Introduction: The Ethics of Musical Expression
Music is one of humanity’s most powerful languages — but like all art, it demands honesty. In IB Music, students are not only performers or composers; they are creative thinkers responsible for authenticity in every note they produce.
The IB Music Guide (IBO, 2023) emphasizes that “students must demonstrate academic honesty in all aspects of musical creation, performance, and reflection.” This means composing your own work, citing influences transparently, and performing with respect for the cultures and creators whose music you interpret.
This guide explores how to maintain integrity in IB Music through ethical composition, performance, and reflection.
Quick Start Checklist: Musical Integrity at a Glance
- Compose or arrange your own original music.
- Credit all influences, samples, or collaborative input.
- Avoid plagiarism in melody, rhythm, or harmony.
- Respect cultural origins of musical forms and instruments.
- Reflect honestly on creative choices and limitations.
- Do not use AI or unauthorized software to generate music.
Integrity in music means creating sound that is honest, informed, and entirely yours.
Understanding Integrity in IB Music
Integrity in IB Music connects three essential dimensions:
- Creative authenticity: Producing and performing work that reflects your own understanding and artistic identity.
- Cultural respect: Recognizing the traditions and histories behind the music you study or adapt.
- Academic honesty: Citing sources, composers, and influences transparently.
As the IB learner profile states, principled musicians “act with integrity and fairness.” In music, this means giving credit where it’s due and expressing yourself truthfully.
Creating Original Compositions
Original composition is where your musical integrity shines most clearly.
To maintain authenticity:
- Compose your melodies, harmonies, and structures independently.
- Avoid copying motifs or progressions directly from existing works.
- When inspired by another composer, explain how their work influenced your sound.
- Use notation or digital audio software (e.g., Sibelius, MuseScore, Logic Pro) ethically and independently.
Example:
The harmonic progression in my piece was inspired by Debussy’s use of parallel chords, adapted to a modern lo-fi context.
This kind of transparency turns influence into integrity.
Using Samples, Loops, and Digital Tools Responsibly
Technology opens creative possibilities — but ethical use is key.
- Use royalty-free or Creative Commons samples, and credit them properly.
- Avoid AI-generated music or melodies.
- Do not use pre-made loops as the main structure of your composition.
- Ensure you understand and can explain all software-generated elements.
Every sound you include should represent your creative decision-making. Integrity means authorship remains in your hands, not the computer’s.
Ethical Performance Practice
When performing, integrity extends beyond technical skill — it includes respect for culture, collaboration, and originality.
- Credit composers, lyricists, and arrangers accurately.
- If performing a traditional piece, research its cultural origins.
- Acknowledge ensemble members and collaborative input.
- Avoid mimicking styles or languages without understanding their context.
As ethnomusicologist Bruno Nettl notes, “To perform another culture’s music is to enter its story — and to do so respectfully is the first act of musicianship.”
Understanding the heritage of your music enhances both artistry and ethics.
Avoiding Musical Plagiarism
Musical plagiarism happens when you use another’s creative material without acknowledgment. It can occur in:
- Melodic or harmonic copying.
- Borrowing lyrics or motifs without citation.
- Reusing others’ arrangements or MIDI files.
- Submitting work partially composed by others.
To prevent this:
- Keep drafts and project files showing your composition’s development.
- Cite every source or influence used.
- Clearly label collaborations or shared performances.
Honesty about your creative journey is as important as the music itself.
Honest Reflection in IB Music Coursework
Your reflection should document your creative growth — not just your outcomes.
Reflect honestly on:
- Challenges faced during composition or performance.
- How research or listening informed your choices.
- Ethical questions raised during your work.
- Cultural or emotional impact of your music.
Avoid exaggerating achievements. The IB values awareness, not perfection. Reflecting sincerely reveals maturity as both artist and scholar.
Cultural Awareness and Ethical Interpretation
Global music requires global responsibility. When exploring genres or traditions from cultures other than your own:
- Learn the cultural and historical background thoroughly.
- Consult credible sources, musicians, or communities.
- Avoid stereotyping musical traditions through surface imitation.
- Credit the culture and tradition explicitly in your reflection or program notes.
Authentic engagement enriches your work and honors the world’s musical diversity — one of the IB’s core values.
Using AI and Software Responsibly
AI tools and advanced software are becoming more common in composition and production. However, IB policy is clear: you must remain the author of all creative output.
- Use DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) for editing and mixing, not generating.
- Avoid using AI to compose melodies, harmonies, or full arrangements.
- Always disclose any software that contributed to your project.
- Ensure you can explain your creative and technical decisions independently.
Integrity means demonstrating not just what your software did, but why you used it.
Collaborative Music-Making with Integrity
Collaboration in ensembles, bands, or production teams requires transparency.
- Acknowledge every contributor’s role in your notes or commentary.
- Ensure each student’s work is individually assessable.
- Share ideas openly, but don’t submit group work as personal composition.
- Give equal credit to all participants.
Collaboration succeeds when mutual respect and honesty are its rhythm.
How RevisionDojo Supports Musical Integrity
RevisionDojo helps IB Music students compose, perform, and reflect with integrity by offering:
- Tutorials on original composition and ethical sampling.
- Guides on cultural research and respectful performance.
- Reflection prompts for honest evaluation of process and growth.
- Case studies of high-scoring IB Music work demonstrating integrity and creativity.
Through RevisionDojo, students learn that ethical artistry is the key to timeless musicianship.
Conclusion: Integrity Is the Heartbeat of Music
Every great musician knows that technique impresses — but truth inspires.
Integrity in IB Music means creating and performing work that is honest, original, and culturally aware.
By respecting your influences, acknowledging collaborators, and composing with intention, you not only meet IB standards but embody the universal ethics that make music meaningful.
Integrity ensures your sound is truly your own — and that it resonates with authenticity long after the final note.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
Compose boldly. Perform truthfully.
Join RevisionDojo to master ethical composition, reflective musicianship, and authentic performance — the essential keys to IB Music success.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What counts as plagiarism in IB Music?
Copying melodies, lyrics, or chord progressions without credit — or using AI or others’ compositions — is plagiarism. Always acknowledge sources.
2. Can I use loops or samples in my compositions?
Yes, but only royalty-free or Creative Commons-licensed ones, and they must not form the majority of your composition. Cite all sources.
3. How can I respect cultural music forms?
Research their origins, meaning, and performance traditions. Acknowledge their influence clearly and avoid superficial imitation.
4. Can I collaborate with other musicians?
Yes, but ensure your contribution is distinct and documented. Transparency is key in shared creative work.
5. How does RevisionDojo promote integrity in music?
RevisionDojo teaches ethical composition, responsible research, and reflective practice — empowering IB musicians to create with honesty and purpose.
