Introduction
The Creating component of IB Music gives you the chance to showcase your originality and musical voice. But to achieve top marks, it’s not enough to simply write music—you need to show examiners that your compositions are creative, structured, and informed by context.
This guide will break down exactly what examiners look for in IB Music compositions so you can compose with confidence.
Quick Start Checklist: Examiners Want to See…
- Creativity and originality in musical ideas.
- Technical control of musical elements.
- Clear structure and development.
- Cultural and contextual awareness.
- Documentation of process (drafts, notes, recordings).
- Reflections that explain decisions and growth.
1. Creativity and Originality
Examiners reward music that feels personal and inventive. This doesn’t mean your piece must be groundbreaking—it means showing your unique interpretation of ideas.
- Use motifs or rhythms in fresh ways.
- Adapt influences rather than copy them.
- Show risk-taking in harmony, texture, or form.
2. Technical Control
Creative ideas must be supported by technical skill. Examiners assess how well you handle:
- Harmony and Tonality – smooth progressions, modulations, or modal use.
- Rhythm and Meter – consistent pulse, rhythmic variety, and precision.
- Texture and Timbre – thoughtful layering of instruments and voices.
- Melody – strong phrasing and motivic development.
3. Clear Structure
Unstructured compositions often lose marks. Examiners expect:
- Logical beginnings, developments, and endings.
- Formal awareness (binary, ternary, rondo, sonata, etc.).
- Cohesion between sections.
A clear roadmap helps examiners follow your musical journey.
4. Cultural and Contextual Awareness
IB emphasizes global perspectives. Show awareness by:
- Referencing traditions (e.g., gamelan textures, jazz harmony).
- Reflecting on cultural influences in program notes.
- Explaining why you chose these influences.
Awareness transforms your work from imitation to meaningful integration.
5. Documentation of Process
Examiners want to see how you got to the final product. Include:
- Drafts of scores.
- Early recordings or sketches.
- Notes on experiments and revisions.
This shows persistence, reflection, and growth.
6. Reflective Writing
Reflections and program notes should explain:
- Your inspirations and influences.
- Challenges faced and solutions.
- How the composition evolved.
- What you learned as a musician.
Reflection turns your composition into a learning journey.
FAQs
1. Do examiners prefer complex compositions?
Not necessarily. Simpler works that are well-structured and reflective often score higher than complex but incoherent ones.
2. Can I use technology like GarageBand or Logic?
Yes. Technology is encouraged, but you must show creative control, not just drag-and-drop loops. Reflect on how you customized or transformed sounds.
3. How many influences should I acknowledge?
Enough to show depth, but avoid overwhelming your program notes. Two or three well-explained influences are better than a long list.
4. What’s the most common mistake in IB compositions?
Lack of reflection. Students often submit strong pieces without explaining their process, which costs valuable marks.
Conclusion
Examiners look for more than just a polished piece—they want creativity, structure, awareness, and reflection. By demonstrating technical control and documenting your process, you’ll compose music that is both examiner-ready and personally meaningful.
RevisionDojo supports IB Music students in developing strong, original compositions that meet examiner expectations.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
Want to compose IB Music pieces that impress examiners? RevisionDojo provides strategies to help you balance creativity, technique, and reflection. Start composing with confidence today with RevisionDojo.
