Performing and Composing Components: overview of the National 5 Music practical coursework

Performing and composing are the two practical components of SQA National 5 Music, alongside the Understanding Music question paper. Together they make up most of the course award. This page gives an overview of each and links to the full dot points.

The practical components

Performing. You prepare and present a recital on two instruments, or one instrument and voice, of an appropriate level of difficulty. A visiting examiner assesses it against the published performance criteria. Markers reward accuracy, fluency, control and musical understanding.

Composing. You create an original piece by composing, arranging or improvising, using chosen music concepts (melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, structure) and compositional methods (repetition, sequence, contrast, change of key). You complete a review explaining your choices, and the work is submitted as coursework.

How the practical components fit the course

The performing and composing components are where you put the Understanding Music concepts to practical use: you read signs and notation to perform accurately, and you deploy concepts purposefully to compose. Because both are developed over time, steady preparation and refinement matter more than last-minute effort.

How to study for the practical components

1. Practise performance deliberately. Isolate difficult bars, play them slowly and accurately, then build tempo, and observe every marking.
2. Develop a composition from one idea. Start with a melody, chords or a riff, develop it with concepts, and give it a clear structure.
3. Keep a record for the review. Note the concepts and methods you use so the composing review is straightforward.
4. Use the SQA materials. The coursework assessment tasks and exemplars on the SQA website show exactly what is required.

For the official course specification

The SQA publishes the full National 5 Music course specification, the coursework assessment tasks, exemplars and marking criteria at sqa.org.uk. Always work from the current specification and coursework documents.