National Qualifications in Music provide learners with a broad, practical experience of performing and creating music. Learners develop performing skills in solo and/or group settings using two selected instruments or one instrument and voice. These Courses also enable learners to develop composing skills and broaden their understanding of music concepts and styles.

Curriculum

Broad General Education

S1 and 2 pupils spend one period a week in the keyboard classroom and one in the guitar classroom. The pupils also experience playing percussion, drum kit and singing, and complete listening and theory exercises.

National courses

Pupils can work towards National 4 or 5. In some circumstances, National 3 can also be an option. All of these qualifications involve performance on two instruments, composition tasks and listening.

For the National 5 exam, pupils will be assessed on performing by an external examiner, and will sit a listening exam. The composition will be submitted to the SQA for external marking.

Higher/Advanced Higher

Pupils perform on two instruments, complete composition tasks and listening work; as with National 5, they will sit two exams, and the composition will be submitted to the SQA for external marking.

At Advanced Higher, pupils also complete an analysis of a piece of music which usually takes the form of an essay, with reference to audio and score.

Homework

Pupils in S1 and 2 will be issued with theory and listening homework.

National qualification pupils are expected to spend time outwith the class practising their instruments, and will be issued with some listening and theory completion.

At Higher and Advanced Higher the homework will be more demanding, and will involve daily practice and more complex listening and theory tasks.

Who to contact

Please contact your child’s Guidance Teacher or a member of the SLT.