externally by the SQA.

The question paper will be set and marked externally by the SQA. The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across all course assessment components. The course assessment is graded A-D.

Music is a practical, hands-on subject that develops your creativity and imagination, and your musical skills. You will have the opportunity to perform a variety of music in solo and/or group settings using your voice or your chosen instrument(s). You will also develop your skills in composing, arranging and improvising music, and learn about the social and cultural factors that influence music. The course comprises three areas of study.

Music: Performing Skills

• develop your performing skills on two selected instruments, or on one selected instrument and voice

• learn how to perform music accurately while maintaining the musical flow

• develop your own technical and musical performing skills.

Music: Composing Skills

• experiment with and use compositional methods and music concepts in imaginative ways when creating

your own music

• reflect on your own creative choices and decisions and develop a basic understanding of how composers

develop their ideas and create their music.

Note: Both of these units may be taken with a Scottish Context option, which contributes towards the

Scottish Studies Award.

Understanding Music

• develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of music concepts and music literacy

• learn how to identify the distinguishing features of specific music styles, and how to recognise music

concepts in excerpts of music

• learn how to understand and recognise common music signs and symbols used in music notation.

The course assessment has four components totalling 130 marks:

• Component 1: question paper – worth 40 marks

• Component 2: assignment – worth 30 marks

• Component 3: performance - instrument 1 – worth 30 marks

• Component 4: performance - instrument 2 – worth 30 marks.

For the performance component, you will perform a programme of music that is set by your school, either using two selected instruments or one selected instrument and voice. This will be assessed by a visiting SQA assessor.

For the assignment component, you will be asked to compose one piece of music and explain your process. This will be marked externally by the SQA.

The question paper will be set and marked externally by the SQA. The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across all course assessment components. The course assessment is graded A-D.