Develop your skills as a musician/singer and your theoretical knowledge of music. Even though you are not aiming at becoming a professional musician, you will be a better music lover for the rest of your life!

"The art of music demands that the educated musician and music lover be able to recognize and articulate musical elements realized in diverse examples of music making. A vibrant musical education fosters curiosity in, and sensitivity to, the musical worlds which surround us. The alert mind trained in the disciplined study of music will appreciate the ways in which music integrates and manifests knowledge on multiple levels. With careful listening, the musician may become humbled by the power of music to change lives." (Subject description by the IBO).

Syllabus

  • Core Syllabus: Musical Analysis and Perception

Options: one of the following

- Solo Performance: SLS
For the student who has a background in musical performance

- Group Performance: SLG
For students with a general interest in music, or those without prior experience, particularly members of ensembles

- Composition: SLC
For the student who has a background in musical composition

Objectives

Candidates who have completed the Standard Level (SL) programme will be expected to demonstrate:

  • 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, the candidates will pursue the development of their performance skills through either Solo Performance or Ensemble Music Making, or compositional skills through exploration of and investigation of musical elements, depending on the option chosen: SLS, SLG or SLC.

Syllabus Outline

Musical Perception and Analysis (Core)

  1. Study of a musical work prescribed by the IBO.
  2. Study of musical genres and styles from different parts of the world.
  3. Musical Investigation: Students should carry out an independent musical investigation into the relationship between two identifiable and distinct musical genres, from any tradition, cultures or regions of the world, focusing on one or more pieces of music from each.

Exam

Internal Assessment (50%):
- A recording of student recitals/performances (SLS/SLG) or recording of two contrasting compositions (SLC)

External Assessment (50%): - A listening paper with questions based on the core syllabus represented by the prescribed work and other works.
- A paper investigating the relationships between two musical genres.