Observation

Most candidates were unable to exhibit a thorough knowledge of balance in melody writing as well as form and modulation to the subdominant. However, a few candidates made attempt to modulate but lacked the adequate knowledge in their modulation. Also, some candidates notes were shapeless, wrongly directed and almost all candidates failed to show any phrasing in the melody. These wrong responses made the candidates to lose substantial marks.
            OR

1. Set the text below to a suitable melody. Indicate the tempo, phrasing and

dynamics marks. Credit will be given for originality of the composition        
 and proper alignment of texts to the notes.

This is the way the gentleman ride.
Gallop-a-trot, gallop-a-trot!
This is the way the farmers ride,
Hobbledy-hoy, hoobledy-hoy.

A few candidates who attempted the question were unable to set the given texts to a suitable melody.  Some candidates assigned two or more syllables to a single pitch, while some set the text without recognising their importance in the melody. These led to poor performance in the question.

1. TWO PART WRITING

Add an independent flowing part below the given part.
 

Candidates performed poorly in this question, they did not have a good knowledge of tonal counterpoint thereby, failed to show independence in melodic curves as well as melodic interest and the counter melody did not stand on its own. These led to poor performance in the question.

1. FOUR PART HARMONY

Harmonize the melody below by adding alto, tenor and bass parts.

Candidates’ performance in this part was also very poor. Most candidates showed poor understanding in the chord progression and cadences, spacing in parts was more than octave, and notes were written above or below the voice ranges. Candidates who were unable to do this lost enormous marks.