MUSIC - Principal Teacher: Mrs L Main
MUSIC - HIGHER & INTERMEDIATE 2
There are two routes in the Higher and Intermediate 2 Music Course, distinguished
by candidate choice of optional Units:

Music with Performing
For candidates opting for the Unit: Performing (Higher)

Music with Technology
For candidates opting for the Unit: Performing with Technology (Higher)
Course Structure
All candidates must take the two mandatory Units
 Music: Composing
 Music: Listening
and one of the following optional Units:


Music: Performing
Music: Performing with Technology
Syllabus Content
Preferred entry level for Higher
Students will normally be expected to have attained at least one of the following:
 Standard Grade Music at Credit level
 Instrumental/vocal standard equivalent to Associated Board Grade 4
Preferred entry level for Intermediate 2
 Standard Grade Music at General level
or
 Instrumental/vocal standard equivalent to Associated Board Grade 3
Aims
The Music course aims to:
 develop an informed interest in music
 encourage students with a range of specialist interests to realise their musical
potential
 develop a knowledge and understanding of the social, historical and
environmental
contexts of music
 develop skills in creating, interpreting and communicating music and developing
perceptive listening over a wide variety of musical styles
 develop skills in the technologies of sound engineering and production
Course content: all candidates must complete the following two units:
INVENTING:
Higher: You will have opportunities to create at least two well-structured and
contrasting compositions which make good use of compositional techniques. Each
composition must be a minimum of 1 minute long. A score or performance plan is
required for each piece.
Intermediate 2: As above but 1 or 2 pieces must be produced totalling a minimum
time of 1m 30s.
LISTENING:
Higher & Intermediate 2: You will have opportunities through coursework to
demonstrate understanding of concepts as they occur in different music and styles.
You will also study in detail a number of musical works. In addition, a listening
examination of 1 hour duration will be taken. This will be a closed-book test
consisting of short, straightforward questions designed to test concept knowledge
and understanding and musical literacy; questions will mostly relate to audio
excerpts.
The range of periods and styles of music which will be studied include:
 World Music
 Music of the Renaissance
 Baroque
 The Classical Period
 Romanticism in Music
 20th Century Music
 Jazz and Popular Music
All candidates must complete one of the following units:
PERFORMING:
Higher: In this element you will have opportunities to select and perform music solo
and/or in a group from a wide range of styles and periods on two instruments or one
instrument and voice.
A recital of contrasting pieces lasting 10 minutes should be prepared on one
instrument/voice and another of 5 minutes should be on a second instrument/voice.
The standard required for both instruments is a minimum of AB Grade 4.
Intermediate 2: As above but the recital should last 4 minutes and the standard is
equivalent to AB Grade 3.
PERFORMING WITH TECHONOLOGY
Higher: In this element you will have the opportunity to:
 Give a performance on one instrument/voice, solo and/or in a group lasting 5
minutes, assessed in its entirety on one assessment occasion or across a
number of assessment events during the delivery of the unit. This will be
recorded and sent off for external examination.
 Complete a listening NAB on sound engineering and production concepts.

Produce a stereo master recording of two pieces, lasting 6 minutes in total,
and supported by a session log.
Intermediate 2: In this element you will have the opportunity to:
 Give a performance on one instrument/voice, solo and/or in a group lasting 4
minutes, assessed in its entirety on one assessment occasion or across a
number of assessment events during the delivery of the unit. This will be
recorded and sent off for external examination.
 Complete a listening NAB on sound engineering and production concepts.
 Produce a stereo master recording of two pieces, lasting 4 minutes in total,
and supported by a session log.
Formal Homework
Daily home practice is essential for all performing elements
of the course. You will also set weekly individual targets for composing at home.
Home Revision and Review Work
In addition to composing and daily performing
practise, you will also be expected to revise concepts for listening and concept tests.