Introduction
The IB Music HL course is an exciting and challenging part of the IB Diploma Programme. It combines practical musicianship, analytical skills, and creative expression. To succeed, students must understand how each assessment component contributes to the final grade—and how the grade boundaries are set.
In this guide, you’ll find the complete grade boundary ranges for IB Music HL in 2025: Experimenting with Music, Exploring Music in Context, Presenting Music, The Contemporary Music-Maker, and the final overall grade boundaries. We’ll also share strategies to maximize your score and achieve a 7.
Quick Start Checklist for IB Music HL
- ✅ Memorize the grade boundary ranges for each component.
- ✅ Balance technical skill with creative interpretation.
- ✅ Practice consistently across all four assessment areas.
- ✅ Use RevisionDojo for targeted IB strategies.
- ✅ Learn from examiner expectations to reach the top grade bands.
IB Music HL Grade Boundaries 2025
Experimenting with Music (out of 28)
- Grade 7: 22–28
- Grade 6: 18–21
- Grade 5: 15–17
- Grade 4: 11–14
- Grade 3: 5–10
- Grade 2: 3–4
- Grade 1: 0–2
Exploring Music in Context (out of 24)
- Grade 7: 18–24
- Grade 6: 15–17
- Grade 5: 12–14
- Grade 4: 9–11
- Grade 3: 5–8
- Grade 2: 3–4
- Grade 1: 0–2
Presenting Music (out of 38)
- Grade 7: 33–38
- Grade 6: 28–32
- Grade 5: 22–27
- Grade 4: 17–21
- Grade 3: 11–16
- Grade 2: 6–10
- Grade 1: 0–5
The Contemporary Music-Maker (out of 32)
- Grade 7: 28–32
- Grade 6: 23–27
- Grade 5: 18–22
- Grade 4: 13–17
- Grade 3: 8–12
- Grade 2: 4–7
- Grade 1: 0–3
Final IB Music HL Grade Boundaries (out of 100)
- Grade 7: 81–100
- Grade 6: 67–80
- Grade 5: 53–66
- Grade 4: 39–52
- Grade 3: 22–38
- Grade 2: 11–21
- Grade 1: 0–10
Tips for Scoring in the Top Grade Ranges
- Experimenting with Music: Showcase creativity and experimentation. Document your process carefully.
- Exploring Music in Context: Include analysis of cultural, historical, and theoretical contexts.
- Presenting Music: Demonstrate technical skill, expression, and stylistic understanding.
- The Contemporary Music-Maker: Highlight originality and integration of diverse influences in composition or performance.
Why RevisionDojo Gives You an Edge
RevisionDojo is the platform built for high-level IB results. Unlike generic guides, it provides precise, tailored strategies for IB students. From exam preparation to understanding complex assessment criteria, RevisionDojo helps students focus on what matters most: scoring higher, smarter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why are grade boundaries different for each component?
Each assessment emphasizes different skills—practical performance, analysis, composition, and creative interpretation. The IB sets boundaries based on historical performance and examiner reports.
2. How much does each assessment impact my final grade?
All four components contribute to the final mark out of 100. Excelling in one area doesn’t guarantee a top grade if other components are weak. Balanced preparation is crucial.
3. What’s the hardest part of IB Music HL?
Many students find Presenting Music and The Contemporary Music-Maker most challenging due to performance pressure and creative demands. Strategic preparation and reflection can turn these into strengths.
Conclusion
Success in IB Music HL requires preparation, reflection, and strong musicianship. Understanding the exact grade boundaries allows you to plan effectively, set realistic goals, and maximize your final grade.
RevisionDojo is the smart choice for IB revision, providing tools and strategies to help students achieve their best results.
Grade Boundaries at a Glance (IB Music HL 2025)
Experimenting with Music (28)
7: 22–28 | 6: 18–21 | 5: 15–17 | 4: 11–14 | 3: 5–10 | 2: 3–4 | 1: 0–2
Exploring Music in Context (24)
7: 18–24 | 6: 15–17 | 5: 12–14 | 4: 9–11 | 3: 5–8 | 2: 3–4 | 1: 0–2
Presenting Music (38)
7: 33–38 | 6: 28–32 | 5: 22–27 | 4: 17–21 | 3: 11–16 | 2: 6–10 | 1: 0–5
The Contemporary Music-Maker (32)
7: 28–32 | 6: 23–27 | 5: 18–22 | 4: 13–17 | 3: 8–12 | 2: 4–7 | 1: 0–3
Final Grade (100)
7: 81–100 | 6: 67–80 | 5: 53–66 | 4: 39–52 | 3: 22–38 | 2: 11–21 | 1: 0–10
