MUSIC
SCQF LEVEL 6 - HIGHER
Throughout the course you will be given the opportunity to perform both in the classroom and in the wider community. National 5 music will not only benefit those interested in a performing arts career path, but will also develop intra and interpersonal skills in all young people, allowing them to become more well-rounded individuals.
QUALIFICATION
Higher Music
DURATION
1 Year full time/
5 periods per week (160 hours)
COURSEWORK
Composing Assignment
EXAM
Question Paper – 1 hour. Live Performing Exam – 12 mins
COST
No necessary costs – however, pupils may choose to receive private tuition.
TEACHERS
Mrs Moggach
Mr Fraser
Mr Murray
WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?
This course makes a valuable contribution to your general education and personal development by providing you with a broad range of skills which incorporates practical experience of performing, listening to and composing music. It also allows you to develop and extend your interest in music and acquire more specialist skills in an area which may be of interest to you. You also have the opportunity to participate in our extracurricular music groups.
Skill Development Scotland state:
Around 100,000 people are employed in the creative and digital industry in Scotland.
From a study conducted by the University of Florida, young people who study music are 4 times more likely to be recognised for academic achievement.
Young people who participate in music-related activities achieve significantly higher marks in Science, Maths, and English exams in secondary school than non-musical classmates, according to a new large-scale study.
More information can be found
through this link:
How does playing an instrument
benefit your brain?
Studying music helps young people
get better grades in Maths and
English:
wHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCE?
Music courses incorporate active learning to engage pupils through activities such as composing, performing, and listening to/analysing music. Frequent team building tasks in addition to independent work suit all styles of learning and prepare students for the world of work.
This style of active learning is also very popular with students and most enjoy, and look forward to, going to their classes.
Taking music will give you the opportunity to learn from professional musicians through performances and workshops.
The course assessment consists of:
A performance lasting 12 minutes in total on two instruments or one instrument and voice assessed in February/March by an external examiner. The standard required is equivalent to TRINITY/ABRSM Grade 4.
A question paper testing knowledge and understanding of musical concepts and musical literacy sat under exam conditions in May and marked by the SQA.
Submitting an original composition with an accompanying composing review where the candidate will reflect on how they created their music, and where the strengths and development needs lie in their work. This will be marked by the SQA.
KEY FACTS
Everything you need to know before selecting this course
entry requirements
Entry to Higher Music requires an A or B pass at National 5 Music. Some candidates would be capable of achieving Higher Music without achieving National 5 - please speak to the Principal Teacher of Performing Arts if this is the case.
what will you get?
Higher in Music
The course is graded
A: Band 1, Band 2
B: Band 3, Band 4
C: Band 5, Band 6
D: Band 7
progress
Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course
EMPLOYMENT
my world of work
Some typical careers that you might immediately think of include music teacher, music therapist, music critic, session musician, performer, musical instrument maker/repairer, theatre technician, DJ, sound engineer and accompanist.
However, most careers will suit a course in music, as even if not directly linked to performing arts, music will allow young people to become more rounded individuals. Primary teacher, lawyer/solicitor, doctor, nurse, dentist, orthodontist, beautician, vet, nursery nurse, journalist, IT Analyst, librarian, events management, advertising, local government project officer, mathematician, banking, management positions and college/university lecturer are only some examples.
Skills developed through Music:
Problem Solving: reading music notation, working independently, resilience, time management, positive work ethic.
Leadership: leading a group of musicians, building confidence, organisational skills. All music courses require you to complete coursework which demands you take responsibility for your own learning and have a proactive, motivated attitude towards your studies.
Teamwork: performing in a group, recording compositions.
Communication: performing in a group/as a soloist, presenting, interaction with others, using clear and concise language to effectively express your thoughts and ideas when both analysing music and reviewing your composition.
Other: dexterity , fine motor skills and memory skills.
This link will take you to an excellent resource on MyWOW which looks at potential career routes when you select a combination of subjects.
STUDENT STORIES
Information from pupils who have studied this course as to how they feel it was.
HOLLY - S5
I enjoyed N5 Music and an A pass has enabled me to go on and study Higher Music. The A pass has boosted my confidence. I am now a more competent performer both in class and in the music groups I participate in.
Top advice: Always ask for help if needed as support is always there.
Jessica - S5
Studying a creative subject like music is great for creating diversity in your subjects. It boosts your confidence too. Composing is hard and takes a lot of time, you need to the drive to do a lot of this in your own time.
Josh - S5
My A pass at National 5 music has enabled me to progress to Higher. Music is a great course that teaches a wide variety of skills. The course very much encourages independent learning but the teachers are always willing to give up their time to ensure students achieve the best they can. I am keen to study music when I leave school.