IB Music

IB Music

What options do I have?
You can take Music International Baccalaureate at Standard level. In this case, you will need to choose from the following options:

• Solo Performance
• Group performance
• Composition

You can take Music IB at Higher level. In this case, you will do solo performance and composition.

Is the Music IB course suitable for me?
The programme encourages learning about musical traditions from different parts of the world. It aims at helping students become well-rounded musicians, able to discuss most relevant styles and genres, taking into account the historical and geographical context.

How will I learn?

• Study the technical and stylistic features of various musical examples, from the Renaissance to the present day, including popular and world music
• Receive ½ hour instrumental/singing lesson per week
• Rehearse and perform as a solo performer and/or in a small group
• Join one (or more) of the college ensembles
• Work on preparation of performance and/or composition portfolio
• Join a Music Theory group (you can go up to grade 8!)

Plus, in the 2nd year:

• Study a prescribed work. Students sit a test on the prescribed work at the end of the second year.
• Research and prepare a Musical Investigation, comparing two different pieces from two different cultures/parts of the world. The form of the investigation could be an essay or a presentation.
• Complete the performance and/or composition portfolio
• You might also choose to write your extended essay in Music. One-to-one support is given by a mentor at regular meetings.

How will I be assessed?
First year

• Listening and understanding exam.
• Assessment of the performance/composition portfolio

Second year

• Written exam on the prescribed work
• Listening and understanding exam
• Assessment of the performance/composition portfolio
• Musical investigation

And afterwards?

• You can choose to go for a Music degree at a conservatory or university. Depending of the intended principal study at HE, you will prepare audition pieces, a portfolio of compositions or a number of essays. Continuing with Associated Board (and similar) graded exams will be a wise option- we usually hold the exams here at college and our accompanists will help without charge!
• You can choose to do another subject for your university study. In this case, the Music IB will enable you to feel confident about your musical skills and impress with your general knowledge about a wide variety of musical styles

Please note:
The music specification may change from September 2009.

Further information on the IB programme
For more information please follow this link IB Programmme or see our IB Diploma School Pack.

Course: IB HL and SL