There are three main elements you will study in advanced higher music:Performing, Composing & Analysing Music and Understanding Music.
The advanced higher course is a demanding one as it requires independent thought and working, and is preparatory for working at university level. Therefore, entry to the course will require a solid pass at higher music and/or the equivalent skills in performing, music theory and composition. Course entry is entirely at the discretion of the Principal Teacher of Music and will be discussed with relevant staff and tutors.  

Performing

The performing component of the course is worth 50% of the overall mark.
Candidates must meeting the following criteria:
  • Perform on 2 instruments or 1 instrument and voice
  • Perform a minimum of 2 pieces per instrument/voice
  • Perform for 18 minutes with a minimum of 6 minutes on each instrument
  • Perform pieces of a minimum of Grade 5 standard
Assessment
The performance exam is assessed by an external SQA assessor and takes place in school between April and May.

Composing and Analysing Music

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The assignment allows candidates to explore and develop musical ideas to create music and is worth 15% of the overall mark.
It has three parts:
  • composing or arranging one piece of music
  • reviewing the creative process of their composition or arrangement
  • analysing a chosen piece of music
The piece of music must be between 1 minute and 4 minutes 30 seconds in length and can be in any style.

For a composition candidates must:
  • plan their composition
  • explore and develop musical ideas using all the musical elements from: melody, harmony, rhythm, structure and timbre
  • create one complete piece of music
For an arrangement candidates must:
  • plan their arrangement
  • creatively rework the chosen music by exploring and developing musical ideas all the musical elements from: melody, harmony, rhythm, structure and timbre
  • create one arrangement

For the composing review, candidates must:
  • explain the main musical decisions made
  • describe how they explored and developed their ideas
  • identify strengths and/or areas which may be improved

For the analysis candidates must:
  • choose a piece of music by a composer and analyse the key features with reference to compositional methods and music concepts. Candidates must not analyse their own music in this part of the assignment.
  • The analysis must contain reference to at least five of the musical elements from: style, melody, harmony, rhythm/tempo, texture, structure and/or form and, timbre & dynamics. 
  • Candidates must provide an audio recording and can include sections of a score.

In St Andrew's Academy pupils have access to Sibelius music software, Soundtrap & Protools for them to notate/record their musical ideas.

​​Assessment
The assignment is externally assessed by the SQA.  The school deadline for submission will be issued each year, however this will likely be before the Easter break.

Understanding Music

​The understanding music component is worth 35% of the overall mark.
Candidates will learn about a range of musical styles and composition techniques and are required to:
  • identify level specific concepts through listening to excerpts of music
  • demonstrate an understanding of music literacy
Assessment
This component is externally assessed by the SQA.  Candidates will sit the question paper in exam conditions during the main diet of SQA exams in May.

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