Advanced Higher Music

Course Specification (25/09/2025)

Explains the structure of the Course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.

Past Papers and Marking Instructions

Access all past papers by subject/level

Specimen question paper

Illustrates the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates will sit (includes marking instructions).

Coursework (09/12/2025)

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.

Understanding Standards (10/08/26)

Academy course – Music assignment

We’ve launched an Academy course to support educators and learners with the Music assignment.

The course builds on existing Understanding Standards materials and includes:

  • new candidate evidence from National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.
  • written and spoken commentaries by Qualifications Scotland senior examiners –explaining how marks were awarded to each candidate and why.

Log in or create an Academy account to access the Music course.

Music assignment resource

This resource available from the Understanding Standards website includes candidate evidence, commentaries and audio presentations covering the Music Assignment from National 5 to Advanced Higher.

Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries

Further examples of candidate evidence and commentaries for the assignment and performance components can be found on our secure website and you can access these through your co-ordinator.

Audio Presentation

Changes to Understanding Standards materials

Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.

Course reports (11/09/2025)