Music
The music department is a vibrant and busy area of the school that provides opportunities for learners to develop practical skills in creating and performing music, while developing their understanding of a range of music styles. It aims to meet the needs of a wide variety of learners with a range of musical interests.
Learners will develop their knowledge of music concepts and music literacy through composing, listening and performing activities. Students have opportunities to work on their own, in ensembles and in whole class activities. The various approaches involved build pupil‘s self-esteem, confidence as well as overall health and wellbeing.
Broad General Education (S1 -S3)
In S1-S3 pupils will:
- develop their skills on all classroom instruments, including keyboard, tuned percussion, ukulele, guitar, bass guitar, drum kit and voice.
- learn and perform solo pieces on these instruments as well as playing them as part of a group performance.
- develop an understanding of musical styles and concepts through listening to a wide range of music, including Scottish music, Popular music, Jazz and Film music. They will also develop music theory and literacy skills that will help them read and write music notation.
- learn about the composition process, working both individually and in small groups to explore and create their own music. They will do this through various practical activities that will allow them to use their performing skills as part of the process.Music Technology programmes such as Mixcraft (recording/MIDI software) and Sibelius (music notation software). Various projects will provide them with the skills required to create audiobooks and music for animations.
- In S3 the curriculum is split into two discrete courses: Music and Music Technology. Pupils can choose to continue their studies in either or both of these courses.
Senior Phase (S4 - S6)
We offer the following courses: Nat 3, Nat 4, Nat 5, Higher & Advanced Higher. The three assessed elements of the course are as follows:
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Music |
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Performing
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Perform at least 2 contrasting pieces on 2 instruments or one instrument and voice. |
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Understanding Music |
Question Paper - Listening exam that covers music concepts from a range of styles and also music theory |
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Assignment
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Submit an original composition along with a score/performance plan and evaluation. |
Career Pathways
- Songwriter/composer
- Teaching (classroom or instrumental instructor)
- Music Therapist
- Performing
- Recording engineer
- Radio/TV presenter
- Music manager/agent
- Music publisher
- Sound production
- Video game composer
- Sound designer
- Music administration (e.g. festival director)
Music
There are three elements to the National 3 – Advanced Higher Music courses:
- Performing
- Understanding Music
- Composition
A brief overview of the requirements of each course is as follows:
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N5 Music |
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Performing |
Perform at least 2 contrasting pieces on 2 instruments or one instrument and voice. Grade 3 standard. Total time = 8-8 ½ min programme
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Understanding Music (35%) |
Listening exam that covers music concepts from a range of styles and also music theory
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Composition (15%) |
Submit a composition between 1min and 2min 30s along with a score/performance plan and evaluation.
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Higher Music |
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Performing |
Perform at least 2 contrasting pieces on 2 instruments or one instrument and voice. Grade 4 standard Total time = 12-13 min programme
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Understanding Music (40%) |
Listening exam that covers music concepts from a range of styles and also music theory
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Composition (Pass/Fail Unit Assessment)
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A composition that explores and develops musical ideas with at least 8 concepts being showcased.
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Advanced Higher Music |
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Performing
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Perform at least 2 contrasting pieces on 2 instruments or one instrument and voice. Grade 5 standard. Total time = 18-20 min programme
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Understanding Music (40%)
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Listening exam that covers music concepts from a range of styles and also music theory
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Composition (Pass/Fail Unit Assessment)
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A composition that explores and develops musical ideas with at least 12 concepts being showcased.
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Music Technology
There are three areas for study in Music Technology, as shown in the grid below. Being able to play an instrument is not essential in this course, although it can be an asset when it comes to recording.
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National 5 Music |
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Music Technology Skills |
In this Unit, learners will develop a range of skills and techniques relating to the creative use of music technology hardware and software to capture and manipulate audio. Learners will explore a range of uses of this technology through practical activities.
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Understanding 20th and 21st Century Music |
In this Unit, learners will develop knowledge and understanding of 20th and 21st century musical styles and genres, and an understanding of how music technology has influenced and been influenced by 20th and 21st century musical developments. Learners will develop a broad understanding of the music industry, including a basic awareness of the implications of intellectual property rights. |
| Music Technology in Context |
In this Unit, learners will use music technology skills in a range of contexts such as live performance, radio broadcast, composing and/or sound design for film, TV themes, adverts and computer gaming. |