BGCSE Music (0617) study plan

Identify by ear and notate from dictation all simple and compound intervals up to an octave, scoring at least 90% on a self-made 40-item interval drill.

Write out the major and natural minor scales in all keys using correct clefs, key signatures and accidentals, then self-mark against a reference and correct every error.

Build a personal listening log of ten short excerpts, labelling metre, tempo, texture and instrumentation for each in one sentence.

Practise clapping back eight-bar rhythmic patterns in simple and compound time from recorded examples, checking accuracy with a metronome.

Transcribe eight-bar diatonic melodies from recordings into staff notation, including key signature, time signature and phrasing marks.

Identify and write all triads (major, minor, diminished, augmented) and their inversions in root position and first and second inversion.

Analyse four short recorded pieces for cadence types, labelling perfect, imperfect, plagal and interrupted cadences with justification.

Complete a timed 20-question theory set on note values, rests, ties and dotted notes, targeting 85% or better.

Perform two prepared pieces on the main instrument, recording each and marking your own performance against a checklist of accuracy, pulse, dynamics and phrasing.

Sight-read eight short passages of increasing difficulty at a steady pulse, logging tempo and error count for each attempt.

Sing or play back four two-part extracts by ear, focusing on holding an inner line while another part sounds.

Rehearse with at least one other musician for an ensemble item and agree on entries, balance and a shared tempo.

Complete a full-length mock listening paper under timed conditions and mark it against the official mark scheme, listing every lost mark by cause.

Perform your prepared programme from start to finish without stopping, recording it and comparing it with the week 3 recordings.

Dictate four-bar melodies and four-bar rhythms in one sitting with no more than two errors each.

Explain in writing the function of key signatures, time signatures and tempo markings in three of your own performance pieces.

Compose a 16-bar melody in a specified key and metre, using a clear phrase structure with an antecedent and consequent phrase.

Harmonise your melody with at least three primary chords and label every chord by root and inversion.

Notate the composition in full score with correct stems, beaming, slurs, dynamics and articulation.

Complete a timed 25-question theory set covering transposition, ornaments and score layout, scoring 85% or better.

Arrange a short existing tune for two or three instruments, writing idiomatic parts within each instrument's comfortable range.

Compare the rhythmic and melodic features of two recorded African traditions using a structured listening grid of metre, call-and-response, instrumentation and function.

Describe the role of music in at least two Botswana ceremonial or social contexts, citing specific instruments and performance practices.

Revise your week 5 melody by adding a contrasting section and a clear return, then notate the full form.

Build a timeline of major Western style periods with three identifying listening features and one representative genre for each.

Place eight recorded excerpts into their correct style period or tradition and justify each choice in one sentence.

Summarise the key features of at least three Southern African instrumental traditions, naming instruments, tuning systems and performance contexts.

Complete a timed 30-question contextual and aural mock section, targeting 80% or better.

Sit two full mock papers under exam conditions and mark both, aiming to beat your week 4 score in every domain.

Perform your final programme to a listener and collect written feedback against the assessment criteria.

Submit your composition and arrangement portfolio complete with scores, recordings and brief programme notes.

Review every item in your personal error log and rewrite corrected answers for each one.