Introduction
Your IB Music portfolio is the centerpiece of the course, bringing together Exploring, Creating, and Performing. Examiners don’t just want to see strong individual pieces—they want to see a cohesive, reflective, and culturally aware body of work that demonstrates your growth as a musician.
This guide explains exactly what examiners look for in IB Music portfolios so you can organize and present your work with confidence.
Quick Start Checklist: Examiners Want to See…
- Balance across Exploring, Creating, and Performing.
- Evidence of process (drafts, notes, recordings).
- Cultural and contextual awareness.
- Connections between components.
- Reflective writing showing growth.
- Clear and professional presentation.
1. Balance Across Components
Examiners want to see that you engaged fully with all three areas:
- Exploring: Research, analysis, and cultural study.
- Creating: Original compositions or arrangements.
- Performing: Solo and/or ensemble performances.
Neglecting one area weakens the overall portfolio.
2. Evidence of Process
Final outcomes are important, but IB values the journey. Examiners expect:
- Composition drafts and early recordings.
- Annotated listening notes.
- Practice logs or rehearsal reflections.
This evidence demonstrates persistence and engagement.
3. Cultural and Contextual Awareness
Cultural insight is central to IB Music. Examiners reward portfolios that:
- Explore a variety of global traditions.
- Connect musical features to cultural meaning.
- Reflect respectfully on influences in compositions and performances.
Awareness elevates your portfolio beyond technical work.
4. Connections Between Components
Examiners value integration. Show links between areas:
- How exploration influenced your compositions.
- How research shaped your repertoire choices.
- How creating informed your performance style.
Connections make your portfolio cohesive.
5. Reflective Writing
Reflection is essential. Examiners want writing that:
- Explains your decision-making.
- Highlights challenges and solutions.
- Shows personal and musical growth.
- Connects to IB’s global and intercultural aims.
Reflection demonstrates critical engagement, not just description.
6. Clear Presentation
Even strong portfolios can lose impact if poorly presented. Examiners appreciate:
- Clear structure and labeling of sections.
- Logical sequencing of materials.
- Concise, polished writing.
- Professional formatting of scores, recordings, and notes.
Presentation helps examiners focus on your music.
FAQs
1. How much should I include in my IB Music portfolio?
Enough to show depth in all three components. Focus on quality and balance rather than overwhelming quantity.
2. Do all portfolio entries need to link together?
Not every entry, but overall the portfolio should feel cohesive, with connections across Exploring, Creating, and Performing.
3. How important are reflections?
Very important. Reflections often make the difference between a mid-level and top-level mark because they reveal your critical engagement.
4. What’s the biggest mistake students make in portfolios?
Submitting disconnected work without showing process or reflection. Examiners want a narrative of growth, not just final products.
Conclusion
Examiners look for portfolios that balance technical skill with reflection and cultural awareness. By including evidence of process, making connections across components, and presenting your work professionally, you’ll create a portfolio that stands out as examiner-ready.
RevisionDojo supports IB Music students in building cohesive portfolios that demonstrate creativity, growth, and global understanding.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
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