IBDP Music

Group 6 | Music

What will I learn?

IB Music supports the enjoyment of lifelong engagement with music through the practices of performing, creating, listening, analysis, and musical exploration, experimentation and reflection.

Four Areas of Inquiry focus guide the material students engage with:

1. Music for sociocultural and political expression
2. Music for listening and performance
3. Music for dramatic impact, movement and entertainment
4. Music technology in the electronic and digital age

Engaging with musical material occurs through the following course components.

Exploring Music in Context (externally assessed - weighting: SL 30%; HL 20%)

Students demonstrate a broad exploration of diverse musical material in authentic ways. Diversity and breadth are achieved by a choice of contrasting materials from personal, local and global contexts in at least two Areas of Inquiry. Submissions, in the form of material taken from a journal, will include a balanced selection of materials and exercises in both written and audio form.

Presenting Music (externally assessed - weighting: SL 40%; HL 30%)

Students present music to communicate the artistic intentions of completed works from the four Areas of Inquiry. The assessment submission is a culmination of the students’ best achievements as researchers, creators and performers during the course and will demonstrate that the student is a holistic and well-rounded musician at the end of their studies. As part of this component of the course, students perform and create music, and prepare and present program notes.

Experimenting with Music (internally assessed - weighting: SL 30%; HL 20%)

Students prepare a report explaining the processes for a series of musical experiments in creating and in performing based on selected stimuli. Submissions will feature experiments with unfamiliar musical material from local and global contexts. The focus of this assessment task is not on preparing completed and polished works. Instead, the chosen excerpts are a demonstration of the experimentation process.

The Contemporary Music Maker (internally assessed - weighting: HL only: 30%)

Students prepare a multimedia presentation evidencing the effective planning and development of a real-life music project.

Why should I consider this course?

 The course is ideal for students who:

• Are interested in both the practical and theoretical aspects of music-making
• Respond to a creative approach to composition and performance
• Value collaboration
• Plan to continue their music studies at University

Assessment

What Skills does this course provide?

By the end of this course students will have:

• Broadened their musical horizons through engagement with diverse material
• Analysed a wide range of music
• Engaged with music technology
• Gained confidence in the essential processes associated with music-making
• Developed as holistic musicians with experience as creators and performers
• Developed both independent and collaborative working skills
• Honed their inquiry, reflection, and critical thinking skills

What Pathway Options does this course provide?

Musical skills gained within the IB Music course align with those developed in University music courses such as the Bachelor of Music degree. Studying the IB Music course will essentially ensure a smooth transition into university study regarding course content and study expectations. Furthermore, additional skills gained in the course are essential within many work fields outside of music including Business, Arts, Teaching, Journalism and Fine Arts.