The Leaving Cert Music Course
The course consists of three main components:
(1) Composing
(2) Listening
(3) Performance
at 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%
at 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 Structure
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.
Higher Level: 3 pieces on one instrument and one unprepared test OR 2 pieces on each of two instruments and one unprepared test
Ordinary Level: 2 pieces on one instrument 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.
(1) Composing
(2) Listening
(3) Performance
at 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%
at 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 Structure
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.
Higher Level: 3 pieces on one instrument and one unprepared test OR 2 pieces on each of two instruments and one unprepared test
Ordinary Level: 2 pieces on one instrument 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.