GCSE Music: Minimum time and score requirements

Following consultation, Ofqual has updated the subject conditions and requirements for GCSE, AS and A Level Music. Under length performances will no longer result in students being awarded 0 marks for their performance. Instead, we will apply a proportional penalty.

Ofqual has also confirmed, for instances where a score or lead sheet for a performance does not exist, alternative reference material can be submitted.

If any students in your cohort do not meet the minimum duration requirements, you must also complete a new form (the Minimum Duration Statement) and send it together with a copy of their work, at the same time as the requested sample. Any penalty will be applied as part of the moderation process. 

A notated score or lead sheet is still required for all performances and you should guide your students to choose pieces that have an obtainable score or lead sheet. 

Where a written score or lead sheet is unavailable because it does not exist, the only other types of evidence permissible are: 

• The chord pattern used 
• The note pattern/raga used 
• A recording of the piece by the original commercial performer 
• A recording by a commercial artist in the style of the learner’s performance.

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