MUSIC (National 4 and 5)                                                                                      

 What are the aims of this course?

 The main aim of the Music Department is to provide a positive and stimulating learning experience through a combination of practical and theoretical elements, ultimately culminating in performance.

 What will I be learning about in this course?

There are 3 main units in the course plus a course assessment consisting of a performance exam and listening paper.

1.         Performing Skills

You will develop your performing skills on 2 instruments (or 1 instrument and voice) to a sufficient level of accuracy. You will learn to apply performance directions such as dynamics, phrasing and to create an effective and confident performance. Performance can take place as solo or part of a group.

It is mandatory that Log books must be completed, with pupil comments made about achievements and next steps for each instrument. The Log book must evidence regular practice and a Unit pass will only be obtained when this is submitted.

2.         Composing Skills

You will develop the ability to create original music using a variety of compositional methods and music concepts. You will create a folio of work demonstrating your ability to listen to and analyse music, understand composer’s intentions and develop your own musical ideas within a variety of styles.

3.         Understanding Music (Listening)

Understanding music as you listen to it helps you to enjoy it even more. Much of the course is concept based. You will study a variety of different styles and genres of music and will learn how to identify level specific concepts in the music. Research into the social and cultural factors influencing music with also take place in this unit. You will develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of music and music literacy.

National 4 (Added Value)

At National 4 level, to achieve the overall course you must pass all thre units plus this fourth added value unit. For this, you will prepare and perform a programme of music on 2 instruments or 1 instrument and voice lasting 8 minutes in total in solo and/or group settings. This may be an instrument on which you have been receiving lessons within the school or privately or it may be on a 'classroom-based' instrument like keyboard, drum-kit, guitar, voice or tuned percussion. Home practice is essential to make real progress, although there is access to instruments in the department in agreement with teaching staff. You will then evaluate your performance.

Course Assessment (National 5)

As above although you will perform to a visiting SQA examiner in February/March of your presentation year. This equates to 60% of your final course assessment.

You will also sit a listening exam in May where you will identify level specific concepts in musical excerpts and annotate a piece of music using music literacy signs and symbols. This equates to 40% of your final course assessment.

 What learning and teaching approaches will I experience?

 All learners will have an opportunity to learn through whole class teaching, one-to-one tuition and solo/group work.  Personalisation and choice is built in to the course through the choice of performance pieces, composition style and research work.

Coursework is delivered by topic.