Previous Knowledge
The Music IB course is designed to extend the students’ existing skills in musical performance, composition and musicology. It is desirable that students who wish to study Music at Standard Level have gained at least a grade C in Music at GCSE or equivalent. Students who wish to study at Higher Level should have gained a grade B or above. Those who have not achieved the desired grades will only gain access to the course after an interview with the IB Coordinator and the Head of Music to assess their suitability. (See ‘Who is the IB Diploma Programme for?’)

Music SL
Candidates who have completed the Standard Level programme will be expected to demonstrate the following:
Use of appropriate musical language and terminology to describe and reflect their critical understanding of music
Development of perceptual skills in response to music
Knowledge and understanding of music in relation to time and place

In addition, Standard Level candidates following the option indicated, Solo Performance (SLS), Group Performance (SLG) or Composition (SLC), will be expected to demonstrate:
Development of their performance skills through solo (SLS) or ensemble (SLG) music making
Or
Development of their compositional skills through exploration and investigation of musical elements (SLC)

Music HL
Candidates who have completed the Higher Level programme will be expected to demonstrate the following:
Development of their performance skills through solo music making
Development of their compositional skills through exploration and investigation of musical elements
Use of appropriate musical language and terminology to describe and reflect their critical understanding of music
Development of perceptual skills in response to music
Knowledge and understanding of music in relation to time and place

Assessment
All students are formally examined at the end of the two-year course. External Assessment includes a listening paper, and an investigation in the form of a written media script. In addition students will be required to undertake Internal Assessment of their Performance and/or Compositional skills throughout the course. Internal Assessment is completed by March of the final year of the course.