How to Answer Question 5

Question 5: Irish Traditional Music

Question 5 in the Leaving Certificate Music exam focuses on Irish Traditional Music, testing students' understanding of its various aspects. This question requires both descriptive knowledge of Irish traditional music and aural skills to identify and describe musical features. It is a core part of the Listening paper.

What Does Question 5 Cover?

The question typically includes:

• Short-answer questions based on recordings of Irish traditional music played during the exam.
• Essay-style questions that require knowledge of styles, instruments, features, and historical developments in Irish traditional music. You must be familiar with:
• Types of dance tunes (e.g., reels, jigs, hornpipes).
• Song traditions (e.g., sean-nós, laments, humorous songs).
• Instruments used in Irish music (traditional and modern).
• Fusion of Irish music with other genres.
• Historical context and revival movements.
• Regional styles and notable performers.

Structure of Question 5

Section A: Aural Identification

• What You'll Hear:
  • Excerpts of traditional Irish music (e.g., jigs, reels, hornpipes, sean-nós singing).
  • Fusion examples or performances by well-known artists.
• What You'll Be Asked:
  • Identify the type of tune (e.g., reel, jig).
  • Describe features such as rhythm, ornamentation, and instrumentation.
  • Recognise traditional instruments like the uilleann pipes, tin whistle, or fiddle.
  • Identify regional styles or modern fusion elements.

Section B: Written Response

• Essay-style questions that may ask you to:
  • Outline the history and development of Irish traditional music.
  • Describe the features of specific tune types (e.g., differences between reels and jigs).
  • Discuss the role of a specific instrument or performer in Irish music.
  • Explain the significance of the fusion of Irish music with other styles.
  • Analyse the impact of the Irish traditional music revival.

Marking Scheme

Listening Section (Aural Identification):

• Typically 10–15 marks.
• Focus on accuracy in identifying features such as the type of tune or instrument used.

Written Section (Essay):

• Typically 15–20 marks.
• Awarded for depth of knowledge, clarity of examples, and ability to connect features to broader themes in Irish traditional music.

Exam Tips

1. Listen to Irish Traditional Music Regularly: Practice identifying types of tunes, instruments, and regional styles.
2. Memorise Examples: Know key pieces, performers, and songs for each topic.
3. Practice Past Papers: Familiarise yourself with question formats and marking schemes.
4. Focus on Features: In your answers, discuss rhythms, time signatures, ornamentation, and the use of instruments.
5. Integrate Historical Context: Show how Irish music evolved and its cultural significance.