Performing

You can choose the music to perform, although you will see in this website and through lessons how a sensible choice of pieces can bolster your marks. You must choose different pieces for solo and ensemble performing.

You must perform:

• A minimum of one solo piece lasting for at least one minute.

• A minimum of one ensemble piece lasting for at least one minute.

The timing of your performance is crucial:

• The total time for your solo and ensemble performance must be at least four minutes.

• You can perform more than one solo and/or more than one ensemble piece to reach this minimum time.

• Take care over timings as you will receive no marks for this component if your total performance time is less than four minutes.

• There is no maximum time limit, but it is suggested that he two performances together should not exceed 6 minutes.

The recordings can be made at any time during the final year of your course. If you present more than one solo, the pieces must be performance recorded in the same session. The same applies to ensemble performing.

Your teacher will decide on suitable recording dates, which are likely to be well before the main examination period begins. Your allocated date needs to be early enough to allow time for you to repeat your recording session if things don't go to plan on the day. This is especially for ensemble performances, which might have to be postponed if any members of your group are absent for the final rehearsals or for the recording.

You can perform on any instrument (including singing) and you can present any style of music.

Your options include:

• Performing from a score. This can consist of staff notation or any other types of written instruction.

• Improvising, where much of the music is created on the sport and is based on a stimulus such as a chord pattern, a melody or perhaps a picture or a poem.

• Performing music learnt by ear rather than from a score.

• Performing a live part over a sequenced or pre-recorded backing track.

• Rapping or beatboxing.

• Performing your own composition.

It is likely that you will spend the first part of the course improving your general performing skills. You will then decide on the pieces you will present for Component 1 and then work on those in detail.

You probably already enjoy playing or singing music, but have you ever given a performance? Just learning to get the notes right is only the first step towards performing. You then need to bring the notes to life and to convince your listeners of your own passion for the piece you are presenting.

Dealing with performance nerves

Many students enjoy performing, but some find that it makes them very nervous:

• Do not pick a piece that is too difficult. If you are constantly worrying about getting the notes right, the listeners will sense your anxiety and will feel uncomfortable. It would be much better to choose something easier that allows you to concentrate on communicating the music to others.

• Find opportunities to perform to others whenever you can - to your relatives at home, or to other members of your GCSE group. Start with simple pieces that you know well. As your confidence increases you will become more relaxed and your playing or singing will improve as a result.

Finding the right pieces to present for Component 1 can help you get the best possible mark.

Music that you really enjoy playing can be a good choice but there are other considerations:

• It is vital that the total length of your performances is at least four minutes.

• The pieces should be long enough for you to show a range of musical skills. For example, music that contains a change of mood, dynamic changes or areas that your can best showcase your talents.