MATSEC AM Music case studies
MATSEC AM Music · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Advanced Matriculation (AM) level is one of four examination levels offered within the MATSEC system administered by the MATSEC Examinations Board at L-Università ta' Malta, alongside SEC (Secondary Education Certificate), SEAC (Secondary Education Applied Certificate) and IM (Intermediate Matriculation). AM Music is the advanced-level Music syllabus within that framework, intended for candidates who have completed secondary schooling and are preparing for university-level entry or further musical study. The MATSEC AM Music case studies are 5 cases and about 3,274 words.
1The Chord That Isn't What It Sounds Like
A candidate's harmonic analysis of a 12-bar piano miniature in E minor (4/4, Andante) is being reviewed. The passage begins i – VI – X – V in bars 1–4, then i – VI – Y – ♭II in bars 5–8.
696 words, about 3 min2The Unfigured Bass and the Editorial Sharp
A candidate is realizing an 8-bar unfigured bass in A minor for a continuo exercise. The bass line is: A (5/3) E (no figure) A (5/3) D (5/3) E (no figure) A (5/3) G (no figure) E (no figure).
678 words, about 3 min3The Tritone Leap and the Hidden Fifth
A candidate submits a first-species counterpoint exercise in D Dorian. The cantus firmus (given) is: D4–F4–E4–D4–G4–F4–A4–G4–F4–D4.
626 words, about 3 min4The Slur, the Staccato, and the Turn
A candidate is preparing the first movement of a Classical keyboard sonata in F major, 4/4, Allegro, for the practical exam. In bars 5–6, the right-hand melody is: C5 (quarter) – D5 (quarter, with a turn symbol above it) – E5 (quarter) – F5 (quarter).
608 words, about 3 min5The Brass Quartet Transposition Trap
A candidate is arranging a four-part chorale in A♭ major for a brass quartet: Bb trumpet 1, Bb trumpet 2, horn in F, and trombone. The chorale's ranges are: soprano A♭4–F5, alto D♭4–B♭4, tenor A♭3–E♭4, bass D♭2–A♭3.
666 words, about 3 min