Higher National Unit Specification
General information
Unit title: Music: Research Project (SCQF level 8)
Unit code: J0N0 35
Superclass: AA
Publication date: August 2018
Source: Scottish Qualifications Authority
Version: 02
Unit purpose
This unit is designed for learners to explore forms, styles or genres of music in which they have a personal interest within the context of an academic project. Suitable topics may include forms of world music, historical genres or simply styles of special interest. This unit is aimed at learners who wish to develop their understanding of music and/or wish to undertake further study at higher education level.
Outcomes
On successful completion of the unit the learner will be able to:
1 Select and research musical, social and cultural features of a chosen genre or style. 2 Present and reference a music research project. 3 Demonstrate musical concepts from research.
Credit points and level
1 Higher National Unit credit at SCQF level 8 (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 8)
Recommended entry to the unit
While entry is at the discretion of the centre, it would be beneficial if learners have completed, or are working towards the Music Theory (SCQF level 7), Music History: Genres, Record Labels and Artists (SCQF level 7) and Music First Study: Instrument (SCQF level 7) units.
J0N0 35, Music: Research Project (SCQF level 8) 1 Higher National Unit Specification: General information (cont)
Unit title: Music: Research Project (SCQF level 8)
Core Skills
Achievement of this Unit gives automatic certification of the following Core Skills component:
Complete Core Skill None
Core Skill component Planning and Organising at SCQF level 6
There are also opportunities to develop aspects of Core Skills which are highlighted in the Support Notes of this Unit specification.
Context for delivery
This is an optional unit in the framework for HN Music. It is recommended that it should be taught and assessed within the subject area of the group award to which it contributes.
The Assessment Support Pack (ASP) for this unit provides assessment and marking guidelines that exemplify the national standard for achievement. It is a valid, reliable and practicable assessment. Centres wishing to develop their own assessments should refer to the ASP to ensure a comparable standard. A list of existing ASPs is available to download from SQA’s website (http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/46233.2769.html).
For learners undertaking the HN Music Group Award the assessments for this unit may be integrated with:
J01K 34 Music First Study: Instrument (SCQF level 7) J01L 34 Music Theory (SCQF level 7) J01R 35 Music First Study: Instrument (SCQF level 8) J0MX 35 Music Theory (SCQF level 8)
Equality and inclusion
This unit specification has been designed to ensure that there are no unnecessary barriers to learning or assessment. The individual needs of learners should be taken into account when planning learning experiences, selecting assessment methods or considering alternative evidence.
Further advice can be found on our website www.sqa.org.uk/assessmentarrangements.
J0N0 35, Music: Research Project (SCQF level 8) 2 Higher National Unit Specification: Statement of standards
Unit title: Music Research Project (SCQF level 8)
Acceptable performance in this unit will be the satisfactory achievement of the standards set out in this part of the unit specification. All sections of the statement of standards are mandatory and cannot be altered without reference to SQA.
Outcome 1
Select and research musical, social and cultural features of a chosen genre or style.
Knowledge and/or skills
Locating and selecting relevant complex information Musical, social and cultural features of the chosen genre or style Significant developments Contribution of significant exponents Referencing for research
Outcome 2
Present and reference a music research project.
Knowledge and/or skills
Organising and structuring presentation Effective musical material and visual aids Presentation of musical, social and cultural elements Explanation of musical features Using evidence to support presentation
Outcome 3
Demonstrate musical concepts from research.
Knowledge and/or skills
Technique appropriate to instrument Sensitivity to chosen music Stylistic features of chosen music Composers’ intentions
J0N0 35, Music: Research Project (SCQF level 8) 3 Higher National Unit Specification: Statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Music Research Project (SCQF level 8)
Evidence requirements for this unit
Outcome 1
Learners will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by showing that they can:
select a style or genre of music. research and discuss musical, social and cultural features of a chosen genre or style. research and discuss number of significant developments within the chosen style or genre. research the contribution of significant exponents of the chosen style or genre. reference research.
Written and/or oral evidence gathered under open-book conditions should be retained. Outcome 1 will assess the preparation for Outcome 2 and could take the form of a portfolio or comprehensive notes for a presentation.
Outcome 2
Learners will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by showing that they can:
present research on chosen genre/style of music. structure a presentation effectively. present information effectively on musical, social and cultural elements of the genre/style of music. explain the key musical features found in the genre/style of music. effectively use visual and musical material to support elements and features.
Written and/or oral evidence gathered under open-book conditions should be retained along with an assessor’s observation checklist. Video evidence of the presentation should be retained along with a copy of the presentation which may contain links to audio excerpts.
Outcome 3
Learners will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills showing that they can:
demonstrate the stylistic features of the chosen style/genre of music. demonstrate concepts appropriate to the composer’s intentions. perform the stylistic features of the chosen style/genre of music. use appropriate technique for the chosen style/genre of music.
