O-Level Music Syllabus

Aims

The syllabus aims to:

• Develop awareness and understanding of music across cultures and contexts
• Enable candidates to listen, perform, and compose with understanding
• Encourage creative expression and communication through music

SYLLABUS CONTENT

The O-Level Music syllabus is built around three key components:

1. Listening (35%)

Students will study music from:

• Western Classical Traditions (including set works)
• Popular Music
• Asian Music and World Traditions

Skills tested:

• Aural awareness (melody, rhythm, harmony, texture, tonality, etc.)
• Score reading and analysis
• Contextual understanding of musical styles and genres
• Essay-style responses to unseen music

Set Works (specified by MOE annually; e.g., works by Bach, Haydn, or World Music genres)

2. Performing (30%)

• One solo performance (instrument or voice)
• Minimum ABRSM Grade 5 standard (not mandatory to hold the cert)
• Candidates submit a video recording (max 6 minutes)
• Can be classical, pop, or traditional instrument

Focus: technical accuracy, interpretation, expression, and stylistic awareness

3. Composing (35%)

• Submit 2 original compositions (combined length: 3–6 minutes)
• At least 1 must be acoustic (not purely digital)
• Can be in any style or genre
• Submit a written commentary (max 1000 words)
• Describes intention, structure, instrumentation, stylistic features

Use of DAWs (e.g., GarageBand, Logic Pro) is allowed and encouraged

ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE

Component Mode Weighting

• Listening Written exam 35%
• Performing Video (recorded) 30%
• Composing Coursework 35%

Listening Exam Paper Format (1 hr 45 min)

• Section A: Extract-based questions (short and long answers)
• Section B: Essay on set work(s) or genre
• Use of music notation and terminology required

Recommended Prior Knowledge

• ABRSM Grade 5 theory level (or equivalent)
• Experience in at least one instrument/voice
• Interest in a range of musical genres