UNIT G351: Performing

Section A: Solo Recital (60)

• Assessed by an eternal examiner.
• Not exceeding 8mins in length
• Pieces performed should aim to demonstrate technical and expressive control and understanding in a range of representative repertoire on 1 instrument.

Photocopies of the full scores must be presented to the examiner on day of recital.

Section B: Vive Voce (20)

• Discussion with the external examiner (approx. 5mins)
• Focusing attention on the deceision the candidate has made in the preparation and performance of the recital pieces.

Section C: Further Performing (40)

ONE of the following (not exceeding 4mins):

(i) Performance on a second instrument

(ii) Performaning in an ensemble / duet / accompanist

(iii) Performance of candidate's own composition (on instrument used in Section A plus one other)

(iv) An improvisation on any instrument using a given stimulus

UNIT G352: Composing 1

Section A – Language of western tonal harmony (50)

Submit a set of 7 harmony exercises showing the addition of bass and harmony to a given melody lasting between 8 and 24 bars long.  Extracts may be taken from a single or different genres. Must contain a combination of major and minor works. ONE exercise is completed under EXAM CONDITIONS.

Section B –  Free Composition (45)

EITHER:

(i) Free composition for 4-10 instruments not exceeding 3mins.

OR:

(ii) An arrangement of a lead sheet

Each composition MUST have a full score, written commentary and a recording.

UNIT G353: Historical and Analytical Studies

Section A – Aural extracts (30)

Extract 1 -  an instrumental movement drawn from solo, chamber or orchestral repertoire from 1700-1830.

OR:

Extract 2 – part or all of a piece from popular instrumental music of the 20th century. Skeleton score provided.

Section B – Prescribed works (40)

2 questions on any of the following set works (one classical, one jazz):

• J.S Bach (overture from an Orchestral Suite)
• Mozart (Clarinet concerto in A)
• Schubert ('Unfinished' Symphony)
• Miles Davis (So What?)
• Jelly Roll Morton (Back Bottom Stomp)
• Count Basie (Jumpin' at the Woodside)

Section C – Contextual Study (20)

Chose 1 essay style question from a selection of 3 all related to the prescribed works in Section B. Pupils must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of appropriate historical background and a wider contextual understanding of the set works.

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A2 Music Course Overview

UNIT 2553 Performing: Interpretation

Section A: Recital (65)

* 12-15mins on 1 instrument

* performed live in front of examiner.

* solo/ensemble/ accompanist

Repertoire should demonstrate in-depth understanding of a style or genre, either by the performer of 1 or more movements from a single piece or small group of shorter pieces, related jazz standards etc.

Section B: Performance Investigation (35)

A comparison of interpretations of a single work for the instrument on which they perform in A based on 2 or 3 recordings. The music chosen must show a clearly identifiable relationship to the music represented in the recital in A.   max:2500 words   Tape or CD of extracts must be submitted.

UNIT 2554 Composing 2

Choose TWO from the following (at least ONE must be a Commissioned Assignment) each worth 50 marks:

(i) Vocal composition (commissioned) - set one of two given texts to music

(ii) Film storyboard (commissioned) - submit a film score to a given storyboard

(iii) Stylistic techniques - set of 8-10 exercises (16-24 bars in length)

(iv) Free composition - for any medium / style, not exceeding 5 mins.

Each composition must have a full score, commentary and a recording.

UNIT 2555 Historical and Analytical Studies

Section A – Aural extracts

Extract 1 - complete movement, 3mins long (30). Skeleton score given.

Vocal music from 1900-1955

Test aural awareness, dictation skills etc.

Extract 2 – 2 mins long.  No score. (15)

Any composer/ style / tradition / genre from history of music!!!

Section B – Prescribed historical Topics (35)

Topic 4 (1955-2000) – integration of music and drama.

3 essay titles given, candidates to pick one.

Section C – Synoptic Essay (20)

Five essays set, candidates pick one.