Music

Assessment

Component 1: Performing (9MU0 / 01) Non-examined – marked externally: 30% of the qualification 60 marks ■ Performance of one or more pieces – solo, in an ensemble, improvising or realising music through musical technology ■ Total performance time of 8 minutes minimum, recorded between 1 March and 1 May Component 2: Composing (9MU0 / 02) Non-examined – marked externally: 30% of the qualification 60 marks ■ Total of two compositions, one to a brief set by the Board, and either one free composition or a further one to a brief. Total time must be a minimum of 6 minutes ■ One composition must be from either a list of set briefs related to the areas of study, or a free composition. This composition must be at least 4 minutes long, and it carries 40 marks ■ One composition must be from a brief assessing composing techniques, carrying 20 marks Component 3: Appraising (9MU0 / 03) Written examination: 2 hours 40% of the qualification 100 marks Content overview ■ Knowledge and understanding of musical elements, contexts and language ■ Application of knowledge through six areas of study, each with three set works ■ (vocal music, instrumental music, film music, pop and jazz, musical fusions, new directions) ■ Application of knowledge to unfamiliar works Assessment overview ■ One written paper of 2 hours, with a total of 100 marks ■ One audio CD with extracts to accompany exam questions issued to each student ■ Section A: three questions related to set works; one short dictation exercise ■ Section B: two essay questions. Essay one (20 marks) asks students to draw links from their study of the set works to music heard as an unfamiliar extract. Essay two (30 marks) gives a choice of three questions from different areas of study that ask students to evaluate the musical elements, context and language of one set work.