Higher Music
Course Specification (24/09/24)
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 September 2024
Past Papers and Marking Instructions
Access all past papers by subject/level
Additional question papers resources
Illustrates the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates will sit (includes marking instructions).
This is a redacted version of the specimen question paper, due to the use of copyrighted material. 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.
2021
There were no exams in 2021.
- Higher Music question paper (376 KB)
- Higher Music marking instructions (215 KB)
- Higher Music listening excerpt list (80 KB)
Coursework (26/9/24)
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 September 2024
- Coursework assessment task for Higher Music Performance May 2018
- Higher Music Assignment Composing Review Template September 2024
- 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 (20/11/24)
Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
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.
Music assignment resource
This resource includes candidate evidence, commentaries and audio presentations covering the Music Assignment from National 5 to Advanced Higher.
Webinar (recording)
Video overview of course assessment from session 2019-20
Audio Presentation
Changes to Understanding Standards materials
Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.
Additional Resources session 2020-22
Further information can be found on the Understanding Standards Website.
Course reports (20/11/24)
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
- 2024 Higher Music course report September 2024
- 2023 Higher Music course report September 2023
- 2022 Higher Music course report September 2022