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Music

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.

Why Study Music?

  • Students can get up to 50 per cent of the total marks in the musical activity that best suits their talent before they even sit the written paper
  • In music you can develop your talent and knowledge in this area and continue your studies in a wide range of colleges

What kind of Student would Music suit?

  • Students who have shown an aptitude for music, such as by getting high grades in Junior Certificate and are keen to develop and practice more.
  • If you can read music and have a competence in singing or playing an instrument
  • Anyone considering a career in a creative discipline such as singing, playing in a band, music production and performance technology and management.
  • Those interested in the rock and pop areas of music can develop their talents in a number of PLC courses in Rock and Jazz Music including management.
  • Students who are looking for a break from intensive memory-work in their other subjects

Course Overview

The Leaving Certificate Music syllabus provides continuity and progression from Junior Certificate Music. The general aims and overall shape of both is broadly similar. In providing the musical knowledge, understanding, practical competencies and attitudes appropriate to their age, abilities and interests, the syllabus caters for the varying needs of all students including those who wish to pursue further studies in music. You do not need music to progress into a music course in college but needless to say it would help.

The syllabus structure has been adopted to provide a fully balanced musical experience central to which is the development of musicality. Studying music at Leaving Certificte provides a vital basis for further education in the area and if students are good at music they can gain valuable points in the Leaving Certificate.

  • Performance – Examined in April of 6th year
  • Listening Paper – Examined in June of 6th year 90 minutes duration
  • Composition Paper -Examined in June of 6th year 90 minutes duration

Course Content

The course consists of three main components: (1) Composing (2) Listening (3) Performance

Ordinary level

Students will choose one of the three activities to represent 50 per cent, e.g.

  • Performing 50% Composing 25% Listening 25% or…
  • Performing 25% Composing 50% Listening 25% or…
  • Performing 25% Composing 25% Listening 50%

Higher level

Students will undertake additional studies (a Higher level elective in one of the three activities, e.g.: Performing 25% Composing 25% Listening 25% + One Higher level elective 25%.

This will allow Ordinary level and Higher level students to gain up to 50 per cent of the total marks in the musical activity that best suits their talent.

Exam Structures

Listening Paper

  • Examined in June of 6th year
  • 90 minutes duration
  • Four set works, Irish music and general listening skills.

Composition Paper
  • Examined in June of 6th year
  • 90 minutes duration
  • Melody writing and harmony

Performance

Examined in April of 6th year
Candidates may perform as a soloist or as part of a group or both.
  • Ordinary Level: 2 pieces on one instrument and one unprepared test.
  • Higher Level: 3 pieces on one instrument and one unprepared test
    OR 2 pieces on each of two instruments and one unprepared test

Electives for extra 25%
Higher Level only. Each candidate must choose one of the above components to study for this extra credit. The majority tend to opt for a Performance elective.

  • Listening Elective: The candidate must work on a music project over the course of 5th and 6th year. They must submit some work to the State Examinations Commission and sit an extra written paper in June.
  • Composition Elective: The candidate must undertake a large scale composition to be submitted to the Examinations Commission in their final year.
  • Performance Elective: This involves a more substantial performance during the examination period in April of 6th year.

Career Possibilities

Music is useful for:

  • Media Work or Studies
  • Primary Teaching
  • Sound Engineering
  • Public Relations
  • Library Work
  • Speech Therapy
  • Film
  • Physical Education
  • Communications
  • Production
  • Performance
  • Music at third level