J0N0 35, Music: Research Project (SCQF level 8) 4 Higher National Unit Specification: Statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Music Research Project (SCQF level 8)
Performance evidence will be gathered under open-book conditions and should be retained along with an assessor’s observation checklist and high-quality video and audio recordings. Outcome 3 will demonstrate the musical and stylistic features through performance by the learner. This outcome can be assessed individually however it will need to follow the information and detail presented in Outcome 2. The performances can take place individually or as part of an ensemble. A successful performance will include a minimum of four concepts and the total duration will be approximately 8–10 minutes.
J0N0 35, Music: Research Project (SCQF level 8) 5
Higher National Unit Support Notes
Unit title: Music Research Project (SCQF level 8)
Unit support notes are offered as guidance and are not mandatory.
While the exact time allocated to this unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional design length is 40 hours.
Guidance on the content and context for this unit
It is intended by undertaking this unit that learners will gain experience of research techniques, presenting evidence and performance skills. Although the unit can be stand alone, it is expected that the unit can build on learner’s knowledge and skills from undertaking the Music History: Genres, Record Labels and Artists (SCQF level 7) or Music History (SCQF level 8) units. Learners will be expected to demonstrate the ability to research and synthesize information then present the structured information and perform musical features.
There are three outcomes for this unit.
Outcome 1 examines the learner’s ability to research, identify and detail relevant information regarding a specific musical genre or style. The learner will prepare written notes or a portfolio with appropriate references for the information to prepare for a presentation on the topic. As such the learner could have a plethora of information which can be refined to the chosen detail to present for Outcome 2.
Outcome 2 examines the relevant information through the form of a presentation which will include relevant audio and visual material to support the information being presented.
Outcome 3 examines the learner’s ability to perform specific features of the chosen style/genre that the learner has identified.
The unit is aligned to elements of the Creative and Cultural Skillset, National Occupational Standards (NOS):
CCSMPR24 Perform music CCSMPR34 Develop your musicality CCSMPR42 Sight read music CCSMPR39 Apply music theory knowledge CCSMPR28 Perform in a musical ensemble CCSCA19 Use presentation software
J0N0 35, Music: Research Project (SCQF level 8) 6 Higher National Unit Support Notes (cont)
Unit title: Music Research Project (SCQF level 8)
Guidance on approaches to delivery of this unit
Learners will choose a style or genre of music. It would be useful for learners to be exposed to a variety of styles and genres with which they are unfamiliar and which contain sufficient scope for research. It may be useful for the tutor to provide a pool of genres or styles from which the learner selects one; this could ensure that any genres or styles that the learner chooses is comparable in scope. It would be expected that the environment for presentation and performance is the same or of a comparable standard for all learners and that any presentation and performance evidence be filmed on a high-quality format.
The unit itself is a mixture of written and practical tasks. Leaners should be encouraged to research effectively and reference thoroughly prior to moving on to the presentation and performance. The unit may work well utilising team teaching methods, with one tutor engaging learners on the written and research aspects and another working on the performance elements on the instrument of choice.
For the performance aspect of Outcome 3, it would be useful for the environment to be specific to the performance aspect. As an example, vocalists should have access to a microphone with PA and relevant effects while drum kit players may require a larger space to effectively demonstrate the stylistic features. If the performance is as part of an ensemble then a live performance rehearsal space may be suitable. It is not necessary for there to be an audience for the performance. As such a degree of planning is essential to ensure all practical elements are in place for assessment.
It is expected that learners will work independently, although the assessor should discuss progress throughout the unit with the learner on a regular basis.
Guidance on approaches to assessment of this unit
Evidence can be generated using different types of assessment. The following are suggestions only. There may be other methods that would be more suitable to learners.
Centres are reminded that prior verification of centre-devised assessments would help to ensure that the national standard is being met. Where learners experience a range of assessment methods, this helps them to develop different skills that should be transferable to work or further and higher education.
For Outcome 1, the assessor could provide a large pool of musical styles and genres which contain acceptable scope for successful completion of the unit. If the learner selects their own choice, this could be measured against the existing pool. Suitable topics could include Afrobeat, Exotica, Southern Soul, Appalachian Folk, Salsa, Bossa Nova, Ska, Chamber Music and Modal Jazz. It is important that the genre or style chosen is possible to perform on the chosen instrument. Although a written essay is possible, it could be of more use that Outcome 1 takes the form of extensive preparation notes for the Outcome 2 presentation. As such it is important that the assessor should ensure the notes will allow for a viable presentation. Outcome 1 could also take the form of a relevant portfolio which includes written evidence, film, audio playlists and pictures. All information gathered through research should be referenced correctly and work can be produced via open-book conditions.
J0N0 35, Music: Research Project (SCQF level 8) 7 Higher National Unit Support Notes (cont)
Unit title: Music Research Project (SCQF level 8)
Delivering centres should take appropriate measures to guarantee the authenticity of the learner’s submitted evidence. It is recommended that all centres use plagiarism detection software that can detect similarity within the class group, wider academic group and online resources. If there is any doubt as to the authenticity of a learner’s evidence, oral questions should be used to verify the learners understanding of the work they have produced.
