Leaving Certificate Music involves a series of interrelated musical activities within each of the three core areas of musical experience - performing, composing and listening. In performing, students choose from a variety of individual and/or group performing activities. In composing, students develop an understanding of musical structure and form, while the listening component provides for rich aural experiences through exposure to music of different periods, styles and genres.
This syllabus is for students in the senior cycle of post-primary education and is assessed at Higher and Ordinary levels.
Students wishing to take Leaving Certificate Music would ideally have completed the Junior Cycle Music course, or the equivalent. Students wishing to take Music must have an understanding of the basics of music theory and must either sing or play an instrument.
The composition and listening elements of the Leaving Certificate course explore tonality, timbre, texture, rhythm, melody, harmony, structure, tempo, pitch and dynamics. Students will study four set works, either from Set A or Set B, depending on the year of their final examination. These set works range from Beatles and Queen to Mozart and Deane, to name a few. They will also study Irish Music and other genres for the listening paper. Students will be encouraged to practice their practical studies in their own time and will be asked to present for performance evaluations throughout both years of Senior Cycle Music. While instruments are not taught as part of the Leaving Certificate curriculum, music lessons are available through Music Generation after school to all students of GCC.
The practical (performance) element of the exam is worth 50% of the overall grade. It usually takes place after the Easter midterm break, with exact dates confirmed each year in the weeks prior. There are two written papers, each equally weighted. The Composition paper is worth 25% and the Listening paper is worth 25%.
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Leaving Certificate Music