The Flute in 20th and 21st Century Latin Music

Sample 4 is titled ‘The Flute in 20th and 21st Century Latin Music’. This essay features a hypothesis demonstrating some independence of thought, supported by a well organised, clear and sustained argument, and a detailed level of critical analysis and evaluations to draw valid conclusions. The student provides a sophisticated understanding of the concepts of music and the relationships between them within the area chosen for study. The essay also presents evidence of thorough research showing data collected from relevant primary and secondary sources which were appropriately integrated into the discussion.

Marking guideline annotations

C1 – establishment of an hypothesis and application of the skills of critical analysis and evaluation

The hypothesis presented has allowed the student to demonstrate some independence of thought through exploring Astor Piazzolla's ‘Tango Etude No 3’ (1987) and Kerin Bailey's ‘Butterfly Samba’ (2010). The scope of the chosen hypothesis to prove that the two works have “individual and distinct musical attributes” was broad, which in turn affected the focus of the essay.

C2 – organisation, development and expression of ideas in a sustained argument supported by relevant musical examples and quotations

The student has demonstrated an appropriate organisation, development and expression of ideas in a sustained argument supported by relevant musical examples and quotations, although the quality of examples is not consistent throughout the essay.

C3 – understanding of the concepts of music and the relationships between them within the relevant context

With the broad hypothesis, the student was able to demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the concepts of music and the relationships between them in the two works selected for study.

C4 – research and data collection skills from primary and secondary sources

In this essay, there is evidence that the student has used thorough research skills and data collection in a clear manner that integrates both primary and secondary source materials that are appropriate to the areas of study in this submission.