If asked to contrast/compare sections or extracts, mention both in your answer, i.e. don't just say "extract b is loud" say "extract b is louder than extract a"
Be v. specific and name things precisely e.g. instruments- say "clarinets" rather than "woodwind" (if it IS clarinets
)Use Italian words to describe tempo e.g. Allegro, Andante, Adagio
Use technical terms wherever you can for immediate marks- but only if you're sure what they mean!
Useful Terms
Melody: scalic/arpeggic/conjunct (stepwise)/angular (esp. in serialism)
range/pitch
phrase length and shape
Harmony: consonant/dissonant
Rhythm: syncopation/cross-rhythms (african drumming)/triplets/swung rhythm
Tonality: major/minor/modal/atonal
Dynamics: forte/piano/crescendo/diminuendo
Know the background info (e.g. history, names of instruments, etc.) for:
12-bar blues
Reggae
Gamelan
Indian Raga
African drumming
ALWAYS BE VERY PRECISE
and aim to have got your answers down before the final playing of each extract so that you can check them- an hour and a half isn't so long!
Good luck everyone!
