91425 - RESEARCH A MUSIC TOPIC

EXEMPLARS OF STUDENT WORK

MERIT EXEMPLAR

For Merit, the student needs to research a music topic in depth.

This involves the student effectively processing evidence from a range of sources to construct, refine, and deliver a detailed presentation with valid conclusions.

This student has completed a detailed written presentation on Indie music. The two sections included from the research are on how Indie music began to be popularised as a genre and the student’s conclusion as to what Indie\ music is.

The research demonstrates in depth descriptions and explanations of sub-genres (1) and how the rise of Indie popularity has been an aspect of its demise, particularly during the early 2000s (2). The conclusion summarises the main findings of the research. It is valid and shows some degree of perception (3), particularly in regard to the effect of technology on the genre (4) (5).

To reach Excellence, the student could analyse an Indie song to allow further insight to be reached and demonstrate that a range of sources has been more fully explored.

MERIT EXEMPLAR

For Merit, the student needs to research a music topic in depth.

This involves the student effectively processing evidence from a range of sources to construct, refine, and deliver a detailed presentation with valid conclusions.

This student has delivered a generally detailed written presentation on The Beatles. Sections from the research include influences on The Beatles in their era, and the student’s conclusion on the significance of the band.

The research shows some degree of depth and effective processing of evidence including musical examples from Beatles’ songs which link back to their musical and philosophical influences (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6).

The conclusion is valid, particularly the effect The Beatles had on their generation (7) and their introduction of concept albums to the world (8).

For a more secure Merit, more details are required, such as further musical examples from the band’s extensive repertoire.

ACHIEVED EXEMPLAR

For Achieved, the student needs to research a music topic.

This involves the student processing evidence from a range of sources to construct and deliver a presentation with valid conclusions.

This student has delivered a written presentation on the research topic: ‘What is progressive music?’. The two sections included from the assignment cover the elements of Prog. Rock and the student’s conclusion as to why the genre has survived over four decades.

Although the overall research question would benefit from further refinement, the student has nevertheless begun to demonstrate some in depth processing. For example, the analysis of the elements of Prog. Rock provides musical details about time signatures, thematic subject matter and the relationship between songs on an album (1).

Valid conclusions are drawn (2) (3).

To reach Merit, the student could utilise more sources, as they are all currently web-based. Using primary sources such as surveys and interviews would allow the student to more securely provide effective processing of evidence.