Advanced Higher Music

For students interested in continuing with musical studies, a good pass at Higher would be an appropriate entry level for Advanced Higher course offered at The Academy.

The requirements of this course are quite demanding, both in the practical sphere of activity and also in academic study. The course involves the 3 different elements of the Higher Music course – Performing, Inventing and Listening - but a far greater knowledge and expertise is required in all these areas. Since the installation of our recording studio, we are now able to offer the Sound Engineering option for this course. For performing a pupil can choose the solo performing option where they present a short recital on two instruments (one for 15 minutes and one for 10) to a minimum standard of Grade 5, or they present a performance on one solo instrument and a sound engineering folio created. The NAB for advanced higher music is a 1500-word listening commentary where a pupil compares and contrasts at least two pieces of music. Pupils have to compose at least two contrasting pieces of music.

Pupils who take Advanced Higher tend to move on to music courses at establishments such as the Royal Academy of Music and Drama and Napier University. There is also the option to study sound recording at Strathclyde.