1. Music 2019 v1.2 IA2 high-level annotated sample response
August 2018
Composition (20%)
This sample has been compiled by the QCAA to assist and support teachers to match evidence in student responses to the characteristics described in the instrument-specific marking guide (ISMG).
Assessment objectives
This assessment instrument is used to determine student achievement in the following objectives:
2. explain the use of music elements and concepts to communicate meaning in composition
use music elements and concepts to reflect innovative compositional practices
5. apply compositional devices in the creation of their own work
6. apply literacy skills using music terminology relevant to genre/style and language conventions to communicate music ideas in their own work
10. resolve music ideas to communicate meaning and intent in composition
Note: Objectives 1, 4, 7, 8 and 9 are not assessed in this instrument.

2. Instrument-specific marking guide (ISMG)
Criterion: Using music elements and concepts
Assessment objective
3. use music elements and concepts to reflect innovative compositional practices
The student work has the following characteristics:
Marks
use of music elements and concepts makes the chosen style and genre explicit through the synthesis of innovative compositional practices
5–6
use of music elements and concepts are integrated to enhance the chosen style and genre 4
use of music elements and concepts to reflect innovative compositional practices 3
use of a selection of music elements and concepts 2
evidence of music elements 1
does not satisfy any of the descriptors above.

3. Criterion: Applying techniques and processes
Assessment objective
5. apply compositional devices in the creation of their own work
The student work has the following characteristics:
Marks
application of compositional devices to create a unified and cohesive work
5–6
application of idiomatic compositional devices that develop the work 4
application of compositional devices in the creation of their own work 3
application of a selection of compositional devices 2
evidence of a compositional device 1
does not satisfy any of the descriptors above.

4. Criterion: Communicating meaning
Assessment objectives
explain the use of music elements and concepts to communicate meaning in composition
apply literacy skills using music terminology relevant to genre/style and language conventions to communicate music ideas in their own work
resolve music ideas to communicate meaning and intent in composition
The student work has the following characteristics:
Marks
resolution of composition shows a synthesis of complex music ideas that communicate meaning with sensitivity
7–8
application of literacy skills through sequenced and connected ideas that express ideas and meaning in their own work
resolution of music ideas that are integral to the communication of meaning
5–6
explanation of the use of music elements and concepts to communicate meaning in composition
application of literacy skills using music terminology relevant to genre/style and language conventions to communicate music ideas in their own work
resolution of music ideas to communicate meaning and intent in composition
3–4
simple statements made about the music
application of literacy skills to describe ideas
demonstration of music ideas
1–2
does not satisfy any of the descriptors above.

5. Task
Compose a work that incorporates either an innovation from a genre and/or style you have studied in class or your own innovative use of music elements and concepts. Complete a statement of compositional intent explaining the use of music elements and compositional devices in shaping the purpose and execution of the composition.

6. Sample response
Criterion
Marks allocated
Result
Using music elements and concepts
Assessment objective 3 6
Applying techniques and processes
Assessment objective 5
Communicating meaning
Assessment objectives 2, 6, 10 8
Total 20
The annotations show the match to the instrument-specific marking guide (ISMG) performance-level descriptors.

7. Annotated sample response — audio
Using music elements and concepts [6]
use of music elements and concepts makes the chosen style and genre explicit through the synthesis of innovative compositional practices
The use of guitar harmonics and form assist in making the style and genre explicit and clearly show innovative composition practices.
Applying techniques and processes [6]
application of compositional devices to create a unified and cohesive work
Contrasting harmonic choices create interest while maintaining cohesion. The modulation enhances the work while maintaining unified and cohesive writing.
Communicating meaning [8]
resolution of composition shows a synthesis of complex music ideas that communicate meaning with sensitivity
Communication of ‘solace’ through convincing employment of added-note chords and employment of innovative guitar practices in a seamless and sensitive manner.
Solace by David Cooper
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8. Statement of compositional intent
My piece Solace draws on contemporary compositional techniques to help portray a feeling of consolation. I have done this by utilising very specific guitar techniques and also incorporating compositional techniques more broadly representative of contemporary compositional styles.
Looking firstly at specific guitar techniques, I have drawn inspiration from steel string guitar legends like John Fahey who have a knack for incorporating melody and harmony in an interwoven manner on the one instrument in order to create a unified sound. To this end, the listener will hear my faster melodic passages (making use of hammer offs) as well as underlying percussive slaps/mutes and arpeggiated chords that act as fills when there is less melodic interest. The overall calm mood presented is a result of the confluence of these melodic, rhythmic and harmonic aspects.
As well as these guitar-specific nuances, I have made broader decisions to keep within my chosen style. I have kept to a minor tonality, drawing on the Aeolian mode that is often employed in contemporary solo guitar music. I chose this Aeolian mode to reflect my wish to present a feel of ‘solace’ and even through the key change from 02:05 I have kept to this feel. The dropped tuning has enabled me to explore the deepest register of the instrument, enabling me to drop to the bass note of chord VI in the minor key. This has a feel of being away from the tonic and enables the listener to experience a greater feeling of relief each time I return to the tonic.
Communicating meaning [8]
resolution of composition shows a synthesis of complex music ideas that communicate meaning with sensitivity
The use of music terminology is relevant to the style. Grammar, paragraphing and sentence structure are clear and ideas are well articulated.
The explanation of the use of melody and harmony clearly show the intent.
There is a use of music terminology relevant to the style. Grammar, paragraphing and sentence structure are clear and ideas are well articulated.
Explanation of the use of tonality supports the composer’s intent.