Summary
Leaving Certificate Music involves a series of interrelated musical activities within each of the three core areas of musical experience - performing, composing and listening.
In performing, students choose from a variety of individual and/or group performing activities. In composing, students develop an understanding of musical structure and form, while the listening component provides for rich aural experiences through exposure to music of different periods, styles and genres.
Why Study Music
- Students can get up to 50 per cent of the total marks in the musical activity that best suits their talent before they even sit the written paper
- In music you can develop your talent and knowledge in this area and continue your studies in a wide range of colleges
What kind of student would Music suit?
- Students who have shown an aptitude for music, such as by getting high grades in Junior Cert Music and are keen to develop and practice more.
- If you can read music and have a competence in singing or playing an instrument
- Anyone considering a career in a creative discipline such as singing, playing in a band, music production and performance technology and management.
- Those interested in the rock and pop areas of music can develop their talents in a number of PLC courses in Rock and Jazz Music, including management.
- Students who are looking for a break from intensive memory-work in their other subjects
Recommendations/Tips
- Because of the practical nature of this subject, students and/or parents should discuss this with the senior level music teacher before choosing it as a Leaving Certificate subject.
Subject Group: Artistic
These subjects involve developing creativity and the appreciation of the work of others. This involves learning the methods and techniques of the subject and producing your own work using these skills.
Career Sectors
This subject builds skills and knowledge that are particularly useful for careers in the following Career Sectors:
Grades Awarded
Explore Marks Distribution for all Subjects:
Course Overview
The Leaving Certificate Music syllabus provides continuity and progression from Junior Certificate Music. The general aims and overall shape of both is broadly similar. In providing the musical knowledge, understanding, practical competencies and attitudes appropriate to their age, abilities and interests, the syllabus caters for the varying needs of all students including those who wish to pursue further studies in music. You do not need music to progress into a music course in college but, needless to say, it would help.
The syllabus structure has been adopted to provide a fully balanced musical experience central to which is the development of musicality. Studying music at Leaving Cert. provides a vital basis for further education in the area and if students are good at music they can gain valuable points in the Leaving Certificate.
Quick Facts
Performance - Examined in April of 6th year
Listening Paper - Examined in June of 6th year 90 minutes duration
Composition Paper -Examined in June of 6th year 90 minutes duration
Course Content
The course consists of three main components: (1) Composing (2) Listening (3) Performance
Ordinary level
Students will choose one of the three activities to represent 50 per cent, e.g.
- Performing 50% Composing 25% Listening 25% or…
- Performing 25% Composing 50% Listening 25% or…
- Performing 25% Composing 25% Listening 50%
Higher level
Students will undertake additional studies (a Higher level elective in one of the three activities, e.g.: Performing 25% Composing 25% Listening 25% + One Higher level elective 25%.
This will allow Ordinary level and Higher level students to gain up to 50 per cent of the total marks in the musical activity that best suits their talent.
Musical Performance:
As mentioned above, you can choose to designate 50% of your assessment to musical performance. If you choose this option you have a few further options open to you:
Perform 6 pieces of music on one instrument
Or
You can be examined on two instruments. If you choose this option you are required to perform fours pieces of music on each instrument.
Or
You can choose to perform four pieces of music (25%) and be examined in Music Technology (25%). Music Technology involves inputting music into a software package on the computer and being able to perform music edits on it, e.g. add dynamics or tempo markings, or transpose the music. If you have good computer skills, this could be a nice option for you.
Exam Structure
| Music | Higher | Ordinary |
| Written Paper | ||
| Composing | 25% | Choice of 50% / 25% of Marks |
| Project | (Higher Level Elective) - 25% | |
| Oral | ||
| Aural | 25% | Choice of 50% / 25% of Marks |
| Performance | 25% | Choice of 50% / 25% of Marks |
Listening Paper
Examined in June of 6th year
90 minutes duration
Four set works, Irish music and general listening skills.
Composition Paper
Examined in June of 6th year
90 minutes duration
Melody writing and harmony
Performance
Examined in April of 6th year
Candidates may perform as a soloist or as part of a group or both.
Ordinary Level: 2 pieces on one instrument and one unprepared test.
Higher Level: 3 pieces on one instrument and one unprepared test
OR 2 pieces on each of two instruments and one unprepared test
Electives for extra 25%: Higher Level only Each candidate must choose one of the above components to study for this extra credit. The majority tend to opt for a Performance elective.
Listening Elective: The candidate must work on a music project over the course of 5th and 6th year. They must submit some work to the State Examinations Commission and sit an extra written paper in June.
Composition Elective: The candidate must undertake a large scale composition to be submitted to the Examinations Commission in their final year.
Performance Elective: This involves a more substantial performance during the examination period in April of 6th year.
Career Possibilities
Music is useful for media work or studies, primary teaching, sound engineering, public relations, library work, speech therapy, film, physical education, communications, production, performance and music at third level.
Note: Students are required to be able to read music to study this subject. Little knowledge of music theory or history is not a problem, but a working knowledge of a musical instrument (piano, guitar, voice etc.) is essential.
3rd Level Requirements
Required for 3rd Level?
For most music courses, your Leaving Cert results are not the only factor considered for entry. For example some colleges require all candidates to complete an entrance test, interview or audition. See individual colleges for entry requirements.
Most music courses are considered “restricted application” this means that you must put your preferred course(s) on your list by the 1st February or by the date for the correction of errors. Late applications after 1st February will not be considered.
This subject may be essential for entry into some CAO courses. However, this can change, so it essential that you check entry requirements with college websites for any courses you are applying for. Click on the link below to view courses that may require this subject for entry.
Music 
