A-level Question 6: Analysis of a Set Work Using A Score
Recommended Essay Structure
Very short introduction contextualising the set work (2-3 sentences max)
Paragraph 1: Element of Music 1
a) Sentence 1: Describe and contextualise
Describe: using musical vocabulary identify/describe the feature relating to the element of music
Contextualise: comment ‘…which is typical/atypical/advanced/conservative for that period/genre/style’
b) Sentence 2: Effect
Comment ‘The effect of this is to…’ Describe the effect / composer’s intended effect of this feature on the music.
c) Sentence 3: Comparison
Comment ‘This is similar to/different from X (composer & title) composed earlier/later/during the same/Baroque/Classical/Romantic period in which…’.
For each element of music, to complete the paragraph, follow steps (a)-(c) at least four times, identifying at least four features relating to that element, spending no more than 12 minutes.
Paragraph 2: Element of Music 2
Follow steps (a)-(c) at least four times, identifying at least four features relating to that element, spending no more than 12 minutes.
Paragraph 3: Element of Music 3
Follow steps (a)-(c) at least four times, identifying at least four features relating to that element, spending no more than 12 minutes.
Question 6 Analysis of a Set Work Advice from Examiners Report 2022 Examiners Report
*Whilst no compulsory time-length is given to complete Q5, the examiner recommends that candidates spend at least 70 minutes on Section B, which could be a minimum of 30 minutes on Q5 and 40 minutes on Q6.
Successful Essays
The most successful essays:
*Are organised into three balanced paragraphs, each discussing a different element of music.
*Identify features which illustrate the composer’s use of the three specified elements in the set work.
*Describe and explain each feature using technical vocabulary, demonstrating a strong grasp.
*Give musical explanations of the effect of each feature observed.
*Make links between the set work and the context in which it was created.
*Make links, embedded consistently throughout the essay, between the set work and other relevant pieces of music, giving a short explanation as to how the feature is used in the related piece.
*Are written as a discussion (as opposed to a list of features) using analytical and appraising skills to make evaluative and critical judgements.
Unsuccessful Essays
The least successful essays:
*Provide a list of vocabulary and musical features which occur in the piece without describing them or explaining their effect on the music as a whole.
*Are imbalanced in their discussion of the three musical elements: favouring one/two elements at the expense/omission of the other(s).
*Demonstrate an over-reliance on the illustrative pages of the score provided in the resource booklet, treating it as a source document to be worked through chronologically during the exam.
*Focus only on the illustrative pages of the score provided in the resource booklet (representing only a third of the work/movement): candidates are expected to discuss the specified work or movement in its entirety (including parts for which the score has not been provided).
*Give a chronological account of the set work, leading to repetition and imbalance between the elements.
*Discuss elements not featured in the question.
*Discuss movements not featured in the question.
How Edexcel A level Music Unit 3 Appraising questions 5 and 6 are used to supress students' final A level grades nationwide
XAnalysis of Music A level Qu 5 and 6 Nationally.pdf2022 A level Music Unit 3 Appraising Examiners' Report
X2022 A level Music Appraising Examiners Report.pdfMusic Essay Feedback Form.pdf1Set Works Revision Table (Print Copy).pdf