Music past papers · IB HL
2021–2026Group 6Exploring · Experimenting · Presenting
IB Music HL past papers — by session
Every recent Music exam series we cover (2021–2026), each with Exploring, Experimenting, Presenting. Practise a paper, then mark it against the IB band descriptors — that's where the grade is won.
Practice by topic
Criterion-based practice for every syllabus point — revise the lesson, then mark your response band-by-band.
- 1.1Exploring music in context — inquiry
- 1.2Musical elements and analysis
- 1.3Musical cultures and contextual research
- 1.4Written analysis and linking to context
- 2.1Experimenting with music — creating
- 2.2Composition techniques and musical ideas
- 2.3Arranging, improvisation and experimentation
- 3.1Presenting music — performance
- 3.2Written task and reflection
- 3.3Programme notes and performance commentary
- 4.1HL extension — depth of inquiry and creation
Papers by exam series
- May 2026HLExploringExperimentingPresenting
- November 2025HLExploringExperimentingPresenting
- May 2025HLExploringExperimentingPresenting
- November 2024HLExploringExperimentingPresenting
- May 2024HLExploringExperimentingPresenting
- November 2023HLExploringExperimentingPresenting
- May 2023HLExploringExperimentingPresenting
- November 2022HLExploringExperimentingPresenting
- May 2022HLExploringExperimentingPresenting
- November 2021HLExploringExperimentingPresenting
- May 2021HLExploringExperimentingPresenting
Practise any paper, then upload your answer for criteria-based feedback while official IB mark-scheme marking rolls out.
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I find IB Music HL past papers?
- Every recent Music HL exam series (2021–2026) is listed below by session, covering Exploring, Experimenting, Presenting. Practise each, then mark against the band descriptors.
- Does IB Music have mark schemes?
- Yes — IB publishes mark schemes that use markbands and assessment criteria. Our guides explain how examiners place answers into level bands so you can mark your own work like an examiner.
- What's the best way to use Music past papers?
- Work a full paper under timed conditions, mark yourself strictly against the band descriptors, list every mark you dropped, then drill those skills before the next session.
Best free IB Music resources
Hand-picked, fully legal and free — official IB papers plus the best teacher-made notes and solutions.