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S1/S2 Music
Course Outline
 There are 3 elements in the course:
Performing
Listening
Inventing
S1
In S1 the emphasis is on building practical skills. Keyboard forms
a central part of this process and is taught with Drum Kit from
the outset. After Christmas in S1 the Guitar is introduced and
these three instruments continue concurrently to the end of second
year. All three instruments are taught "from scratch" in
that previous ability is neither assumed nor required, although "extension" material
is provided for pupils who have gained some ability on one or more
of these instruments.
Assessment
Assessment of practical skill is a regular feature of class work
and internal class grades are awarded which reflect an individual's
attainment. Materials are designed to be accessible by all pupils
regardless of previous musical experience. Generally the whole
class will be working on keyboards (say) but at different levels.
Listening Skills
Listening skills are developed through worksheets and aural
training "tests" which
are designed to increase pupils' ability to listen to music perceptively
and to grasp some of the basic concepts used in music. Short written
responses are sometimes required.
Inventing
Inventing is taught in a very structured way, encouraging creative
composition while supplying a framework which ensures the production
of an acceptable composition.
Homework
Homework forms an essential part of the learning process and although
rarely set in a formal context may consist of co-ordination exercises
and keyboard/guitar work where appropriate.
Extracurricular Activities
Participation in extracurricular activities is seen as a desirable
complement to class work and all pupils are encouraged to participate
in a wide range of activities on offer.
S2
S2 is a continuation of the work from S1. Practical skills are
developed on all three instruments and more subtle Listening concepts
are introduced. Assessment arrangements are similar to S1. From October in S2 pupils choose to specialise in only two instruments,
being able to drop the instrument which has been least successful
or has provided least enjoyment. There is also a major shift to
working in groups. Materials are designed to allow a group of pupils
(or sometimes the whole class) to play together with each individual
pupil playing at their own level. Classes will be working on different
instruments at the same time and at different levels of difficulty
within the particular activity.
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S3/S4 Intermediate 1/2 Music
All courses have one mandatory unit and one optional unit :
| Mandatory |
Performing, Inventing and Listening (PIL unit) |
| Optional |
One chosen from : Performing Extension, Listening Extension,
Accompanying (at Int 2 only), MIDI Sequencing, Sound Engineering and Production
and Inventing Extension. |
The combination of the three elements in the PIL unit and the
optional unit results in a four element course in which all elements
are equally weighted. Not all the options may be available but
some negotiation is possible which could result in some self-supported
study. The level of presentation, Int 1 or Int 2, would be decided
during the course according to progress.
A very brief course description is given below but the range of
options requires discussion with individual pupils before embarking
on any course. This range also dictates that there are no “class” lessons
other than in the Listening element.
PIL unit
This involves performance at Grade 2 (Int 1) or Grade 3 (Int
2) level on any instrument, solo and/or group;
a folio of compositions lasting a total of 2 minutes and a Listening
skills exam.
Performing Extension
Performance on a different instrument to
that chosen in the PIL unit. The performance may be solo and/or
group, lasting for 6-8 minutes at Grade 3 level.
Listening Extension
An additional paper on listening skills must
be taken. This paper has a much higher musical literacy content.
Accompanying
Only available for certain instruments. There are
4 outcomes within this unit which
develops the skills required to accompany another instrumentalist.
MIDI Sequencing
Use MIDI skills to create, develop and refine
musical ideas.
This involves submission of a MIDI file and a MIDI exam.
Sound Engineering & Production
The skills required to produce a multi-track
recording and to record and mix performances
from a variety of sources. A tape of a multi-track recording is
required as well as an aural exam.
Inventing
An audio folio of compositions lasting 2/3-10 minutes
with a score or
performance plan.
Classroom work will sometimes involve the entire class (in the
Listening element) but is more likely to centre on small groups
or individual rehearsal.
Assessment
Assessment is on a monthly basis and involves at least one of
the three elements being assessed. The first formal examination
is the internal school prelim in February. The Solo Performances
are externally assessed by a visiting examiner in March of S4,
the Listening element is included in the main diet of SQA exams
in May and Inventing is subject to selective moderation by SQA.
All prospective candidates must achieve a pass in internal assessments
to gain a course award.
Homework
Homework generally involves practice on the individual’s
instrument. This is not set formally but is a necessary part
of the development of skills generally. More information on the course is available from Music staff Back to top
S5/S6 Intermediate 2 Music
All courses have one mandatory unit and one optional unit :
| Mandatory |
Performing, Inventing and Listening (PIL unit) |
| Optional |
One chosen from : Performing Extension,
Listening Extension,
Accompanying (at Int 2 only), MIDI Sequencing, Sound Engineering and Production
and Inventing Extension. |
The combination of the three elements in the PIL unit and the
optional unit results in a four element course in which all elements
are equally weighted. Not all the options may be available but
some negotiation is possible which could result in some self-supported
study.
A very brief course description is given below but the range of
options requires discussion with individual pupils before embarking
on any course. This range also dictates that there are no “class” lessons
other than in the Listening element.
PIL unit
This involves performance at Grade 3 level on any instrument,
solo and/or group;
a folio of compositions lasting a total of 2 minutes and a Listening skills
exam.
Performing Extension
Performance on a different instrument to that chosen in the
PIL unit. The performance may be solo and/or group, lasting for
6-8 minutes at Grade 3 level.
Listening Extension
An additional paper on listening skills must be taken. This
paper has a much higher musical literacy content.
Accompanying
Only available for certain instruments. There are 4 outcomes
within this unit which
develops the skills required to accompany another instrumentalist.
