IB Music EE Grader
- Many students struggle to unpack their Music Extended Essay grade and assessment feedback.
- This is a comprehensive grading tool that breaks down the IB Music EE rubric into clear, actionable language, so you understand exactly where your musical investigation stands across all five assessment criteria.
- The embedded grader makes self-evaluation more precise and efficient than manual rubric checking, eliminating guesswork about your performance.
Quick Start Checklist
Before using the grader, ensure you understand these essential elements:
- Research Question - Sharply focused, musically rich question that invites investigation of musical works, practices, or theoretical concepts
- Musical Analysis Focus - Clear engagement with musical elements, theoretical concepts, or performance practice appropriate to music studies
- Methodology - Systematic approach using musicological methods (score analysis, comparative studies, historical research, performance practice investigation)
- Primary Source Integration - Musical scores, recordings, performance materials, and relevant secondary scholarship with proper citation
- Critical Analysis - Evidence of independent thinking, evaluation of musical interpretations, and synthesis of analytical insights
- Musical Terminology - Sophisticated use of discipline-specific vocabulary and analytical frameworks
- Word Count Verification - Between 3,500-4,000 words (excluding bibliography, musical examples, and appendices)
- Audio-Visual Materials - Proper integration of musical examples, score excerpts, and recordings to support analysis
Quick Start Checklist
Before using the grader, ensure you understand these key elements:
- Research Question - Clear, focused musical question that allows for sustained analysis and investigation
- Musical Context - Understanding of relevant musical periods, styles, genres, or theoretical frameworks
- Methodology - Clear explanation of your analytical approach (formal analysis, historical research, comparative study, etc.)
- Primary Sources - Direct engagement with musical scores, recordings, and primary documents where relevant
- Musical Analysis - Detailed examination of musical elements (harmony, melody, rhythm, form, texture, etc.)
- Secondary Sources - Scholarly musicological sources that support and contextualize your investigation
- Word Count Verification - Maximum 4,000 words (excluding musical examples, bibliography, and appendices)
- Musical Examples - Appropriate score excerpts, audio references, or visual materials to support analysis
Rubric Breakdown
The IB Music EE is assessed using five criteria totalling 34 marks.
Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 marks)
- This criterion evaluates how effectively you formulate and address your research question using appropriate musicological research methods.
- It tests your ability to maintain focus and apply systematic approaches to musical investigation.
| Mark band | What it means | Evidence you must show |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | The topic is too broad or unclear. | The research question is vague, and the approach is superficial. |
| 3-4 | The topic is relevant but lacks focus. | The research question is clear but not fully developed. |
| 5-6 | The topic is well-defined and focused. | The research question is precise, and the approach is systematic. |
Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)
- This evaluates your grasp of musical concepts, historical contexts, and theoretical frameworks relevant to your investigation.
- It tests your ability to demonstrate comprehensive musical understanding and use appropriate terminology.
| Mark band | What it means | Evidence you must show |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Limited understanding of the topic. | Basic concepts are mentioned without depth. |
| 3-4 | Good understanding with some depth. | Concepts are explained but lack detailed analysis. |
| 5-6 | Excellent understanding with depth and insight. | Concepts are thoroughly analyzed and well-integrated. |
Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 marks)
- This is the most heavily weighted criterion, testing your ability to analyze musical works, evaluate sources, and construct coherent arguments.
- It assesses your musical analysis skills, critical evaluation, and synthesis of ideas.
| Mark band | What it means | Evidence you must show |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Limited analysis and evaluation. | Arguments are weak and unsupported. |
| 5-8 | Good analysis with some evaluation. | Arguments are clear but lack depth. |
| 9-12 | Excellent analysis and evaluation. | Arguments are insightful and well-supported. |
Criterion D: Presentation (4 marks)
- This tests the organization, structure, and formal presentation of your musical essay.
- It evaluates logical flow, proper citations, formatting, and integration of musical examples.
| Mark band | What it means | Evidence you must show |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The structure is unclear and disorganized. | The essay lacks coherence. |
| 2 | The structure is clear but lacks coherence. | The essay is organized but not logical. |
| 3 | The structure is clear and logical. | The essay is well-organized and easy to follow. |
| 4 | The structure is clear, logical, and engaging. | The essay is well-organized and engaging. |
Criterion E: Engagement (6 marks)
- This assesses your personal engagement with the musical investigation and reflection on the research process.
- It evaluates intellectual curiosity, awareness of challenges, and genuine musical passion.
| Mark band | What it means | Evidence you must show |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Limited reflection on the research process. | The reflection is superficial. |
| 3-4 | Good reflection with some insight. | The reflection is thoughtful but lacks depth. |
| 5-6 | Excellent reflection with depth and insight. | The reflection is insightful and well-integrated. |
EE Grade Boundaries
The following table outlines the grade boundaries for the Theatre EE:
| Grade | Score Range |
|---|---|
| A | 27-34 |
| B | 21-26 |
| C | 14-20 |
| D | 7-13 |
| E | 0-6 |
- The embedded grader calculates your total score out of 28 marks across all criteria except E, your reflections.
- Here's how to interpret your results:
- 24-28 marks (Grade A territory): Excellent musical investigation with sophisticated analysis. Minor refinements in presentation or engagement may elevate the work further.
- 19-23 marks (Grade B range): Strong musical research with good analytical skills. Focus on deepening musical analysis and strengthening weaker criteria.
