Leaving Certificate Music Exam Features Familiar Irish Musicians

The recent Leaving Certificate music examination has garnered attention for its inclusion of well-known Irish musicians, including Hozier, The Cranberries, Dermot Kennedy, and Cian Ducrot. The exam, held on June 19, 2025, at various institutions across Ireland, presented a set of challenges that tested students' musical comprehension and analytical skills.

According to Ciara Coleman, a music teacher at the Institute of Education, the examination paper not only rewarded students who demonstrated a solid understanding of key musical themes and features from their studied works but also encouraged them to engage with the music on a deeper level. 'The questions on set works were well-distributed across the entire piece, allowing for a more holistic approach rather than a focus on isolated sections,' she stated.

Lucille O'Mahony, a music student and member of the Dublin-based band Bullpen, expressed relief at the first question of the listening paper, which focused on Tchaikovsky’s 'Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture'. 'We had speculated that either Tchaikovsky or Bach would be chosen, and Tchaikovsky is generally considered to be the easier option, so we were pleased with that,' she said.

Nicole Cooney, the ASTI subject representative for music and a teacher at Maryfield College in Drumcondra, described the higher-level exam as 'lovely,' highlighting significant questions on melody and harmony that most students could tackle. However, she noted that a question involving Queen’s 'Bohemian Rhapsody' required students to identify chord changes in an unconventional format, which might have caused confusion for some.

The exam also featured an Irish music component that tested students' familiarity with traditional styles such as sean-nós and slip jigs, as well as contemporary fusion music. Coleman remarked on the focus of the unseen questions, stating, 'Interestingly, these were centered entirely on pop music, and some selections were quite controversial.'

Following the listening section, students proceeded to the composition paper, which O'Mahony described as 'very nice, with straightforward tasks in both harmony and melody.' Students primarily chose to work on questions that required them to compose a melody in G major, with the challenge lying in recognizing unique features within the provided musical opening.

The ordinary level paper mirrored the higher-level exam but featured questions that were more accessible to students, according to Cooney. Overall, the feedback from educators and students indicates that while the exam was challenging, it also provided opportunities for students to demonstrate their musical knowledge and skills.

The Leaving Certificate, a pivotal academic milestone for secondary students in Ireland, has consistently evolved to reflect both educational priorities and the cultural landscape. As this year's exam concludes, educators anticipate how the results will shape future music education and curriculum developments in Ireland. The significance of a diverse and inclusive representation of Irish music in academic assessments cannot be understated, as it cultivates a deeper appreciation for the nation’s rich musical heritage among students.

In summary, the 2025 Leaving Certificate music exam has not only highlighted the talents of familiar Irish musicians but also emphasized the importance of a well-rounded musical education that encompasses both traditional and contemporary influences. As students prepare for their results, the insights gained from this experience will undoubtedly influence their future academic and artistic endeavors.