Note: this is a fairly major revision of Higher Music arrangements so do not assume because you know someone who has done Higher Music before that you know what it involves.

Module 5.1 – Performing

Preparing a recital for live performance. Assessed by ten-minute live performance at Grade 4 standard in March. Pieces must contrast and be chosen from set lists. The visiting examiner will sample your programme. (30 marks)

Module 5.2 – Performing 2

Preparing a recital for live performance. Assessed by five-minute live performance at Grade 4 standard in March. Pieces must contrast and be chosen from set lists. The visiting examiner will sample your programme. (30 marks)

Module 5.3 – Inventing

Preparing a product folio, containing an audio recording of two examples of individual candidate work each lasting a minimum of 1 minute, and each supported by a score or performance plan and by a programme note. The folio will be marked internally as PASS or FAIL and moderated by SQA. It will not contribute to the final grade.

Module 5.4 – Listening

The main changes are: 1. “Extensions” have gone, so you cannot be bailed out at the last minute by submitting a long composition instead of a second instrument. 2. Inventing is now PASS or FAIL. 3. Performing: you must have two instruments (Voice and Accompaniment count). If you are not already at Grade 4 in two instruments, you cannot do “Crash” Higher Music. 4. Programmes must have contrasting pieces; 5. Your whole programmes should come from agreed lists. Programmes need to be finalized in October and any pieces not on the list sent to SQA for approval.

If your piece is in a Grade 4 list for any of the examination boards (ABRSM, Trinity/Guildhall or London) , bring in the reference so we can print it out; this will make your piece acceptable to SQA. Note: in pieces like Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer it is the original version and not some simplified arrangement which must be played.