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Foundations: music language and theory

2 dot points, in syllabus order. Each dot point has a focused answer, with exam-style questions and worked answers where available.

How does music language, theory and notation underpin every role in QCE Music Units 3 and 4?

Read, write and apply music language, theory and notation (scales, keys, intervals, chords, metre and rhythmic values) to support analysis, composition and performance across both units

Music language, theory and notation that underpins QCE Music Units 3 and 4. Covers scales and keys, intervals, chords and progressions, metre and rhythmic notation, score-reading conventions and how this theoretical vocabulary supports musicology, composition and performance, with a worked chord-identification example and the theory gaps that limit student results.

7 min read →

How do aural skills and score reading support accurate analysis and performance in QCE Music?

Develop and apply aural skills (recognising elements by ear) and score-reading skills to identify, transcribe and interpret music elements in repertoire across Units 3 and 4

Aural and score-reading skills QCE Music students need across Units 3 and 4. Explains active listening, transcription, recognising the elements by ear, following a score in real time and linking sound to notation, with a worked listening-map example and the listening habits that limit student accuracy.

6 min read →