Music

Courses at all levels in Music are largely practical-based and include much flexibility in the contexts for learning. In the Performance component of each course, learners will develop their practical skills on two instruments of their own choice (or one instrument and voice).  Through the Understanding Music component, learners will develop knowledge and understanding of a variety of level-specific music concepts, and music literacy.

National 4

Performing Skills (N4)

Pupils will develop their performing skills on two chosen instruments (or one instrument and voice).  They will perform level-specific pieces of music with sufficient accuracy while also maintaining the musical flow. Their programme of pieces should last for approximately 6 minutes.

Understanding Music (N4)

In this Unit, through listening, learners will develop knowledge and understanding of a variety of level-specific music concepts and music literacy.  They will identify and recognise specific music styles and concepts, and music signs and symbols used in music notation.

National 5

The National 5 Music course is based on two mandatory units: 

Performance (N5)

In this unit, pupils will develop their performing skills on two selected instruments (or on one instrument and voice).  They will be required to learn a programme of pieces which should last for approximately 6 minutes (across both instruments). 

Understanding Music (N5)

In this Unit, through listening, learners will develop knowledge and understanding of a variety of level-specific music concepts and music literacy.  

They will identify and recognise specific music styles and concepts, and music signs and symbols used in music notation.

Higher

The Higher Music course is based on two mandatory units: 

Performance (H)

In this unit, pupils will continue to develop the performing skills they acquired at National 5 level on two selected instruments (or on one instrument and voice).  They will learn pieces of music which will be of a more challenging level than National 5 level and, collectively, should add up to a programme which lasts approximately 10 – 11 minutes.

Understanding Music (H)

In this Unit, through listening, learners will develop knowledge and understanding of a variety of level-specific music concepts and music literacy.  Units of music which pupils will study include  Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, 20th Century and Music History.

Advanced Higher

The Advanced Higher Music course is based on two mandatory units: 

Performance (AH)

Pupils who are presented at Advanced Higher level for Music will be required to select two chosen instruments (or one instrument and voice) and learn pieces of music which will be of a more challenging level than Higher level. These pieces should, collectively, add up to a programme which lasts approximately 15 - 17 minutes.

Understanding Music (AH)

There are a number of new concepts which will be introduced through units of Music such as Renaissance, Baroque and Music History. There is a significant increase in literacy content for Advanced Higher Music which is reflected in the majority of the Understanding Music assessment paper featuring questions on music literacy.