Introduction
The IB Music SL course combines practical musicianship, analytical thinking, and creative expression. Success requires understanding how each assessment component contributes to your final grade—and knowing the grade boundaries set by the IB.
In this guide, you’ll find the complete grade boundary ranges for IB Music SL in 2025: Experimenting with Music, Exploring Music in Context, Presenting Music, and the final overall grade boundaries. Plus, actionable tips to help you maximize your score and achieve a 7.
Quick Start Checklist for IB Music SL
- ✅ Memorize the grade boundary ranges for each component.
- ✅ Balance technical skill with creative interpretation.
- ✅ Practice consistently across all assessment areas.
- ✅ Use RevisionDojo for targeted IB strategies.
- ✅ Review examiner expectations to reach the top grade bands.
IB Music SL 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
Final IB Music SL Grade Boundaries (out of 100)
- Grade 7: 78–100
- Grade 6: 65–77
- Grade 5: 52–64
- Grade 4: 39–51
- Grade 3: 21–38
- Grade 2: 11–20
- Grade 1: 0–10
Tips for Scoring in the Top Grade Ranges
- Experimenting with Music: Showcase creativity and experimentation. Keep detailed records of your process.
- Exploring Music in Context: Analyze musical works with reference to context, history, and theory.
- Presenting Music: Focus on technical accuracy, expression, and stylistic understanding.
Why RevisionDojo Gives You an Edge
RevisionDojo offers IB-specific strategies to improve performance in all Music assessments. Unlike generic guides, it provides precise tools to help students achieve their best results, from preparation to understanding examiner expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why are grade boundaries different for each component?
Each assessment emphasizes different skills—practical performance, analysis, and creative presentation. Boundaries are based on historical performance data and examiner reports.
2. How much does each assessment impact my final grade?
All components contribute to the final mark out of 100. Weakness in any area can affect your overall grade, even if other components are strong.
3. Which assessment is most challenging in SL?
Many students find Presenting Music most demanding due to performance requirements. Careful preparation and reflection can turn it into a strength.
Conclusion
Success in IB Music SL requires balanced practice, reflection, and strong musicianship. Knowing the exact grade boundaries allows students to plan effectively, set goals, and maximize final grades.
RevisionDojo provides the guidance and tools necessary to achieve higher scores efficiently.
Grade Boundaries at a Glance (IB Music SL 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
Final Grade (100)
7: 78–100 | 6: 65–77 | 5: 52–64 | 4: 39–51 | 3: 21–38 | 2: 11–20 | 1: 0–10
