National 5 Music

National 5

The National 5 Music Course is designed to help you develop your knowledge of music concepts and music literacy and to integrate and apply this understanding in practical learning activities. To complete the course you must complete/pass the following 3 mandatory units plus the added value unit which is externally assessed.

Performing Skills Unit

Throughout the course evidence of your progress will be gathered. This may take the form of performance, written or oral and/or recorded evidence. This should also display/be:

-a basic level of musical and technical control related to pitch and rhythm, tempo and musical flow

-performing on two selected instruments, or one instrument and voice, displaying competence, style and attention to dynamics

-reflecting with support on your performing skills

Click here for the Performing Skills page

Added Value Unit

In addition to performing skills you will be expected to perform two contrasting pieces of music on each of the two selected instruments, or on an instrument and voice, either solo and/or in a group setting. This will be sat in exam conditions although assessed internally.

Composing Skills Unit

Within this unit you will ultimately compose a piece of original music. You will be required to provide evidence of:

-a basic understanding of compositional methods used by others

-imaginative use of music concepts and compositional methods

-reflecting with some support on your creative decisions

Understanding Music Unit

In this Unit, learners will be required to provide evidence of:

-a basic understanding of music concepts and musical literacy

-discriminatory aural awareness

-a basic understanding of the factors which influence the distinctive sounds of music styles

The grid below contains all concepts relevant to National 4. You are also expected to learn all concepts from National 3 and National 4 at this level.

Click the links below for examples.