MUSIC
IB Music comprises three main areas - Composing, Performance and Listening. The latter is broken down into numerous subdivisions that explore all areas of music from Bach to Beethoven, Miles Davies to 50 Cent! The idea is to give the student an all round listening experience, one that is used to develop their analytical abilities, an essential ingredient for a detailed study of a set work.
The set work needs to be analysed fully from the first note to the last. Nothing is taken for granted as the student forms their own detailed opinions of the set work, based on academic knowledge and listening to a great number of similar pieces of music.
The Composition element requires the student to compose an original piece of music, no longer than 15 minutes, for any instrument or combination of instruments. The Performance element requires the student to perform as a soloist on their chosen instrument; the duration is between 15 and 20 minutes and is recorded on CD and video tape. The above ingredients combine beautifully to give the student a very balanced and well-rounded music education.
The added essay or investigation is a bonus. Students must complete a 1500 word comparative study between two genres of music, ranging from Gospel to Rock to Classical. All of the above, coupled with a very progressive extra-curricular program, prepares the student to progress well in Music. It is a unique course that offers no limits or boundaries, and a course that challenges the student on a daily basis.
Course Requirements
Performance (HL and SL)
Candidates should prepare and record a recital lasting 15 minutes on a chosen instrument.
Composition (HL and SL)
Candidates must produce a portfolio of original compositions.
Both components must be completed by March in Year 13.
Listening (HL and SL)
1. Study of Music in Western society with prescribed works.
e.g. African Sanctus - Fanshaw
Clarinet concerto - Mozart
2. Study of World Music - Music of Indonesia, Music of the Andes
Candidates at HL will study all three components. Candidates at SL will study the listening component and either the performance or composition component.