National 4 Music

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The music course encourages students to show initiative, dependability, leadership and enterprise, fostering a work ethic and dedication to excellence. Music helps to produce confident individuals through developing self-awareness as they draw on their own ideas, experiences and feelings. Through music, pupils have rich opportunities to be creative and to experience inspiration and enjoyment.

The course comprises three elements:

Performing Skills

Pupils will refine their performing skills on two selected instruments through regular practice and reflection. They will develop performing, technical and musical skills from level-specific music across a range of styles.

Composing Skills

Pupils will experiment and create original music using a range of compositional methods and music concepts in creative ways. They will develop and apply their understanding of ideas when reflecting on their creative choices.

Understanding Music

Pupils will develop their knowledge and understanding of music, music concepts and music literacy. A variety of level-specific music concepts and music styles will be studied and pupils will analyse the impact of social and cultural factors which have influenced the distinctive sounds of specific music styles.

Assessment

All assessments are internal:

Perform and reflect upon level specific music on two selected instruments (or voice)

Identify a range of level-specific concepts in Listening activities and assessments.

Compose a small portfolio of music.

National 4 candidates have an additional Added Value Unit which consists of a formal Performance and Reflection upon an agreed programme of music on their two selected instruments/voice.

WHAT WILL MY HOME COMMITMENT BE FOR THIS COURSE?

A high level of self-motivation is required for the Music courses. Ideally pupils should have: 10 minutes practice combined on each instrument every day. Pupils will also have Listening/Literacy tasks that should take between 5 - 10 minutes per week at home.

IS MUSIC FOR ME?

You will enjoy this subject if: 

· You want to develop skills on 2 instruments or voice.

· You like to perform and develop performing skills.

· You like to be creative.

· You like to work both individually and as part of a team.

· You are interested in a variety of cultures.