IB Music (SLS) (SLG)(SLC)
OPEN TO:
Grades 11-12
LENGTH:
Two years (4 semesters)
PREREQUISITES: Recommendation from teacher and a B+ or higher in a performance
subject
CREDIT AREA:
The Arts
The IB music course aims for students to develop an appreciation of the language of music
in all its varied forms and to comparatively see the similarities and differences of styles. The
HL course will examine music from Western and Non-Western cultures, as well as
contemporary “popular” styles, in classes, through composition, listening and analysis, and
practical lessons.
COURSE CONTENT
The Standard Level:
The course will endeavor to cater for those whose experience of music may be limited to a
particular style or medium.
The SL course is also suitable to those who feel that they have a general interest in music,
or with little background in it. For this purpose the IB offers three options at SL:
a) Solo Performance – “Designed for the student who has a background in musical
performance” –voice or instrument (15 minutes)
b) Group Performance – “Designed for the student with a general interest in music of those
without prior experience” – 2 or more public performances
c) Composition Option – “Designed for the student who has a background in musical
composition” - two contrasting pieces of 5 to 10 min.
IB Music - Group Performance course (SLG) and Solo Performance (SLS) provide students
with opportunities and guidance in the development of musical knowledge, including
understanding of diverse musical genres; in-depth study of the language and symbolsystems of music internationally; and the refinement and honing of ensemble performance
skills. As a member of the Wind Ensemble, String Ensemble, or Choir course and/or as a
soloist, students will:

Learn and be able to demonstrate the use of appropriate musical language and
terminology to describe and reflect their critical understanding of music.

Develop their perceptual skills in response to music

Learn and be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of music in time
and place.

Demonstrate development of their performance skills through ensemble musicmaking.

Through the analysis of selected diverse listening examples and printed scores,
students will learn the language, the notation and the fundamental elements of
music.

Through further investigation, students will explore the usage of the elements of
music in a variety of contexts – through music of various cultures, styles and genres.
Students will perform in two or more public performances during the school year, and will
analyze the recordings from these performances to assist in the development of ensemble
performance skills.
Students will also learn rudimentary conducting skills to refine their concept of ensemble
performance.
For solo performance (SLS), students are expected to perform in Master Classes throughout
the school year and perform in two after-school or evening recitals on designated dates set
at the beginning of the school year.
IB ASSESSMENT:
Standard Level:
Internal Assessment (50%):
A recording of student recitals/performances or recording of two or more contrasting
compositions (Lengths requirements 15 minutes) (50%)
External Assessments (50%):
A listening paper with questions based on the core syllabus represented by the prescribed
work and other works (30%).
Musical Investigation - A paper investigating the relationships between two musical genres
(20%).
In School Assessment:
Formative Assessments
Successful learning greatly depends upon self-assessing students' understanding of the ideas,
concepts, and skills learned and used throughout this course. To help students with this, they
will be provided with a variety of frequent assessment tasks that are referred to as formative
assessments. These assessment tasks include but are not limited to homework, assignments,
blogs, and individual performance grades, and are intended to provide students with
constructive feedback on their strengths and weaknesses as they progress through each
semester. Combined with learning objectives, these assessments will serve as valuable study
material throughout the year.
Summative Assessments
These types of assessments are cumulative and are intended to measure students learning of
larger curriculum goals. These assessments will often take form of performances, completed
compositions, aural/written tests, quizzes and semester exams.
Approaches To Learning
Approaches to Learning consist of the student's ability to demonstrate effort, participation,
attitude, homework completion and other behaviors.
 Positive participation and collaboration
 Preparedness for learning (this includes academic integrity and honesty)
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to demonstrate academic integrity as outlined in the HS Student
Handbook.
GRADE REPORTING:
Semester grades will be computed from the following categories of formative and summative
assessments (formative assessments will form 16% or less of the total grade):
Performance/Composition
50%
Theory, History, Essays and Reflection
30%
Research/Exam
20%
If there are any questions, please email Ms. Betty Lin ([email protected]) or talk to her in person.