Curriculum
S1 Music
- Note Values, Notation and the Stave
- Instruments of the Orchestra
- World Music
- Solo and Group Performance Skills on Keyboard, Drums, Ukulele & Tuned Percussion & Voice
S2 Music
- Composing Music
- Film Music
- Blues, Swing, Ragtime, Rock & Pop Music
- Solo and Group Performance Skills on Keyboard, Drums, Ukulele & Tuned Percussion & Voice
S3 & S4 Music
- Scottish Music
- Modern Music
- Performance Skills on two chosen instruments / voice
- Music Literacy
- Composing Music
- Group Performance
- Baroque, Classical and Romantic Music
Higher Music
- Arranging Music
- Composing Music
- Music Literacy
- Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic & Modern Music
- Group and solo performance
Advanced Higher Music
- Arranging Music
- Composing Music
- Music Theory
- Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic & Modern Music
- Group and solo performance
Learning Experiences
Music courses from S1 to S6 are practical and experiential in nature and pupils will learn in a range of different contexts. Young people will have an opportunity to:
- Discuss ideas
- Create presentations
- Listen to and analyse music from a range of genre and time periods
- Develop practical playing skills on keyboard, guitar, tuned percussion, ukulele and drum kit
- Perform to a small audience
- Compose pieces of music and songs
- Participate in workshops
- Evaluate others
Pupils are assessed using a variety of approaches and feedback is given in a range of different ways:
- Self and Peer assessment
- Teacher observation and next steps
- Jotter work
- Performances with written feedback
- Group Performances and Battle of the Bands
- Class presentations
- Listening activities
The learning and teaching that takes place in the classroom is enriched through a range of co-curricular experiences including:
- School Show Musical
- Senior Band
- Choir and Vocal Group
- Performance Café
- Instrumental ensembles
- Trips
- Workshops from professional Arts organisations
Life and Work
The study of Music is recognised to developing a range of wider skills that pupils will find valuable in all aspects of learning, life and work. These include:
- Creativity and innovation
- Analysis and critical thinking
- Observation and reflection
- Memory
- Resilience
- Time Management and self-discipline
- Co-ordination and manual dexterity
- Group work and communication skills
The subject specific skills and knowledge of Music often lead learners to pursue studies of and careers in:
- Music performing
- Song writing
- Composition
- Music production
- Sound design for theatre, television and film
- Radio
- Media and the Arts
- Dentistry (fine motor skills)
- Primary or Music Teaching
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Use the links below for further information about using Music as a pathway into the studying and working in the Performing Arts industry:
Resources
Revision resources and booklets can be found on each class Google Classroom, pupils can also use their ACHIEVE log in to support their studies outside of class.
Check your knowledge and prepare revision resources using Quizlet:
Explore new styles of music and develop your understanding of key musical concepts:
Revise key topics and get study tips for the National and Higher Music courses using the BBC Bitesize website:
- National 5: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zkty4wx
Develop your understanding of Music Concepts and prepare for your Listening assessments at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses by practicing exam-style questions:
Use specialist revision guides to prepare for your SQA Music exams:
Explore opportunities available from local partners, music institutions and venues: