Music

JUNIOR PHASE

S1 Music (1 period per week)

In S1, pupils learn about music in different styles, from Scottish, World to Blues. They learn about features of music, instruments of the orchestra, and musical concepts through a variety of listening, performing and composing activities. There is a strong emphasis on developing performing skills through solo and group performing tasks. In S1, learners have the opportunity to explore some of the following instruments:

  • Ukulele
  • Keyboard
  • Drum kit
  • Tuned percussion instruments
  • Guitars

S2 Music (1 period per week)

In S2 Music, learners continue to develop skills in listening, performing and composing but also begin to use Music Technology. Topics include:

  • Music in the Media
  • Scottish Music
  • World Music
  • Electronic Music
  • Solo & Group Performing

Towards the end of S2 pupils are invited to choose one Expressive Arts subject they’d like to continue with in S3.

S3 Music (3 periods per week)

Pupils choosing to continue with Music in S3 will be given the opportunity to develop their performing skills on two instruments for solo and group performing activities as they aim to achieve Level 3 and 4. This will also prepare those pupils who wish to take SQA Music courses in S4 and beyond. Units of work include: 

  • Group performing (Music through the decades)
  • Solo Performing (pupils’ own choice instruments & pieces)
  • Understanding Music (Baroque, Pop, Vocal, Scottish, World, theory & literacy)
  • Music Technology – Audiobooks 
  • Composing

SENIOR PHASE – MUSIC

National 3, 4 & 5 Music
The National Music course consists of the following:

  • Performing Skills
  • Composing Skills
  • Understanding Music
  • Course Assessment – Performing Exam 50% Question Paper 35% Composing 15%

Higher Music
The Higher Music Course consists of the following units and assessments:

  • Performing Skills Unit
  • Composing Skills Unit
  • Understanding Music Unit
  • Course Assessment – Performing Exam 60% Question Paper 40%

Advanced Higher Music
The Advanced Higher Music Course consists of the following units and assessments:

  • Performing Skills Unit
  • Composing Skills Unit
  • Understanding and Analysing Music Unit
  • Course Assessment – Performing Exam 60% Question Paper 40%

SENIOR PHASE – MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

National 5 Music Technology

In National 5 Music Technology you learn how to:

  • Use music technology creatively to design and create sound for your own video game, short movie, radio broadcast, audiobook and multitrack recording
  • Create your own unique sound effects using microphones, and source sounds online
  • Use Virtual Instruments and MIDI Keyboards
  • Edit and add effects to these sounds using our Music Technology software Cubase
  • Learn about 20th and 21st century popular musical styles and genres
  • Develop an understanding of the music industry, including intellectual property rights

Assessment

Two components:

  • Practical Assignment = 2 final projects worth 70% of the overall grade
  • Listening Question Paper = Worth 30% of the overall grade

Higher

In Higher Music Technology you learn how to:

  • Use music technology creatively to design and create sound for your own video game, short movie, radio broadcast, audiobook and multitrack recording
  • Record and multitrack live musical instruments
  • Create your own unique sounds effects using microphones and also source sounds online
  • Use virtual instruments and MIDI keyboards
  • Edit and add effects to these sounds
  • Learn about more 20th and 21st century popular musical styles and genres
  • Enhance an understanding of the music industry and intellectual property rights

Assessment

Two components:

  • Practical Assignment = 1 final project worth 70% of the overall grade
  • Listening Question Paper = Worth 30% of the overall grade

College and University Courses in Music

  • Aberdeen University BMus (Performing, Composing or Teaching options)
  • University of Edinburgh (Performing, Composing or Teaching Options)
  • University of the Highlands and Islands (BA Popular Music)
  • University of the West of Scotland (Commercial Music)
  • Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD)
  • Aberdeen College NESCOL HND Music
  • Glasgow Caledonia University (GCU)
  • Riverside Music Complex
  • University of Glasgow
  • Edinburgh Napier