IE · Subject guide
Music
Leaving Certificate Music (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
01 · Overview
Music
Leaving Certificate Music (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
- Subject guide
- Leaving Certificate
- Topics mapped
- 14
02 · Complete topic map
Complete topic map
Every topic recorded for this subject in the curriculum is reproduced below in its full hierarchy. The descriptions reflect the mapped scope without implying additional exam rules.
- 01
Three Core Areas of Musical Experience
The syllabus is built on three interrelated activities — Performing, Composing and Listening — which together form an integrated approach to musical learning.
- 02
Performing: Solo Performance
Candidates prepare and present prescribed pieces on a chosen instrument or voice, demonstrating technical control, accuracy and musical interpretation.
- 03
Performing: Group Performance and Performing Options
Students may choose individual and/or group performing activities, presenting pieces alone, as part of an ensemble, or across two instruments.
- 04
Performing: Unprepared Tests
The practical examination includes unprepared work such as sight-reading or aural tests appropriate to the candidate's chosen performing medium.
- 05
Composing: Melody Writing
Candidates create and continue melodies, working with phrase structure, motif development, modulation and word-setting in the composing paper.
- 06
Composing: Harmony and Chord Work
Students add chords and harmonic support to given melodies or basses, applying knowledge of chord progressions, cadences and part-writing.
- 07
Composing: Musical Structure and Form
The composing strand develops understanding of how musical ideas are organised through form, structure and the conventions of different styles.
- 08
Listening: Prescribed Set Works
Candidates study four prescribed set works drawn from the syllabus list, analysing their features, context, structure and stylistic characteristics.
- 09
Listening: Irish Music
Students explore Irish traditional music including dance types, sean-nós singing, instruments and fusion, plus the broader history of music in Ireland.
- 10
Listening: Aural Skills and General Listening
Through exposure to varied periods, styles and genres, candidates develop aural perception and respond to unseen or unfamiliar listening excerpts.
- 11
Higher Level Elective: Performing
Higher candidates may take a more substantial performance as their additional 25% elective, presenting an extended repertoire in the practical examination.
- 12
Higher Level Elective: Composing
Higher candidates may undertake a larger-scale composition project submitted to the SEC as their chosen elective in the final year.
- 13
Higher Level Elective: Listening
Higher candidates may complete a music project worked on over fifth and sixth year and sit an additional written listening paper as their elective.
- 14
Course Weightings and Assessment Choice
Each core activity carries 25%; Higher students add a 25% elective, while Ordinary students give one chosen activity a 50% weighting.
03 · Where this subject applies
Where this subject applies
These pathways and regions are explicitly connected to the subject in the curriculum.
Levels and pathways
Higher Level
Higher Level — the more demanding level, with broader and deeper content and the H1–H8 grade scale.
Ordinary Level
Ordinary Level — the foundational level covering the core of the syllabus, graded O1–O8.
Regions
All registered regions
04 · Official sources
Official sources
The public sources below are referenced directly by this subject or by one of its topics.
This editorial selection points to the relevant official bodies. Always confirm current requirements, dates and exceptional arrangements with your school and the responsible authority.
2
Public references
IE · EuraStudy Guides
Place this subject inside the complete curriculum.
Open the curriculum guide to see every subject and topic, or continue to EuraStudy Summa to begin working with the material.