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Music HL chapters
11 topics · free- 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 in Music HL
- HLExploringPractise under timed conditions, then mark against the band descriptors.
- HLExperimentingDrill the question style, then review the markbands to push into the top band.
- HLPresentingDrill the question style, then review the markbands to push into the top band.
How IB marking differs
Unlike point-based A-Level mark schemes, IB uses markbands — examiners place your answer in a level band against descriptors. Knowing the band wording is how you turn a 5 into a 7.
Check your work
Upload a photo of your answer and get structured, criteria-based feedback on where the marks are.
Get feedback ->IB Music HL — papers & markbands
Inquiry, experimentation, and presentation — analysis, creating, and performing with IB criteria. Above are the papers you'll sit and how examiners award marks. Practise past papers, learn the markbands, then check your own answers for feedback.
Frequently asked questions
- What papers are in IB Music HL?
- IB Music at HL is assessed by Exploring, Experimenting, Presenting, plus internal assessment. Inquiry, experimentation, and presentation — analysis, creating, and performing with IB criteria.
- How is IB Music marked?
- IB uses markbands and assessment criteria rather than point-based A-Level marking codes — examiners place your response in a level band against descriptors. Our guides show what separates the top band from the middle on each paper.
- Where can I find IB Music HL past papers?
- Browse every recent Music HL exam series on our IB Music past-papers page, organised by session and paper, with mark-scheme guidance for each.
- Is there a free IB Music course?
- Yes — MarkScheme has a free topic-by-topic IB Music course with worked examples, flashcards, and criterion practice marking on every syllabus point.
Best free IB Music resources
Hand-picked, fully legal and free — official IB papers plus the best teacher-made notes and solutions.