Music Higher Level International Baccalaureate group 6 subject

Applications Open - 3 November 2025

Applications Close - 23 January 2026 (This is the official deadline, when planning for the new timetable will begin; however, applications will still be accepted after this date.)

Entry Requirements

IBCP: 3 x Grade 6 & 2 x Grade 5 (inc English & Maths)

IBDP: 6 x Grade 6 & 2 x Grade 5 (inc English & Maths)

IB course option: 6 x Grade 6 & 2 x Grade 5 (inc English & Maths)

How to Apply - Please apply via KentChoices

Aims of the course

This course should inspire students to gain a lifelong love of music, whether they choose to study music at University of Music College or go onto choose a different pathway. Music is a practical subject that allows students to gain confidence, take risks and develop as a performer, composer and collaborator. By the end of the course, students will have developed excellent performance skills as a soloist working on one or more instruments if this is desired. Composition is explored through many different genres of music and students develop their skills by composing with their instruments and using our advanced mac music software, Logic Pro X and Sibelius. This allows students to compose for instruments that they may not necessarily play such as a jazz trio or for orchestra. For their final submissions, students can choose to compose in a variety of styles.

Students develop their musical knowledge through listening to familiar and unfamiliar music. This establishes a richer understanding of music from different cultures such as world music, classical, folk and popular music. This knowledge is then developed through a musical investigation, exploring the similarities between one musical culture to another. For example, Minimalist and African music.

Students will need to perform at around a grade 6-8 level on their chosen solo instruments and pupils must have a strong understanding of music theory, either grade B or above in GCSE Music or grade 5 theory and grade 6+ on their principle instrument.

Course Outline

· Creating/Composing – HL students will submit three pieces of coursework and if chosen at SL, students submit two. (Composing is optional at SL). Each piece must be 3 – 6 minutes in length, in their chosen style/genres.

· Solo Performing – This component is compulsory for HL (SL students are able to choose this instead of creating/composing). Students should focus on one or two instruments or voice and perform a selection of contrasting pieces in front of an audience. HL students have to perform for 20 minutes and SL students, if they opt for this, for 15 minutes.

· Group Performing – This component is an option for SL students only. A group can be as small as 2 people; however, the participating role of each performer must be of equal performance. Students perform in one group and submit 20 – 30 minutes of contrasting Music and can be collated over the two years.

· Music Perception – This is compulsory for students at both SL and HL. They will have to create a Musical Links Investigation which explores the similarities and differences between two different musical cultures e.g. or Chopin and Gamelan. Students are encouraged to explore, analyse and examine pieces of music from these cultures and can present it in a variety of formats, such as a magazine article or an essay. Students will also take a formal listening examination, discussing in detail two prescribed works and answer questions regarding unfamiliar works from genres such as Classical, Folk, World and Popular Music.

Assessment

Internally marked

Standard Level student

Either Composing and Creating OR Solo Performing with optional Group Performing – 50%

Higher Level student

Composing and Creating – 25% Solo Performing – 25%

Externally Marked

Standard Level

Listening paper (2 hrs 15 mins) – 30%

Musical Links Investigation – 20%

Higher Level

Listening paper (3 hrs) 30 %

Musical Links Investigation – 20%

General entry requirements:

International Baccalaureate Diploma: 6 x grade 6 and 2 x grade 5 at GCSE or equivalent.

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme: 3 x grade 6 and 2 x grade 5 at GCSE or equivalent.