Aims of the Course (As stated in the IB Music Guide)
Through studying any of the group 6 subjects, the arts, students become aware of how artists work and communicate. The aims of all subjects in group 6 are to enable students to:
1. enjoy lifelong engagement with the arts
2. become informed, reflective and critical practitioners in the arts
3. understand the dynamic and changing nature of the arts
4. explore and value the diversity of the arts across time, place and cultures
5. express ideas with confidence and competence
6. develop perceptual and analytical skills.
7. develop their knowledge and potential as musicians, both personally and collaboratively
Course Expectations
Through studying any of the group 6 subjects, the arts, students become aware of how artists work and communicate. The aims of all subjects in group 6 are to enable students to:
1. enjoy lifelong engagement with the arts
2. become informed, reflective and critical practitioners in the arts
3. understand the dynamic and changing nature of the arts
4. explore and value the diversity of the arts across time, place and cultures
5. express ideas with confidence and competence
6. develop perceptual and analytical skills.
7. develop their knowledge and potential as musicians, both personally and collaboratively
Course Expectations
- Students are urged to listen to music outside of class (with a score if possible) to selected representative works reflecting each historical period and as many different cultures as possible.
- All SLS students are HIGHLY encouraged to seek private lessons to enhance their preparation for their recitals.
- It is expected that students review music theory on their own to supplement class discussions. Note that knowledge of keys, modes, harmonic relationships, concepts of form, and knowledge of transposition and orchestration are essential for the best possible result on the IB Music Exam.
- Students are required to attend at least one live concert per semester, and to write a short review of the music performed. Students must understand that formal writing is an important element in the IB program. The more proficient the writing skill, the better the score on the exam.
- Some classes will be dedicated to music performance and ear training. All students will perform in class at least once a trimester. Each performance will be presented with an accompanying narrative that will illustrate the historical context and compositional/technical elements of the piece. SLS students will present a recital in Winter and in Spring.