Exploring Music in Context - Criterion B2
Criterion B2: Implications
In the Exploring Music in Context component, the bulk of the work consists of conducting musical research and producing two practical exercises. The first exercise is intended to demonstrate one's understanding of creating conventions and the second should illustrate performing practices. It is essential that the written work elucidates the implications of the research for both the creating and performing exercises. This page offers some advice on bridging that gap so that the implications are properly explained.
"Working Late" Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
It is rare that students achieve the FULL three marks here, but the process for receiving top marks seems to be reasonably straightforward.
Here is a reminder of the level descriptors as they appear in the Guide (pp.48-49):
1 mark
The student outlines the implications of their research for creating and performing in the selected styles.
Possible characteristics: ineffective, inaccurate, rudimentary, limited, superficial
2 marks
The student describes the implications of their research for creating and performing in the selected styles.
Possible characteristics: inconsistent, formulaic, sufficient, suitable, reasonable
3 marks
The student explains the implications of their research for creating and performing in the selected styles.
Possible characteristics: accurate, proficient, purposeful, relevant, competent
As you will observe, the level descriptors presented here are identical, except for the use of differing verbs - emphasised here and in the Guide in bold - that represent distinct levels of detail.
Additionally, the inclusion of significant "possible characteristics" helps to make these distinctions more perceptible.
The purpose of this page is to unpack these verbs in conjunction with the adjectives to offer clear examples of what it means to outline, describe and explain the implications of research for the practical exercises.
By doing so, it is anticipated that teachers will more effectively guide their students in producing work that demonstrates a clear and traceable argument, leading to better-informed outcomes.
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Here is a downloadable version as well:
The attached pages provide portions of student samples with the express purpose of helping to elucidate the implications for research. This is therefore focused on Criterion B2: Implications.
Example 1: Exploring as a Creator - Dmitri Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5 in D minor, Op. 47, IV: Allegro non troppo
Example 2: Exploring as a Performer - Erroll Garner’s “Misty” from the album Contrasts