Assessment Specifications
Level 3 Music 2023
General information
Method of assessment |
Written examination |
Standards |
Specific information for individual achievement standards
Standard |
91420 |
Title |
Integrate aural skills into written representation |
Subfield |
Music |
Domain |
Making Music |
Version |
2 |
Number of credits |
4 |
Candidates will be required to listen to pre-recorded music extracts and respond to tasks using appropriate musical notation and written evidence.
The following skills will be assessed:
- identification of chord progressions and cadences
- transcription of melodic lines from the upper or lower parts of a texture
- understanding of the use of elements and features, such as instrumentation and timbre; terms, signs, and performance markings; melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic features; and textural, structural, and compositional devices.
An audio recording of music extracts.
Please refer to the Explanatory Notes in AS 91420.
Further clarification of the elements and features applicable at Levels 1, 2, and 3 Music can be found on the Music Subject Resources page, under the heading “Other Music resources”.
Standard |
91421 |
Title |
Demonstrate understanding of harmonic and tonal conventions in a range of music scores |
Subfield |
Music |
Domain |
Music Studies |
Version |
2 |
Number of credits |
4 |
Candidates will be required to refer to music score extracts in order to analyse and realise short passages of harmony, using appropriate written evidence and musical notation.
Music from the following styles / genres will be represented:
- classical / romantic keyboard solo
- 4-part (“Bach”) chorale
- jazz / pop song (keyboard-vocal).
Use of Roman numeral notation (e.g. “Vb” or “V6
3”) and jazz / rock notation for chords will be required.
Please refer to the Explanatory Notes in AS 91421.
Further clarification of the knowledge and conventions applicable at Levels 1, 2, and 3 Music can be found on the Music Subject Resources page, under the heading “Other Music resources”.
Standard |
91423 |
Title |
Examine the influence of context on a substantial music work |
Subfield |
Music |
Domain |
Music Studies |
Version |
2 |
Number of credits |
4 |
Candidates will be required to write an essay on a substantial music work they have studied. Candidates will be given four questions from which to select ONE to answer.
Candidates are encouraged to write a concise response of no more than 800–900 words (5–6 pages). Assessment will be based on the quality of the response rather than its length.
Information in planning spaces will not be marked.
Please refer to the Explanatory Notes in AS 91423.