Unit G532: Composing 1

Assessment 

Teacher-Assessed Portfolio 

Candidates are required to submit a portfolio representative of work undertaken throughout the 
course. 

Section A: The Language of Western Tonal Harmony 45 marks 

Candidates should submit a set of seven exercises: six completed during the course and one 
completed under centre supervision towards the end of the course. 

Each exercise should consist of a given melody taken from any suitable established repertoire. 
The candidate is required to add a bass line and indicate the harmonic implications of this by 
annotating the exercise with chord symbols (such as Roman numerals, guitar-style chord symbols 
or figured bass). At least two exercises should be worked in a complete texture, continuing an 
appropriate type of figuration on the model of the incipit. 

The material worked by the candidate should be between 8 and 24 bars. 

Candidates should be able to demonstrate: 

• understanding of the harmonic implications of a melody; 
• appropriate use of core vocabulary; 
• control of technique; and 
• notational legibility and accuracy. 

The selection of exercises submitted should enable moderators to assess the full range of the 
candidate's knowledge and understanding of the chosen style. The set should contain examples in 
major and minor keys. 

All exercises must name the composer and title of the work from which it is taken and give the date 
on which it was completed. Fair copies are not required but notation must be accurate and legible, 
with the given part and any teacher annotation clearly distinguishable from the candidate's own 
working. Music notation software may be used. 

Section B: Instrumental Techniques 45 marks 

Candidates should submit one of the following: 

Either: 

A composition for between four and ten instruments lasting not more than three minutes. 
The instruments used in the composition may be: 

• purely acoustic; 
• amplified instruments; or 
• a combination of acoustic and amplified instruments. 

The composition must be submitted as a full score together with a recording. 
A concise accompanying commentary should define the self-determined brief, outline the influence 
of relevant listening and explain the process of composition. 

Or: 

An arrangement of a lead sheet (i.e. a single-line melody with chord symbols) for between four and 
ten instruments lasting not more than three minutes. 

The instruments used in the composition may be: 

• purely acoustic; 
• amplified instruments; or 
• a combination of acoustic and amplified instruments. 

The arrangement must be submitted as a full score together with a recording. 
A concise accompanying commentary should define the self-determined brief, outline the influence 
of relevant listening and explain the process of composition. 

A copy of the lead sheet must also be submitted. 

Candidates’ compositions/arrangements will be assessed on: 

• the quality of materials; 
• the handling of resources; 
• technical control; and 
• the effectiveness of communication (notation and recording). 

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