Component 1: Performing (Coursework) 30%
ONE solo and ONE ensemble performance (minimum total time of 4 minutes) If your performance is less than 4 minutes you receive ZERO marks for performing.
Component 2: Composing (Coursework) 30%
TWO compositions: ONE free composition and ONE following a set brief.
Component 3: Appraising (Examination) 40%
The Appraising paper is based on 4 AREAS of STUDY. Each Area of Study contains 2 set works.
(1.) Instrumental Music 1700 -1820, (2.) Vocal Music, (3.) Music for Stage and Screen and (4.) Fusions
You will study these specific pieces and will also be required to compare aspects of the set works (harmony, melody, structure etc.) with unfamiliar wider listening.
•Organise notes into a folder, clearly divided into separate set works!
•Check your notes – is there anything you don’t understand?
•Listen to the 8 set works on a regular basis. Try and follow the score whilst listening (students should have a score for each of the set works covered).
•Wider listening – you will need to make clear links between aspects of a set work and other pieces that may not be familiar to you. Ask your teacher for more Wider Listening examples linked to each set work.
•Recap the main features of the set works (from the revision guide & notes) whilst listening to them.
•Students should have produced a ‘columns’ revision grid for each work (summarising the instrumentation, texture, melody, structure, context/genre, rhythm, harmony, tonality of each).
•Have an overview of the main stylistic features of each period (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th Century.)
•Make sure scores are annotated with relevant notes.
•Pick five of the ‘columns’ features and practise writing 2 points for each on a given set work.
•Make a PowerPoint discussing the features of each set work.
•Lots of listening practice questions in class and from teachers as opportunity homework.