- 14-18 marks (Grade C level): Competent work meeting basic requirements. Strengthen musical analysis and increase sophistication of musical understanding.
- 9-13 marks (Grade D range): Adequate foundation but needs significant improvement. Review analytical approach and musical knowledge depth.
- Below 9 marks: Major revision required across most criteria. Reconsider research question and approach to musical investigation.
Subject-Specific Tips
Choosing Your Research Question:
- Focus on specific musical works, composers, or techniques rather than broad genres
- Ensure the question allows for detailed musical analysis (not just historical survey)
- Consider questions that connect musical elements to cultural, historical, or theoretical contexts
- Avoid purely biographical questions - focus on musical analysis and interpretation
Musical Analysis Methodology:
- Formal Analysis: Examine structure, harmonic progressions, motivic development
- Comparative Study: Compare works, styles, or approaches across different contexts
- Historical Analysis: Trace musical development while maintaining analytical focus
- Performance Practice: Examine how performance choices affect musical meaning
- Cultural Context: Analyze music within its social, political, or cultural framework
Working with Musical Sources:
- Primary Sources: Original scores, recordings, composer writings, contemporary reviews
- Secondary Sources: Scholarly articles, music theory texts, analytical studies
- Score Analysis: Use proper music notation and analytical symbols
- Recording Analysis: Reference specific performances with timing markers
- Integration: Connect musical examples directly to your written analysis
Developing Musical Arguments:
- State your thesis clearly and support it with musical evidence
- Use specific musical examples (measures, phrases, sections) to illustrate points
- Explain how musical elements contribute to larger meanings or effects
- Consider alternative interpretations and address them with musical evidence
- Connect detailed analysis to broader musical or cultural significance
Technical Writing for Music:
- Use precise musical terminology correctly and consistently
- Include properly formatted score excerpts with measure numbers
- Reference recordings with timing and performer information
- Maintain academic tone while conveying musical insights
- Structure arguments around musical logic and evidence
Common Research Question Examples
Strong Research Questions:
- "How does Debussy's use of whole-tone scales in 'La Cathédrale Engloutie' create impressionistic effects that differ from traditional tonal practice?"
- "In what ways does Kendrick Lamar's 'To Pimp a Butterfly' employ jazz harmony and rhythm to enhance its social commentary?"
- "How do the minimalist techniques in Steve Reich's 'Music for 18 Musicians' challenge traditional concepts of musical development and form?"
Weak Research Questions:
- "How has music changed over time?" (too broad)
- "Who was Mozart and what did he compose?" (biographical, not analytical)
- "Is classical music better than popular music?" (subjective comparison)
- "What instruments are used in orchestras?" (factual, not investigative)
Musical Analysis Examples
High-Band Analysis Excerpt:
"In measures 12-16 of Chopin's Ballade No. 1, the composer employs a deceptive resolution (V7/vi to N6) that subverts the expected tonic arrival, creating harmonic ambiguity that mirrors the narrative uncertainty of the ballad form. This technique, combined with the chromatically descending bass line, generates the sense of yearning that characterizes the Romantic aesthetic."
Why This Scores High:
- Uses specific measure references and precise harmonic terminology
- Explains the musical effect and its broader significance
- Connects technique to stylistic and aesthetic contexts
- Demonstrates sophisticated musical understanding
Low-Band Analysis Excerpt:
"Chopin uses different chords in his music that sound nice and create emotion. The piano part is beautiful and shows his skill as a composer."
What's Missing:
- No specific musical examples or technical terminology
- Vague descriptions without analytical depth
- No connection to broader musical contexts
- Lacks demonstration of musical knowledge
FAQs
- What musical knowledge do I need?
- You should be comfortable with basic music theory, notation reading, and analytical terminology. Advanced harmonic analysis may be needed depending on your topic.
- Can I write about popular music?
- Yes, but ensure your analysis is as rigorous as classical music analysis. Use appropriate theoretical frameworks for popular music genres.
- Should I include audio recordings?
- While not required, audio references can strengthen your analysis, especially for performance practice or comparative studies.
- How technical should my analysis be?
- Use appropriate technical depth for your topic, but always explain complex concepts clearly for educated non-specialist readers.
- Can I analyze my own compositions?
- This is generally not recommended as it lacks the scholarly distance needed for critical analysis.
- What if I can't read music notation?
- Basic notation reading is essential for most music EE topics. Consider choosing a topic that aligns with your current musical skills.
- Should I include performance experience?
- Personal performance insights can enhance your analysis, but they should support scholarly investigation, not replace it.
- How many musical works should I analyze?
- Quality over quantity - thorough analysis of 1-3 works is often more effective than superficial coverage of many pieces.
- Can I use non-Western musical traditions?
- Absolutely! Ensure you understand the appropriate analytical frameworks and cultural contexts for your chosen tradition.
- What if I disagree with published analysis?
- Original insights are valued, but ensure your alternative interpretations are well-supported with musical evidence and reasoning.
Use the Free Music EE Grader Now
- Stop guessing about your musical analysis quality.
- This comprehensive grading tool evaluates your Extended Essay against all five official criteria, giving instant feedback on your analytical depth, research quality, and areas for improvement.
- Input your investigation details and get a preliminary grade calculation that helps you focus revision efforts where they matter most for musical excellence.
- Music-specific analysis helps you master the analytical skills and scholarly research methods that separate sophisticated from superficial musical investigations.