WJEC/Eduqas GCSE Music Revision Guide Sample

58 SECTION 1 APPRAISING EXAM STYLE QUESTIONS Example of a long paragraph-style answer Listen online to the first 58 seconds of some jazz music. In the examination, the extract will be played twice. Two different questions are presented below, which are typical examples of what may be asked on this extract. Question 1 Explain three ways in which the composer creates a relaxed type of mood in the music. [3 marks] High mark answer Commentary The composer has used a slow tempo, with a steady moving, regular beat. The dynamic of the music is generally ‘piano’, and the regular and steady slow-type melody played by the bass in a low register adds to the feel. There is also a gentle percussive beat on the drums, and the use of brushes makes the effect softer, which is quite calming. This is a very good answer showing clearly that the student has considered a range of musical elements, including explanation of the way that the instruments have been used. Lower mark answer Commentary The way the piano plays supports the mood. The drums are played softly, which helps the beat. The feeling is chilled-out and relaxed. Some observations are correct but there is a lack of explanation. The student needs to describe the way the piano plays to create the mood, i.e. how and what is playing, and what type of drum beat is used. The nal sentence only repeats the information already given in the question. Question 2 Describe how the composer uses the musical elements of rhythm and metre in this composition. [4 marks] High mark answer Commentary The composer has used a slow tempo (possibly lento), with a steady, moving, regular beat. This is supported by the bass line which mostly supports with crotchet beats, though moves to quavers and some off- beat patterns when it takes on the melody. There are chords in the piano part, which are mostly syncopated. The piece is in 4/4 time (i.e. simple quadruple). This is an excellent answer which o ers plenty of accurate information using appropriate technical vocabulary. Lots of speci c, relevant detail has been included. Lower mark answer Commentary The drums are playing a slow beat. The music is off-beat in a jazzy style, and the metre has a time signature with the same amount of beats in every bar. The composer has used the elements of rhythm and metre in an interesting way. The answer has included some accurate rhythmic features, but it clearly lacks the detail and explanation of the previous answer. For example, what is the time signature in themusic – exactly howmany beats are there in every bar?What could the tempomarking be? Once again, the last sentence has repeated the question, without giving exact musical details to explain why it may be interesting. If each point had been explained, higher marks would be awarded.