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.  The statement form is available on Teach Cambridge under Assessment, Forms.

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.