Course Description

The S4 course provides a pathway to the Higher and Advanced Higher courses and offers all students the opportunity to perform, listen to and compose music in a number of individual and group situations. Practical skills are taught in class and a number of students also benefit from instrumental instruction. There are three main areas.

Course Content and Assessment

·       Performing: 50%

Performance on two instruments/voice

Learners prepare a programme at a minimum of Grade 3 (N5) or Grade 2 (N4) ABRSM/Trinity level on two instruments. Most learners will be able to study one instrument with a school instrumental instructor, although due to demand we cannot guarantee that all requests can be met.  Learners are expected to take advantage of the many performing opportunities on offer, both in school and in the wider community.

·       Understanding Music: 35%

Learners listen to a wide variety of music and develop the ability to identify a range of musical and stylistic concepts. Learners will develop musical literacy, relating music heard to notated scores.

·       Composing Assignment: 15%

Learners plan, explore and then create one original piece of music, building competence in handling a range of compositional techniques.

Possible Careers

• Performer

• Composer

• DJ

• Music Therapist

• Sound engineer

• Broadcasting/film/video

• Radio producer

• Event manager

• Arts administrator

• arts worker

• Music retailer/publisher

• Primary/secondary teacher

• instrumental instructor