MIDI Sequencing
Use MIDI skills to create, develop and refine musical ideas.
This involves submission of a MIDI file and a MIDI exam.
Sound Engineering & Production
The skills required to produce a multi-track recording and to
record and mix performances from a variety of sources. A tape
of a multi-track recording is required as well as an aural exam.
Inventing
An audio folio of compositions lasting 3-10 minutes with a
score or
performance plan.
Classroom work will sometimes involve the entire class (in the
Listening element) but is more likely to centre on small groups
or individual rehearsal.
Assessment
Assessment is on a monthly basis and involves at least one of
the three elements being assessed. The first formal examination
is the internal school prelim in February. The Solo Performances
are externally assessed by a visiting examiner in March of S5,
the Listening element is included in the main diet of SQA exams
in May and Inventing is subject to selective moderation by SQA.
All prospective candidates must achieve a pass in internal assessments
to gain a course award.
Homework
Homework generally involves practice on the individual’s
instrument. This is not set formally but is a necessary part of
the development of skills generally.
More information on the
course is available from Music staff
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Higher Music
All courses have one mandatory unit and one optional unit :
| Mandatory |
Performing, Inventing and Listening (PIL unit) |
| Optional |
One chosen from : Performing Extension,
Listening Extension,
Accompanying, MIDI Sequencing, Sound Engineering and Production
and Inventing Extension. |
The combination of the three elements in the PIL unit and the
optional unit results in a four element course in which all elements
are equally weighted. Not all the options may be available but
some negotiation is possible which could result in some self-supported
study.
A very brief course description is given below but the range of
options requires discussion with individual pupils before embarking
on any course. This range also dictates that there are no “class” lessons
other than in the Listening element.
PIL unit
This involves performance at Grade 4 level on any instrument,
solo and/or group;
a folio of compositions lasting a total of 3 minutes and a Listening skills
exam.
Performing Extension
Performance on a different instrument to that chosen in the
PIL unit. The performance may be solo and/or group, lasting for
12 minutes at Grade 5 level.
Listening Extension
An additional paper on listening skills must be taken. This
paper has a much higher musical literacy content. A 1500 word
essay is also required.
Accompanying
Only available for certain instruments. There are 4 outcomes
within this unit which
develops the skills required to accompany another instrumentalist.
MIDI Sequencing
Use MIDI skills to create, develop and refine musical ideas.
This involves submission of a MIDI file and a MIDI exam.
Sound Engineering & Production
The skills required to produce a multi-track recording and to
record and mix performances from a variety of sources. A tape
of a multi-track recording is required as well as an aural exam.
Inventing
An audio folio of compositions lasting 5-12 minutes with a
score or
performance plan.
Classroom work will sometimes involve the entire class (in the
Listening element) but is more likely to centre on small groups
or individual rehearsal.
Assessment
Assessment is on a monthly basis and involves at least one of
the three elements being assessed. The first formal examination
is the internal school prelim in February. The Solo Performances
are externally assessed by a visiting examiner in March of S5,
the Listening element is included in the main diet of SQA exams
in May and Inventing is subject to selective moderation by SQA.
All prospective candidates must achieve a pass in internal assessments
to gain a course award.
Homework
Homework generally involves practice on the individual’s
instrument. This is not set formally but is a necessary part of
the development of skills generally.
More information on the
course is available from Music staff Back to top
Advanced Higher Music
All courses have one mandatory unit and one optional unit :
| Mandatory |
Performing, Inventing and Listening (PIL unit) |
| Optional |
One chosen from : Performing Extension,
Listening Extension,
Accompanying, MIDI Sequencing, Sound Engineering and Production, Inventing
and Training and Directing Extension. |
The combination of the three elements in the PIL unit and the
optional unit results in a four element course in which all elements
are equally weighted. Not all the options may be available but
some negotiation is possible which could result in some self-supported
study.
A very brief course description is given below but the range of
options requires discussion with individual pupils before embarking
on any course. This range also dictates that there are no “class” lessons
other than in the Listening element.
PIL unit
This involves performance at Grade 5 level on any instrument,
solo and/or group;
a folio of compositions lasting a total of 5 minutes and a Listening skills
exam and essay.
Performing Extension
Performance on a different instrument to that chosen in the
PIL unit. The performance may be solo and/or group, lasting for
20 minutes at Grade 6 level.
Listening Extension
An additional paper on listening skills must be taken. This
paper has a much higher musical literacy content.
Accompanying
Only available for certain instruments. There are 4 outcomes
within this unit which
develops the skills required to accompany another instrumentalist.
MIDI Sequencing
Use MIDI skills to create, develop and refine musical ideas.
This involves submission of a MIDI file and a MIDI exam.
Sound Engineering & Production
The skills required to produce a multi-track recording and to
record and mix performances from a variety of sources. A tape
of a multi-track recording is required as well as an aural exam.
Inventing
An audio folio of compositions lasting 10-15 minutes with a
score or
performance plan.
Classroom work will sometimes involve the entire class (in the
Listening element) but is more likely to centre on small groups
or individual rehearsal.
Assessment
Assessment is on a monthly basis and involves at least one of
the three elements being assessed. The first formal examination
is the internal school prelim in February. The Solo Performances
are externally assessed by a visiting examiner in May of S6,
the Listening element is included in the main diet of SQA exams
in May and Inventing is subject to selective moderation by SQA.
All prospective candidates must achieve a pass in internal assessments
to gain a course award.
Homework
Homework generally involves practice on the individual’s
instrument. This is not set formally but is a necessary part of
the development of skills generally.
More information on the
course is available from Music staff Back to top
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