Music

Course outline

IB Music is an exciting and broad syllabus and is suitable for all those who enjoy listening to and playing music of any sort and are keen to learn more about music and how it works. The key areas of focus are performing, composing and history/analysis (at SL this depends on which options are chosen). The scope of the course is very wide so much of the lesson time is spent investigating the widest possible variety of music from different time periods and places, whilst focusing on particular areas of interest amongst those in the group. This journey of discovery requires an openness of mind and can be very rewarding. The course involves less practical application of music theory than A Level, though a working knowledge of basic theory is essential. One particularly interesting feature of the course is the Musical Investigation, a self-directed project comparing music from two distinct cultures.

There are three elements to Standard Level Music:

Listening Paper (30%)

This is a 2¼ hour exam paper at the end of the course, and is the main focus for much of the lesson time. Students study two set works in detail for this exam. They are usually very contrasting works, one of which is a substantial piece of classical music. Students are asked to place them in their musical and historical context and will need to be able to analyse and compare them in detail.

The remainder of the exam is one of the most interesting parts of the course: a number of short extracts of music from different time periods and places are played and students will be asked to comment on them. Some may be known to them, but most will not be! It is essential to build up analytical skills during the course to deal with any music that arises.

Musical Investigation (20%)

A written media script of around 2000 words investigating the relationship between two musical genres. Recent examples chosen by students include a comparison of Steve Reich’s minimalist piece Drumming with a Ugandan percussion piece, and of Miles Davis’ So What with the Indian piece Rag Bhairav. b) Group Performance - A recital as a member of an ensemble lasting between 15 and 30 minutes. c) Creating - Two contrasting compositions with recordings and a written statement.

Higher Level

Sections (i) and (ii) of Higher Level are the same as the corresponding sections of Standard Level, except that Higher Level candidates must answer extra questions in the listening exam. There are no choices at Higher Level – both solo performance and composition are compulsory.

Solo Performing (25%)

A solo recital of approximately 20 minutes.

Creating (25%)

Three contrasting compositions with recordings and a written statement.

Coursework

SL: Musical investigation and the performance/ composition option are completed as coursework. HL: Musical investigation, solo performance and composition are coursework.

Internally assessed: 50%, externally assessed: 50%. There is no setting in IB Music.

One of the following options: (50%)

a) Solo Performance - A solo recital of approximately 15 minutes.

b) Group Performance - A recital as a member of an ensemble lasting between 15 and 30 minutes. c) Creating - Two contrasting compositions with recordings and a written statement.

Higher Level Sections (i) and (ii) of Higher Level are the same as the corresponding sections of Standard Level, except that Higher Level candidates must answer extra questions in the listening exam. There are no choices at Higher Level – both solo performance and composition are compulsory.

Solo Performing (25%) A solo recital of approximately 20 minutes.

Creating (25%) Three contrasting compositions with recordings and a written statement.

Coursework

SL: Musical investigation and the performance/composition option are completed as coursework.

HL: Musical investigation, solo performance and composition are coursework.

Internally assessed: 50%, externally assessed: 50%. There is no setting in IB Music.