Observation

The overall performance for this question was below average. Some candidates wrote melodies which are meaningless, in most cases without any form and structure. Some neglected the time signature and wrote notes less or more than necessary in the bars. In addition, many candidates did not show evidence of modulation to the dominant as required. A few who modulated indicated no understanding of how to modulate 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 dynamic marks. Credit will be given for originality of the composition and proper alignments of texts to the notes.

My country, a land of rich resources,
A land full of smiling people.
I will die for you,
My country, my happy home.
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 bass part below the given melody.
 

Candidates performed poorly in this question, they demonstrated a poor understanding in two part writing. Most candidates failed to show independence in melodic curves as well as melodic interest, the counter melody did not stand on its own and final cadence could not be spelt out. These led to poor performance in the question.

1. FOUR PART HARMONY

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

Candidates’ performance in this part was also very poor. Most candidates showed poor understanding in the harmonic interest (progression), final cadential progression, copying, phrase marks and alignment were poorly done. Candidates who were unable to do this lost enormous marks.