Monday 24 October 2011

Concepts

Questions to Ask Yourself for Each Concept.
Duration
  1. What is the tempo?
  2. What is the time signature?
  3. Is the time signature simple or compound?
  4. Does the time signature change or remain the same?
  5. Is there rhythmic repetition? If so, who has it? Can you notate an example.
  6. Is the rhythm straight or syncopated? Refer to both the melody and the accompaniment.
  7. Are there different rhythmic layers? If so how many?
  8. Are there any continuous rhythmic ostinatos? 
Pitch
  1. Is the tonality Major or Minor?
  2. Is the melody Conjunct (stepwise) or Disjunct (leaps)?
  3. Is the accompaniment Conjunct (stepwise) or Disjunct (leaps)?
  4. Do we use diatonic harmony or chromatic harmony?
  5. What is the rate of harmonic change? (EG one chord per bar)
  6. What is the range of the melody?
  7. Is there any melodic repetition? Give example if applicable quote lyrics.
  8. Are there any sequences? 
  9. Are there any counter melodies?
Texture
  1. How many layers of sound are there?
  2. What is the role of each layer? Melody, counter melody, harmony or accompaniment?
  3. Is the texture Homophonic –melody and accompaniment. Mono Phonic – one solo instrument only or Polyphonic – many layers of equal importance.
  4. Is the texture dense or sparse?
  5. Does the texture remain the same through out? If so describe how it changes.
  6. Use a diagram to show the variation in texture label it clearly. Give as much detail as possible.
Tone Colour
  1. Identify the instruments or voices playing.
  2. How is the sound produced? E.g. strings – bow or pizzicato, hit (drums) –hand mallet or brushes? Etc.
  3. Describe the sound – light, airy, rich, somber, dark, nasal, strident, brassy, etc.
  4. Does it vary? Describe in detail the changes.
  5. Are they using any expressive techniques to alter the tone quality?
Dynamic and Expressive Techniques
  1. Is it loud or soft? Do the dynamics change, if so how, give details.
  2. Does the piece use accents, staccatos, slurs – legato, ornamentation –trills, grace notes, vibrato, melismas, mutes, pitch bends, slides, and glissandos? If so give detail as to which part uses the expressive technique.
Structure
  1. How many different sections are there?
  2. What happens in each section- refer to other concepts
  3. Use diagrams to show the structure. Clearly label each section and give details to why it is a new section.
  4. Is it AB, ABA, Verse Chorus, ABACA, etc.

Assesment Grid

Stella Maris College
Music Department

Assessment Task 1

HSC Music 1


Students Name: …………………………………………...……   Date Due: ……………..…..……………

Task1. Musicology


Task:  You are to present a research portfolio using your blog site on your chosen instrument. You should discuss the history o the instrument, techniques used and how sound is produced. You also need to include evidence of research into a range of musical genres applicable to your instrument. Present 5 aural examples discussing the main features of each.
(The repertoire you intend on performing should be included in the 5 examples)

Total Assessment weighting: 10%

Outcomes being assessed: H2, H4, H6, H7, H8, H10 and H11.

Marking Guidelines
Marks
▫High level of understanding of the research in the chosen topic/ style.
▫ High level of musicological understanding displaying comprehensive knowledge supported by relevant musical examples.
Outstanding
9,10
▫ Thorough understanding of the research in the chosen topic/ style..
▫ Detailed musicological understanding displaying comprehensive knowledge supported by relevant musical examples.
Above Average
7,8
▫Sound understanding of the research in the chosen topic/ style.
▫ Sound musicological understanding displaying comprehensive knowledge supported by relevant musical examples.
Average
5,6
▫ Basic understanding of the research in the chosen topic/ style.
▫ Basic level of musicological understanding displaying comprehensive knowledge supported by relevant musical examples.
Below Average
4,5
▫ Limited understanding of the research in the chosen topic/ style.
▫ Limited level of musicological understanding displaying comprehensive knowledge supported by relevant musical examples.
Poor
1,2,3
No Attempt
0