Demonstrate understanding of two substantial and contrasting music works
In this external exam (sat at the end of the year), you pick two pieces of music that are meaningfully different from each other — for example, a Beethoven symphony movement and a jazz album. You write a detailed comparison of them, covering both the background context behind each piece (history, culture, who made it and why) and the actual musical features (harmony, texture, rhythm, instruments, compositional devices, etc.). You must refer to the musical score of at least one of the works. The exam has four parts, and you answer all of them. It is worth 6 credits and is marked externally by NZQA examiners.
You compare the two works at a basic level, covering some context and some musical features. Your points are relevant but fairly general — you identify what is happening rather than explaining it in depth.
You go into more detail and make clear, specific comparisons. You explain how the context shaped the music and describe musical features with accurate vocabulary and some supporting evidence from the score.
You write a perceptive, thorough comparison. You link context and musical features in an insightful way, support every point with precise musical evidence (including from the score), and show a deep understanding of what makes each work distinctive and how they contrast.
Standards typically taken alongside or after this one. Same subject, grouped by level.