When completing the missing parts in the grade 8 music theory piano composition exam, we suggest that students identify key changes and modulations first, then chords and cadences in each phrase. After that we can fill in the melody or accompaniment . We can start with the first example that gets top marks for this piano work.
The student has noticed melodic line sequences and chord progressions, using green and blue brackets to mark imitation and sequence techniques.
Leading and tonic are resolved at each phrase’s end, with perfect or imperfect cadences, the optimal selection for the piano piece. The composition is excellent, exhibiting well-planned phrasing, flawless sequencing, and ideal imitation, so it will be given a perfect score.
Question 2 has several reasons for its mark deduction. This student can only achieve merit; the leading tones aren’t resolved in all cadences, making phrase endings less conclusive.
However, other elements, such as sequences and melodic shapes, are well-developed; therefore, this student should pass. In addition to stylistic problems, the student failed to include accidentals in the composition’s 3rd line, where the key changes from F major to G major, causing odd intervals in the melody.
The third student only managed a passing grade of 9/15; while modulations/cadences were well done, melodic shapes in phrases outlining sequences and imitation between hands were inappropriate due to incorrect intervals.
The unresolved leading and tonic notes created unsatisfying phrase endings, indicating weak stylistic awareness; therefore, this composition received a 9/15.
In the last example, the student misidentified the key and modulations on line 3, and the student did not observe the sequences and imitations. Bars 3-4 do not imitate the melodic structures of bars 1-2.
The phrase-ending cadences use incorrect harmonies, so the composition lacks stylistic awareness and planning, likely resulting in a failing grade of 5/15.
Various additional elements impact the scoring of this piano piece; the mentioned ones are a small set of illustrations for the expected scoring of distinction, merit, and pass. Following the method with stylistic awareness is vital to scoring well on this grade 8 music theory composition question.
Hope the helpful tips are beneficial for your music theory exam; if you wish to explore grade 8 music theory composition or need help with homework, contact Ms. Jenny via Whatsapp at 98256286 for a trial.
