Course Outline

Students will study a wide range of music and topics over the two years of study at senior cycle. 

All topics are taught through Composition, Aural and Performance. 

The main topics covered are as follows;

Review of Basic Music Theory, Instruments, History, form and Structure from Junior Cert

Four Set Works – (There are 2 Courses here A and B which rotate each year.  For Information on this year’s course please see the music department page.)

Irish Traditional Music

Aural Skills

Melody Writing

Harmony

 Practical or Projet Work

The Core Practical exam is worth 100 marks (25%) of this and is usually examined around Easter time. 

Students then take an Elective from Composition, Aural or Performance.

Most students take the Performing Elective which is then done with the Core Practical and this is then worth an extra 100 marks (25%). 

This brings the total marks for Performance to 200 marks (50%)

Assessment

In total there are 400 marks available for the Leaving Certificate Music Exam. 

The Written Paper is worth 200 marks (50%) of this and takes place in June. 

The Core Practical exam is worth 100 marks (25%) of this and is usually examined around Easter time. 

Students then take an Elective from Composition, Aural or Performance.

Most students take the Performing Elective which is then done with the Core Practical and this is then worth an extra 100 marks (25%). 

This brings the total marks for Performance to 200 marks (50%)

There are two papers then Listening and Composing. 

The Higher Level Listening Paper (25%)

Q.1 Set Works Long Question – 25 marks (6.25%)

Q2, 3 and 4. The Remaining Set Works Shorter Questions 10 marks each – 30 marks (7.5%)

Q.5 Irish Music – 25 marks (6.25%)

Q.6 Aural Skills – 20 marks (5%)

The Higher Level Composition Paper (25%)

Melody Question (Q.1 or 2 or 3) – 40 marks (10%)

Harmony Question (Q.4 or 5 or 6) – 60 marks (15%)