Junior Cert music papers at both levels provoked mixed reaction among teachers. There were few smiles on the faces of students at Loreto Abbey, Dalkey, Co Dublin, according to their teacher, Ms Kathryn Fitzgerald.

Papers at both higher and ordinary level were stiff and demanding, she said. However, she praised the layout of the papers and the quality of the tape.

Students, though, were less than impressed. They found question 5 - chosen songs and works - particularly difficult. "In part H they were asked to recall music they had heard in part C. Ideally, they should have been able to hear the music again," Ms Fitzgerald said.

Ms Maire Mannion, who teaches at St Mary's College, Naas, Co Kildare, found the higher-level paper "very positive and fair" with very helpful instructions, but had reservations about the structure of question 5.

Ms Miriam Kenny, who teaches at Alexandra College, Dublin, said that students found parts of some questions difficult. Question 5 was, she noted, lengthy and confusing in parts, while question 8, on chord progressions, also presented difficulties.

Ms Kenny and Ms Mannion both described the ordinary-level paper as straightforward and relatively problem free.