The National 4 and 5 Music course allows you to work at your own ability level in three areas:

• Performing – You are required to perform on two instruments.   The instruments will be selected from keyboard, guitar (acoustic or bass), ukulele, drum kit, tuned percussion and voice.   The choice will be dependent on attainment levels in S2.   Pupils who have been receiving instrumental instruction will be expected to use their instrument as part of the course. Pupils who choose voice are required to attend choir rehearsals.
• Composing – You are required to keep a folio of compositions and improvisations, which must be recorded by March (S4).
• Understanding Music – You will study a wide variety of music including Blues, Jazz, Swing, Rock and the music of Scotland. You will also develop skills in reading Music Literacy.

Higher Music

This course carries on from National 5, developing performing skills, composing skills, musical literacy and covering the historical development of music in greater depth.

There are three elements in the Higher course:

• Performing – You are required to perform on two instruments at Grade 4 standard. The instruments will be selected from keyboard, guitar (acoustic or bass), drumkit, percussion and voice. Pupils who have been receiving instrumental instruction will be expected to use their instrument as part of the course. Pupils who choose voice are required to attend choir rehearsals.
• Composing – The composing assignment allows candidates to explore and develop musical ideas to create music. It has two parts: composing one piece of music and reviewing the composing process.
• Understanding Music – Pupils will develop their knowledge and understanding of music, music concepts and musical literacy by listening to a broad spectrum of musical styles and genres.

Higher Music Technology

Music Technology aims to develop technical and creative skills through practical learning. To develop knowledge and understanding of music technology and musical concepts, particularly those relevant to 20th and 21st century music.

There are three elements to the Higher course:

• Music Technology Skills – Pupils will develop a range of recording skills and techniques relating to the creative use of music technology hardware and software. Pupils will explore a range of uses of this technology through practical activities.
• Understanding 20th and 21st Century Music – Pupils will develop knowledge and understanding of 20th and 21st century musical styles and an understanding of how music technology has influenced and been influenced by 20th and 21st century musical developments. Pupils will also develop a broad understanding of copyright and the music industry.
• Music Technology in Context – An independent assignment (70%) that demonstrates Higher Music technology skills, this piece of work is planned, implemented and evaluated by each candidate and will display a high degree of creativity and care. Assignment work must feature stereo recording techniques, a range of sophisticated FXs and processes, precise editing skills and a range of live recordings. Specific requirements and guidelines will be agreed by the teacher and SQA marking schemes.

Advanced Higher Music

This course carries on from Higher, developing performing skills, composing skills, musical literacy and covering the historical development of music in greater depth.

There are three elements in the Higher course:

• Performing Skills – You are required to perform on two instruments at Grade 5 standard. The instruments will be selected from keyboard, guitar (acoustic or bass), drumkit, percussion and voice. Pupils who have been receiving instrumental instruction will be expected to use their instrument as part of the course. Pupils who choose voice are required to attend choir rehearsals.
• Composing Skills – Pupils will analyse how music is created by musicians and the things which influence their work. They will use their understanding of music and the creative process, to inspire and influence their own creative choices and decisions.
• Understanding Music – Pupils will develop their knowledge and understanding of music, music concepts and musical literacy by listening to a broad spectrum of musical styles and genres.