Preliminary Examination in Music
Differences from 2018/19 to 2023/24
A
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1.
subjectssubject of theexaminationPreliminaryandExaminationtheinnumber of papersMusic shall beas prescribed by regulation from time to time bytheBoardstudy of theFacultyhistory, criticism, theory, composition, performance, and practice ofMusic. 2.In the case of candidates who have satisfied the Moderators in all the written and practical subjects, the Moderators may award a distinction to those of special meritmusic.
B
Each candidate will be required to offer papers 1-34 and two of the options in paper 45.
1.
Techniquesof Composition and Keyboard Skills
The paper shall consist of two parts:A.Techniques of Composition: Studies in Harmony and CounterpointA seven-day take-away paper in which candidates should attempt three questions: the two compulsory questions and one other. The examination paper will be available for collectionFoundations in theMusic Faculty Library from noon on TuesdayStudy oftheMusicfifth(in-personweekwrittenin the Trinity Term in which candidates are presenting themselves for examinationexam)- 2.
CompletedStylisticpapers must be submitted to the Chair of Moderators in MusicComposition,Examination SchoolsArranging,High Street, Oxford, not later than noon on Tuesday of the sixth week of the same term. Each paper must be accompanied by a declaration, in a sealed envelope bearing the candidate’s examination number, in the form prescribed for the portfolio of compositionsandtheTranscriptionextended(courseworkessay. B.Keyboard SkillsA practical examination in which candidates will be asked to: (a) realise a figured bass line at the keyboard or, where appropriate, on another continuo instrument (e.g. lute); (b) read at the keyboard three- or four-part writing in three different clefs. Preparation time for candidates in the examination will be 30 minutes.
23.-
The paper shall consist of two parts:
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A.a)
A(onlinethree-hourwrittenpaper in which candidates will answer one question from a choice of two.exam) -
B.b) Critical Listening
Assessment(courseworkis by means of a take-away paper, consisting of three recordings with brief instructions, issued on Tuesday of eighth week of Hilary term. Submissions will be due on Tuesday of first week of Trinity term. Students will be required to submit a preliminary non-verbal representation/transcription/analysis, supported by a commentary of no more than 750 words.submission)
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34. TopicsSpecialITopicsA(in-personthree-hourwrittenpaper in which candidates should attempt to answer three questions.exam) -
45.Candidates must choose two from the following:
(a) A musicological topic (in-person written exam)Foundations in the Study of MusicA two-hour paper in which candidates should attempt to answer two questions.(b)CompositionCandidates will be required to submit a portfolio of compositions and to take a listening examination. The specifications for the portfolio are as published in the Faculty Undergraduate Handbook relating to the examination.(cb)PerformanceA solo performance, vocal or instrumental, of some 10-12 minutes in length. Instrumental candidates may choose to perform a single work, a movement from a longer work, or two pieces in contrasting style. The choice of instrument is limited to related families of instruments. Singers may choose to perform up to four pieces. Programmes must be submitted to the Chair of Moderators in Music, Faculty of Music, St Aldate’s, not later than noon on Friday of the sixth week in the Hilary Term of the academic year in which the candidates are presenting themselves for examination.
(coursework submission)(d)Extended Essay- An essay of 4,000-5,000 words on a subject to be chosen in consultation with the candidate's tutor.
- c)
portfolioCompositionsubmitted- i)
forPortfolio Submission - ii) An Introduction to Contemporary Music (listening exam)
- i)
- d) Performance
- A solo performance, vocal or instrumental, of 10-12 minutes in length (short recital).
- e) Critical Studies in Ethnomusicology (online written exam)
- f) Musical Skills
- Candidates must answer any two questions from the
subjectsfollowing:- i)
ofConductingPortfolioSkillsof(practicalCompositionsexam) - ii) Keyboard Skills (practical exam)
- iii) and
Extendediv)EssayupmusttobetwoaccompaniedadditionalbySCARTapapersdeclaration(courseworkof authorship placed in a sealed envelope bearing the candidate's examination number.submission)
- i)
Each
Candidates who fail one, two or twothree of papers 1, 2, 3, or4, 45 above may resit only that paper or papers at a subsequent examination; candidates who fail threefour, five or foursix papers will be required to resit all foursix papers at a subsequent examination.