Nova Scotia
Registered Music Teachers’
Association

Challenge For Credit: Music

from Nova Scotia English Program Services, Department of Education

Printable version of this information [pdf]

Further to information provided in Challenge for Credit for Fine Arts (2001), the following information pertains to the Challenge for Credit process for Music 10, Music 11, and Music 12.

Certification by a Nationally Recognized Institution

The Department of Education recognizes the achievement of music students whose practical and theoretical work has been professionally examined and officially certified by a nationally recognized institution. This work does not require re-examination as part of the challenge process. Marks earned by the student may be included in the calculation of the student's grade for the music course being challenged.

Students pursuing music through private study and examination with the Royal Conservatory of Music or Conservatory Canada, for example, may use the following certification:

Music 10: Grade 6 piano or instrumental/vocal equivalent
Music 11: Grade 7 piano or instrumental/vocal equivalent
Music 12: Grade 8 piano or instrumental/vocal equivalent
Theoretical requirements for each grade level
Royal Conservatory of Music History 3

Certificates and results of external examinations should be included in the portfolio.

Portfolio Requirements

The portfolio is a required component of the process of challenge for music credits. The portfolio must provide evidence that the student has participated in group music making (ensemble participation within or outside the school), such as membership in band, orchestra, or choir; duet or small ensemble; accompanying or conducting. Group music making is a critical component of the high school music curriculum.

Additional components may include the following:

certificates/awards
list of technology/software that the student has used
original composition or arrangement
results of external examinations
review of a performance
written work such as a report, a journal, or a summary of past musical experiences (e.g., camps, concerts, festivals)

For further information, contact the following:

Ann Blackwood,
Director, English Program Services
NS Department of Education
phone: (902) 424-5745
e-mail: blackwaa@gov.ns.ca

Eric Favaro
Arts Education Consultant
English Program Services
NS Department of Education
phone: (902) 424-8894
e-mail: favaroe@gov.ns.ca