Senior Phase (S4-6) Course Information 2017/18 Oban High School Vision and Values

Music

The music course is divided into 3 units of study:

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  Performing Skills
  
• 
  Composing Skills
  
• 
  Understanding Music
  

• 
  Pupils will develop their performing skills on two instruments, or one instrument and voice, to a minimum of Grade 1 level.
  
• 
  Pupils will create their own piece of music using simple concepts in imaginative ways.
  
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  In Understanding Music pupils will develop their knowledge and understanding of a range of music styles, and simple music signs and symbols used in music notation, through listening.
  

National 4 and National 5

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  Pupils will develop their performing skills on two instruments, or one instrument and voice, to a minimum of Grade 2 level, (National 4), Grade 3 level, (National 5).
  
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  Pupils will develop their understanding of the creative process and basic techniques used in music composition, in order to create their own individual piece of music.
  
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  In Understanding Music pupils will develop their knowledge and understanding of a variety of concepts and music literacy by exploring styles of music through listening.
  
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  The compulsory Added Value Unit in Music Performance will be assessed by performance of a programme of music (minimum Grade 2 (National 4), Grade 3 (National 5) standard) in a solo setting and/or as part of a group, on two contrasting instruments.
  
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  As National 4 is based on coursework there is no formal exam at the end of the year. There is a formal written listening exam for National 5.
  

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  Pupils will develop their performing skills on two instruments, or one instrument and voice, to a minimum of Grade 4 level. They will be preparing and performing a solo and/or group programme of challenging music on their two selected instruments. In addition to this, pupils will be critically reflecting on and evaluating the quality and accuracy of their performance, and refining their performing skills. Through this process they need to be able to identify strengths and areas for improvement in their performing.
  

• 
  Pupils will analyse how a range of compositional methods and music concepts are used by other composers and the influences on their music. They will also experiment using complex concepts and compositional methods in creative ways in order to create their own original piece of music, through improvising, arranging or composing.
  

• 
  In Understanding Music pupils will develop their ability to identify and distinguish between complex level-specific music concepts in excerpts of music through listening. They will also analyse the impact of social and cultural influences on the development of specific musical styles and identify the meaning of a variety of music signs, symbols and terms.
  

Value Added Performance Guide – All Levels

The Advanced Higher Music course is divided into 3 units of study:

• 
  Pupils will develop their performing skills on two instruments, or one instrument and voice, to a minimum of Grade 5 level. They will be preparing and performing a soloand/or group programme of challenging music on their two selected instruments or one instrument and voice. In addition to this, pupils will be critically reflecting on and evaluating the quality and accuracy of their performance, and refining their performing skills. Through this process they need to be able to identify strengths and areas for improvement in their performing.
  

• 
  Pupils will analyse how a range of compositional methods and music concepts are used by other composers and the influences on their music. They will also experiment using complex and sophisticated concepts and compositional methods in creative ways in order to create their own original piece of music, through improvising, arranging or composing.
  

• 
  In Understanding Music pupils will develop their ability to identify and distinguish between complex level-specific music concepts in excerpts of music through listening. They will also analyse the impact of social and cultural influences on the development of specific musical styles and identify the meaning of a variety of music signs, symbols and terms, through analysis and research of selections of musical movements or works.
  

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  The added value unit at Advanced Higher consists of a choice of either a prepared programme of music on two selected instruments or instrument and voice, or the production of a portfolio of music composition. Pupils choosing the composition portfolio will be assessed internally. At this time it is still to be confirmed if the performance option will be assessed internally or in an externally assessed exam.
  

Performer, Music Teacher, Primary Teacher, Music Therapy, Broadcasting Journalism, Music Publishing, Events Management, Sound Engineer, Composer, Arts Administration, British Forces.