Group 6 - Arts. Offered at HL and SL
Music functions as a means of personal and communal identity and expressions, and embodies the social and cultural values of individuals and communities. Through the study of these functions, we learn to hear relationships of pitch in sound, pattern in rhythm and unfolding sonic structures. This course compares music from within our own culture and that of others. Informed and active musical engagement allows the students to explore relationships between lived human experience and specific sound combinations and technologies.
IB Music will immerse students in the in-depth study of the musical links between cultures to train students to think about music within a global context. The curriculum covers topics in Western and non-Western music such as theory, aural skills, performance, composition and music technology. Students will benefit from various approaches to instruction including, but not limited to, listening, reading, harmonic analysis, composition and performance projects. Students will choose to focus on one of these study areas: music creation, solo performance, or group performance.
Solo performance involves development of instrumental/vocal repertoire, involving one-to-one coaching and regular practice with an accompanist, leading to one or more public recitals.
Another aspect is development of instrument/vocal technique through specific technical studies and concentrated individual practice.
Recordings of the pupils’ work will be made using our equipment, developing the pupils’ expertise in the handling of recording techniques and digital media. It is envisaged that all Instrumental Teachers will be closely involved in the rehearsal and assessment of all performances.
Regular participation in ensembles (e.g. Aiglon Choir, Rock Bands, Musicals) is essential.
Pupils will also be encouraged to form their own groups as well as assisting in the organisation and running of the many concerts that take place as part of the schools’ extra curricular music programme.
Pupils may also perform in groups off-site as long as these concerts have been recorded and fulfil the criteria set out in the specification.
HL – 3 compositions (1 of which is usually a Composition Techniques submission) SL – 2 compositions
Compositions will usually grow out of improvisation work based on a variety of genres. Candidates will use Logic Pro and Sibelius for composition. Aspects such as technical feasibility, effectiveness, fitness for purpose, flow, structure and enjoyment potential will be discussed as part of a composition forum.
Pupils will keep a journal detailing the exact composition process of each piece (three for Higher, two for Standard). This will greatly assist in the production of the pupils’ written statement which is submitted in support of the compositions.
The Diploma Programme music course provides an appropriate foundation for further study in music at university level or in music career pathways. It also provides an enriching and valuable course of study for students who may pursue other careers. This course also provides all students with the opportunity to engage in the world of music as lifelong participants.
Students who have studied Music at Aiglon have gone on to careers in music - as performers, producers, managers and recording engineers.
The IB Music HL Subject Brief
The IB Music SL Subject Brief