Higher Music
Course Specification
Explains the structure of the Course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.
- Higher Music Course Specification
July 2018
2022 revision support for learners (Mar 2022)
We have updated this document to provide information on the modifications made to course assessments (coursework and exams) at the start of academic year 2021-22.
Past Papers and Marking Instructions
Access all past papers by subject/level
Specimen Question Papers
Illustrates the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates will sit (includes marking instructions).
- Higher Music Specimen Question Paper
June 2018
This is a redacted version of the specimen question paper, due to the use of copyrighted material. A full, unabridged version is available from the SQA secure website. Please note there are no changes to the Higher Music question paper for session 2018-19, however we have made some minor edits to wording in the specimen question paper.
Coursework
This section provides information on marking instructions and/or the coursework assessment task(s). It includes information that centres need to administer coursework and must be read in conjunction with the course specification.
- Coursework assessment task for Higher Music Assignment
May 2018 - Coursework assessment task for Higher Music Performance
May 2018 - Higher Music Assignment Composing Review Template
May 2018 - Higher Music Assignment Composing Review Template
May 2018
Information on the production and submission of SQA-assessed coursework for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.
- Coursework for External Assessment (261 KB)
Understanding Standards (Sept 2021)
Additional resources session 2021-22
New - new materials not previously published
Updated - published in 2020/21 but amended for 2021/22
Carried forward - published in 2020/21 carried forward to 2021/22
Please note: For session 2021-22 there are modifications to this course. Understanding Standards materials should therefore be viewed along with the National Course modification summary available in the Course information 2021-22 section.
Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries (question paper component)
Further examples of candidate evidence and commentaries for the assignment and performance can be found on SQA's secure website and you can access these through your SQA co-ordinator.
Course assessment overview
Video overview of course assessment from session 2019-20
- Download webinar
- Overview of Course Assessment Presentation with audio - May 2018 (14 minutes)
- Video overview session 2019-20 Q&A
Changes to understanding standards materials
Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.
Course reports
Provides information on the performance of candidates - which is useful to teachers, lecturers and assessors in their preparation of candidates for future assessment.
Course Reports
- 2016 Higher Music Course Report
September 2016 - 2017 Higher Music Course Report
October 2017 - 2019 Higher Music Course Report September 2019
- 2018 Higher Music Course Report September 2018
- Music: Quality Assurance - external verification
2021 Key Messages
The Alternative Certification Model included a national quality assurance activity, carried out in May 2021.
This report provides information on any common themes and key points from the evidence submitted.
- Higher Music 2020-21 key messages
June 2021
Verification Reports
There was no round 2 verification activity at this level in 2017.
- Music Verification Key Messages Round 1
March 2017 - 2019 Higher Music Course Report September 2019
- 2018 Higher Music Course Report September 2018
CPD
Additional CPD support
Where any particular areas of concern are identified, which are not addressed by our Understanding Standards events or support materials, we will offer free continuing professional development (CPD) training, subject to request. CPD support is subject-specific and can be tailored to cover one or more qualification level. To find out more about this service visit our CPD page.