For Outcome 2, a presentation of around ten minutes would be sufficient to ensure all criteria have been met. It is suitable for learners to utilise the notes they have created from Outcome 1 during the presentation. The learner should structure and organise the presentation effectively, ensuring material and information flows in a manner which informs the listener. Suitable musical and visual aids should be demonstrated to illustrate key points, with primary focus on the musical features prevalent in the genre/style. It may be of use to utilise comparison between similar genres to demonstrate the fundamental differences between the concepts and ideas presented. Audio and video clips should be specific and targeted having been previously identified Outcome 1. Learners should discuss how social and cultural elements can be found within the genre and may utilise performance material to do so. A copy of the presentation, assessor’s observation checklist and high-quality video of the learner’s presentation should be retained for evidence. Although the recommended method of assessment is presentation, it is possible for the learner to create a written report for Outcome 1 and 2.
For Outcome 3, it is expected that the learner will choose excerpts of the music researched and perform these on their instrument. This could be completed at the same time as the presentation, using their own performance points for demonstration, or it could be on a separate occasion. Learners can play on their own, with backing tracks or as part of an ensemble. If performing as part of an ensemble, the evidence provided must allow for the assessor to hear the individual learner performance to allow them to make a decision. Learners undertaking the same choice of music may form small ensembles. A successful performance should include a minimum of four concepts of around eight to ten minutes duration in total. It is important that stylistic features of the music are captured accordingly, with reference made to tone, effects and performance styles. For vocalists, it is not necessary to simply copy accents, rather it is vital to discuss and demonstrate the vocal techniques found within the style. This could include the use of specific effects. Learners are not restricted to one instrument and can demonstrate specific aspects on a number of instruments. If the learner does undertake Outcome 2 and 3 as one and is unsuccessful in one of the outcomes then it would be sufficient to re-assess only on the section that was unsuccessful.
The assessments are open-book and observation checklists and high-quality video/audio of the performance will ensure authenticity.
Opportunities for e-assessment E-assessment may be appropriate for some assessments in this unit. By e-assessment we mean assessment which is supported by Information and Communication Technology (ICT), such as e-testing or the use of e-portfolios or social software. Centres which wish to use e-assessment must ensure that the national standard is applied to all learner evidence and that conditions of assessment as specified in the evidence requirements are met, regardless of the mode of gathering evidence. The most up-to-date guidance on the use of e-assessment to support SQA’s qualifications is available at www.sqa.org.uk/e-assessment.
J0N0 35, Music: Research Project (SCQF level 8) 8 Higher National Unit Support Notes (cont)
Unit title: Music Research Project (SCQF level 8)
Opportunities for developing Core and other essential skills
During this unit there will be opportunities for learners to develop the Core Skills of Communication, Working with Others and Problem Solving.
There is an opportunity to develop Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills through the use of research methods and presentation skills.
This Unit has the Planning and Organising component of Problem Solving embedded in it. This means that when learners achieve the Unit, their Core Skills profile will also be updated to show they have achieved Planning and Organising at SCQF level 6.
J0N0 35, Music: Research Project (SCQF level 8) 9 History of changes to unit
Version Description of change Date
02 Core Skills Component Planning and Organising at SCQF level 6 31/08/18 embedded.
© Scottish Qualifications Authority 2018
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J0N0 35, Music: Research Project (SCQF level 8) 10 General information for learners
Unit title: Music Research Project (SCQF level 8)
This section will help you decide whether this is the unit for you by explaining what the unit is about, what you should know or be able to do before you start, what you will need to do during the unit and opportunities for further learning and employment.
This unit is designed to give you an opportunity to research, present information on and perform a specific style or genre of music. You are expected to research effectively working under pressure of time. You will then present that information as well as performing musical concepts on the instrument of your choice.
Your tutor will provide feedback on all aspects of the unit from your tutor.
The unit has three outcomes:
1 Select and research musical, social and cultural features of a chosen genre or style. 2 Present and reference a music research project. 3 Demonstrate musical concepts from research.
The unit is an optional unit in the HN Music framework.
For Outcome 1 you will choose a genre or style of music and research a variety of factors and features which are important to the style or genre. You will collate this and produce either a report, presentation notes or a portfolio. Your tutor will complete a checklist to ensure you have met the required standard.
Outcome 2 requires you to take the information you researched for Outcome 1 and use it to present the information. To be successful you will structure and organise the presentation, discuss the most relevant findings and support your presentation with appropriate music, pictures and/or video footage. Your presentation will be filmed and an assessor’s checklist will be completed to ensure you have met the required standard.
Outcome 3 requires you to perform on an instrument or instruments of your choice. To be successful you will perform at least four concepts/stylistic features of the chosen genre/style that you have discussed in your presentation, with a total duration of 8–10 minutes. High quality video/audio footage and completed assessor’s checklist will ensure you have met the required standard.
There will be opportunities for you to develop Core Skills such as Communication, Working with Others, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Problem Solving. There is no automatic Core Skills certification for this unit.
This Unit has the Planning and Organising component of Problem Solving embedded in it. This means that when you achieve the Unit, your Core Skills profile will also be updated to show you have achieved Planning and Organising at SCQF level 6.
J0N0 35, Music: Research Project (SCQF level 8) 11