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Leaving Certificate Music (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
Overview
Leaving Certificate Music (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
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.
The syllabus is built on three interrelated activities — Performing, Composing and Listening — which together form an integrated approach to musical learning.
Candidates prepare and present prescribed pieces on a chosen instrument or voice, demonstrating technical control, accuracy and musical interpretation.
Students may choose individual and/or group performing activities, presenting pieces alone, as part of an ensemble, or across two instruments.
The practical examination includes unprepared work such as sight-reading or aural tests appropriate to the candidate's chosen performing medium.
Candidates create and continue melodies, working with phrase structure, motif development, modulation and word-setting in the composing paper.
Students add chords and harmonic support to given melodies or basses, applying knowledge of chord progressions, cadences and part-writing.
The composing strand develops understanding of how musical ideas are organised through form, structure and the conventions of different styles.
Candidates study four prescribed set works drawn from the syllabus list, analysing their features, context, structure and stylistic characteristics.
Students explore Irish traditional music including dance types, sean-nós singing, instruments and fusion, plus the broader history of music in Ireland.
Through exposure to varied periods, styles and genres, candidates develop aural perception and respond to unseen or unfamiliar listening excerpts.
Higher candidates may take a more substantial performance as their additional 25% elective, presenting an extended repertoire in the practical examination.
Higher candidates may undertake a larger-scale composition project submitted to the SEC as their chosen elective in the final year.
Higher candidates may complete a music project worked on over fifth and sixth year and sit an additional written listening paper as their elective.
Each core activity carries 25%; Higher students add a 25% elective, while Ordinary students give one chosen activity a 50% weighting.
Where this subject applies
These pathways and regions are explicitly connected to the subject in the curriculum.
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.
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.
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Public references
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