National 4 Music is made up of 3 internally assessed units and 1 internally assessed Added Value unit. Read about the course below. Use the links below to access the resources we use in Johnstone High.

Performance Pieces            Understanding Music Presentations              Composing Tools

Composing Skills

As a National 4 Music pupil, you will be expected to achieve the following outcomes:

1 Create original music by:
1.1 Identifying the compositional methods and music concepts used in given examples of
music
1.2 Experimenting and using music concepts and compositional methods to develop and
create original music
1.3 Developing musical ideas which convey their creative intention
1.4 Reflecting on their music and their creative choices

In this Unit, learners will be required to provide evidence of:
♦ understanding how compositional methods and music concepts are used by others
♦ imaginative development and use of music concepts and compositional methods
♦ reflecting on their creative decision making

To achieve this, you could create one piece of music, or perhaps a collection of shorter pieces of music. Some of these will be created in groups, others will be solo projects. You might write your piece out using standard music notation, but performance plans are also accepted. Your teacher will help you choose which would suit you best.

Understanding Music

To achieve the Understanding Music unit, pupils will:

1 Recognise and identify music concepts and styles by:
1.1 Identifying level-specific music concepts in excerpts of music
1.2 Identifying the social and cultural influences which have influenced the distinctive
sounds of specific music styles
1.3 Identifying and recognising the meaning of music signs, symbols and terms

Evidence Requirements for the Unit

Evidence will be a combination of written or aural and/or recorded evidence.
In this Unit, Evidence Requirements are as follows:
♦ understanding of specified music concepts and musical literacy
♦ discriminatory aural awareness
♦ understanding of the factors which influence the sound of music styles

You will cover a range of topics which include Scottish Music, Classical Music and Popular Music. After each topic your teacher will ask you to sit a short listening assessment. You will also submit pieces of classwork to support your unit pass. This might include posters, reviews or short pieces of research.

Performance Skills

To achieve this unit the learner will:

1 Perform music in a range of music styles by:
1.1 Developing musical and technical skills, showing an understanding of the composers’
intentions
1.2 Identifying strengths and areas for improvement in their performing

Evidence Requirements for the Unit

In this Unit, learners will be required to provide evidence of:
♦ a sufficient level of musical and technical control related to pitch and rhythm, tempo and
musical flow
♦ performing on their two selected instruments, or one instrument and voice, with
appropriate and consistent tempo and conveying the mood and character of the music
♦ reflecting on their performing skills

Throughout the year, pupils will build a portfolio of performance evidence which demonstrates their ability to play at Grade 2 level on two different instruments. Your teacher will help you choose pieces but we are always looking for new pieces to use.

Added Value Unit

To gain the National 4 Course Award, pupils need to complete the Added Value Unit. To achieve this, pupils must have gained a pass in the 3 units mentioned above. In addition to this, pupils should perform 8 minutes of music over two instruments. They should perform to an audience in either a group or solo setting and should evaluate their performance after the event.