Stirrings of change in secondary education in general, and in music in particular, were taking place in Scotland towards the end of the seventies. Reports published at that time suggested that a deal of thinking on curriculum, and on methods of assessing pupils' achievements, was required. The authors record that, ten years later, the many discussions and trials that have taken place have borne fruit. In this article they describe the planning of the new examination in Music at Standard Grade, and take a brief look at its requirements.