As_a2 Performance Guidance

Specification Guidance

Performance At both AS and A2 levels students must undertake one of the following: Options A, B and C: a core solo or ensemble performance with a viva voce (5-8 minutes AS level, 10-12 minutes A2 level) Option D:

a solo or ensemble performance option with a viva voce (3-5 minutes AS level, 5-8 minutes A2 level)

Marks and assessment The visiting examiner will assess the student’s performance and award marks according to the following criteria: • Technical control and accuracy; • Interpretation, sense of style and communication through the music; and • Viva voce. Students should aim to perform music which is technically manageable so that they can concentrate on the expressive nature and interpretation of the music. Ensemble performances will also be assessed according to an additional criterion: • Sensitivity to other members of the ensemble. Programme Students must present a balanced and varied programme. They must sing and/or play an instrument or instruments of their own choice. Students performing on one or more instruments should be mindful that marks are awarded for the quality of a performance and not for versatility. Students may perform their own composition(s) as part of their performance programme provided the composition makes sufficient technical and expressive demands on them. At A2 level students should select a solo or ensemble programme which includes at least two contrasting pieces or two contrasting movements from a larger work.

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Specification Guidance

Accompaniment If a student’s performance needs an accompaniment, a competent accompanist should be provided. If no live accompaniment is available students may present a solo performance supported by a backing track, which should not detract from the student’s performance and allow opportunity for expressive interpretation. Backing track recordings should not include the part being played by the student. Singers should ensure that piano accompaniment parts do not generally double the vocal line. Music composed with an accompaniment should not be performed unaccompanied. In solo performances requiring a more substantial accompaniment, such as a small jazz ensemble, small string orchestra or pop group, the student should have a clear solo role throughout the piece. Performance duration It is important that the programme chosen meets the required time limits. A penalty system operates for those programmes which are shorter than the minimum time specified. Students and teachers should take into account the possible effect of nervousness on the timing of a programme. Similarly the maximum time limit should be observed as it is not in the student’s interests to perform for longer than is necessary. Technical standards The standard of performance for both solo and ensemble should be at a level equivalent to at least Grade 4, at AS level, and to at least Grade 6, at A2 level, of the accredited graded music examination boards. The minimum grade standard applies to the student’s individual part in an ensemble and not to the ensemble and not to the technical demands of the ensemble as a whole. Performances judged to be of a lower standard than the minimum requirement will result in a deduction of marks. At both AS and A2 level, credit will be given to students performing successfully above the minimum standard, up to 12 marks in the Core Solo/Ensemble performance and up to 8 marks in the Optional Solo/Ensemble performances. Programmes may consist of a range of pieces with varying technical and expressive demand and students will be given credit according to the demands of the programme as a whole. Students should be advised to choose music appropriately so that they best demonstrate their ability and skills rather than be overambitious and overextend their technique and musicianship. Students should be aware that, to perform a programme at the minimum standard, confidently and accurately,

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Specification Guidance

will be more likely to produce a high mark than performing a more difficult and ambitious programme insecurely and with technical difficulties and errors.

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Specification Guidance

Ensemble performance The music selected for the ensemble performance should enable the student to demonstrate fully the skills required for ensemble playing. The ensemble should normally consist of at least three performers and the student’s part in the ensemble must be: • clearly distinguishable from those of other performers; and • substantial enough to be assessed individually. It is not necessary for all members of the ensemble to be examination students. Ensembles should not be conducted as the conductor carries the overall responsibility for the performance rather than allowing the individual student to demonstrate fully his/her sensitivity to the music and the other members of the group. It is possible for pianists to demonstrate their ensemble skills through piano duets or by accompanying one or more performers. Viva Voce At AS level, students must engage in a meaningful discussion about points arising from the performance programme. At A2 level students must show a wider perspective than that demonstrated at AS level and be able to show some knowledge of the relevant repertoire beyond their chosen programme. Students must be able to discuss points arising from their performance and associated vocal/instrumental repertoire with the visiting examiner. The focus of the discussion is the chosen programme and for each piece students should be prepared to talk about why the music was selected and thereafter about the: • technical challenges encountered; and • issues the student has considered in relation to the style and musical interpretation of each individual piece. Singers should have considered the meaning of the text. Students are not required to talk in detail about socio-biographical information. Students do need to prepare for this aspect of the examination in order to avoid one word answers and comments at a superficial level. General points Students and teachers should bear in mind the following issues for both solo and ensemble performances:

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Specification Guidance

• Instruments should be tuned accurately and thoroughly at the start of the performance and throughout the programme as necessary; • The layout of the examination room should enhance the overall balance and communication between performers and/or accompanist; • The volume of the piano should not overpower the soloist; • In order to communicate effectively singers should generally not be reliant on music or stand behind music stands; and • The balance and volume of rock and pop groups in particular should be checked prior to the start of the examination to ensure that individual parts are clearly distinguishable.

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