Music is offered at Standard Grade, Intermediate 2, Higher and Advanced Higher level at Dumfries Academy.
STANDARD GRADE
Throughout the music course, the emphasis is on
practical skills. There is almost no written work
involved but there is a great deal of instrumental
practice!
Everyone works on individual pieces of music which suit their instrument and ability level.
Pupils must be able to concentrate on specific individual tasks.
1st Instrument - Each pupil must play four minutes of music on an instrument of their choice. All instruments are accepted. The most popular choices are keyboard, drumkit, bass guitar, singing, flute, clarinet, trumpet and saxophone. For the final exam each pupil plays on their own for an external examiner.
2nd Instrument - Each pupil chooses a second instrument and this must be different from the solo instrument. Pupils must record their work on tape for the final assessment.
Inventing - Each pupil must make up a piece of music and record it onto tape for the final assessment. Over the two-year course pupils produce an average of four pieces of music. The best one is chosen to be put forward for the final assessment.
Listening - Pupils must learn vocabulary that is associated with music. This is done by listening to lots of different styles of music and identifying what is happening within a piece of music.
Levels of Courses and Certification
Standard Grade
Higher, Intermediate 2 and Intermediate 1
Crash Standard Grade
Advanced Higher
Career Implications
Many career avenues are available e.g. Music, Therapy, Music Management, Arts Administration, Community Work, Music Production, Theatre Technician, Sound Engineer, Compose, Advertising, Disc Jockey, Music Instrument Technician and Repairer, Musician, Media, Retailing, Teacher, Dancer, Actor, Singer, Primary Teaching, Brewing Industry, etc.
Certificate music courses completed obviously enhance applications for any of the above, but are not geared specifically towards those who wish to make music their career. All courses are open to all pupils. Music is an approved entrance subject for general degree courses at University or College.
INTERMEDIATE 2
Why Study Intermediate 2 Music?
This course helps your personal development by increasing your appreciation and enjoyment of music. Playing a musical instrument is a valuable activity which you will find rewarding throughout your life. This course provides the skills and knowledge required if you wish study music at a more advanced level.
Entry to the Course
Standard Grade Music at General Level
An equivalent qualification or discussion with subject teacher
Course Outline
The course includes performing on two instruments, listening, and inventing.
Each candidate is required to perform on two instruments at approximately grade 3 level for four minutes.
Candidates must invent original music showing creativity, planning and good use of compositional techniques including improvising and arranging. The composition must be recorded and submitted with a score.
A listening paper must be completed. This is based on concepts learnt throughout the course.
Assessment
General
All candidates should be aware that everyone on the course is working on an individual programme of work. It is crucial that candidates have the ability to work on their own as required. The emphasis is on practical music activity across the three elements.
|
LISTENING |
MUSIC WITH |
MUSIC WITH |
COMPOSING |
I 2 |
Question Paper in main diet of exams
40 Marks |
Both instruments AB Grade 3 Instrument 1 Instrument 2
Performing with Accompanying Instrumental/Voice
Accompanying Accompanying at Sight 60 Marks |
Performance on 1 instrument at 4 Minute programme
Midi or Sound Engineering Production
Midi
Both parts to be recorded and centrally marked 60 Marks |
Folio of 1 or 2 pieces Score/Performance plan
Programme Note
This element must be passed in order to complete the course. |
HIGHER
Why Study Higher Music?
This course helps your personal development by increasing your appreciation and enjoyment of music. Playing a musical instrument is a valuable activity which you will find rewarding throughout your life. This course provides the skills and knowledge required if you wish study music at a more advanced level.
Entry to the Course
Standard Grade Music at Credit Level
Intermediate 2 units in Music
An equivalent qualification
Course Outline
The course includes compulsory performing on two instruments, listening, and composing. Each candidate is required to perform on instruments at approximately grade 3 level for four minutes. Candidates must invent original music showing creativity, planning and good use of compositional techniques including improvising and arranging. The composition must be recorded and submitted with a score.A listening paper must be completed. This is based on concepts learnt throughout the course.
Assessment
General
All candidates should be aware that everyone on the course is working on an individual programme of work. It is crucial that candidates have the ability to work on their own as required. The emphasis is on practical music activity across the three elements.
|
LISTENING |
MUSIC WITH PERFORMING |
MUSIC WITH TECHNOLOGY |
COMPOSING |
H |
Question paper in main diet of exams
40 Marks |
Both instruments Instrument 1 Instrument 2 Performing with Accompanying Accompanying at
60 Marks |
Performance on 1 instrument at 5 Minute programme
Midi or Sound Engineering Production Midi
Both parts to be recorded and centrally marked.
60 Marks |
Folio of 2 pieces both with a minimum duration of 1 minute each
Score/Performance plan
Programme Note
This element must be passed in order to complete the course |
|
LISTENING |
MUSIC WITH PERFORMING |
MUSIC WITH TECHNOLOGY |
COMPOSING |
|
H |
Question paper in main diet of exams
40 Marks |
Both instruments Instrument 1 Instrument 2 Performing with Accompanying Instrument/Voice Accompanying Accompanying at Sight
60 Marks |
Performance on 1 instrument at 10 Minute programme
Midi or Sound Engineering Production Midi
Both parts to be recorded and centrally marked.
60 Marks |
Folio of 2 pieces both with a minimum duration of 1 minute 30 seconds each
Score / Performance plan
Programme Note
This element must be passed in order to complete the course. |