MATSEC AM Music study plan

MATSEC AM Music · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 7 hours per week

Week 1

AM Music (content domains not enumerated in source)

Map the full MATSEC AM Music syllabus against your current ability and rank each area by weakness and by exam weight.
Set up a listening log and score-reading desk with your instrument, manuscript paper, and a metronome ready for daily use.
Practise sight-reading one short unfamiliar passage daily and record the errors you make by category (pitch, rhythm, articulation).
Draft a personal glossary of core technical terms used in the syllabus and write a one-line definition for each from memory, then verify.

A one-page diagnostic sheet listing every syllabus area, a self-rating out of 5, and the three weakest areas chosen for priority.

Week 2

Analyse two set or representative works by identifying form, harmonic language, texture, and instrumentation with bar references.
Harmonise eight short unfigured bass lines in four parts, checking each for voice-leading faults before moving on.
Transpose and notate two short melodies into treble, bass, and alto clefs at sight without instrument help.
Listen to one unfamiliar work three times and write a structured description covering style, period, and likely composer.

A written analysis of one work (roughly 400 words) plus eight completed harmony exercises, each self-corrected in a different colour.

Week 3

Identify intervals, chords, and cadences by ear in a 20-item dictation set, scoring each attempt.
Complete ten melodic and ten rhythmic dictation exercises, replaying each only twice.
Revise the harmony exercises from week 2 and rewrite the three with the most errors.
Build a timeline of the main stylistic periods with two representative composers and one characteristic feature each.

A scored dictation log showing accuracy per attempt across the week, with a clear improvement trend visible.

Week 4

Perform your prepared programme end to end twice under timed conditions and mark every hesitation or memory slip.
Record yourself and annotate the recording against the score, noting tempo, dynamics, and articulation deviations.
Write programme notes for each performed piece covering context, structure, and interpretive choices.
Sight-read two unprepared pieces at performance tempo and log the error count.

A full mock performance recording plus a marked-up score and written programme notes for each piece.

Week 5

Compose or complete a short passage in a specified style, applying at least four techniques drawn from your analysis work.
Harmonise a longer chorale-style melody and check every cadence against the expected progression.
Practise aural identification of modulations and secondary dominants in ten short extracts.
Compare two recordings of the same work and write a paragraph on how interpretation changes the effect.

A completed short composition or harmonisation of at least 16 bars with a written rationale of the choices made.

Week 6

Answer three full past-paper-style analysis questions under exam timing and self-mark against a model answer scheme you write.
Consolidate the glossary by testing yourself on 40 terms and re-learning any you miss.
Sight-sing two short melodies with solfège or a system of your choice, then check against the score.
Revise your weakest diagnostic area from week 1 and re-rate it.

Three timed written answers with a self-marked score and a list of recurring error types.

Week 7

Run a full timed mock of the written and aural components in one sitting, following exam conditions strictly.
Perform your programme once for a listener and collect written feedback on two specific aspects.
Correct every error from the mock and write a short rule or reminder for each recurring mistake.
Drill the five weakest glossary terms until you can define each without hesitation.

A complete mock exam result with a corrections sheet and a prioritised list of the final week's fixes.

Week 8

Repeat the full mock and compare the score directly with week 7 to confirm improvement.
Perform the programme twice daily at exam time of day to build stamina and routine.
Review the corrections sheet only, avoiding new material, and confirm each fix holds.
Prepare logistics: instrument, scores, stationery, timing, and travel plan for the exam day.

A second mock score with a written comparison against week 7 and a final one-page exam-day checklist.

Week 2: You can analyse an unseen short work and name its form, texture, and harmonic style within 15 minutes without notes.

Week 4: Your recorded performance is note-accurate and in tempo throughout, with fewer than five slips logged.

Week 6: You score at least 60 percent on three timed written answers and can define 35 of 40 glossary terms correctly.

Week 8: Your second full mock improves on the first by at least 10 percentage points and the performance runs clean twice in a row.