Music · IB HL
IB Music HL — papers & markbands
Inquiry, experimentation, and presentation — analysis, creating, and performing with IB criteria. Below are the papers you'll sit and how examiners award marks. Practise past papers, learn the markbands, then check your own answers for feedback.
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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
- ExploringHL
Practise this paper under timed conditions, then mark against the band descriptors.
- ExperimentingHL
Drill the question style, then review the markbands to push into the top band.
- PresentingHL
Drill 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 →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.