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Home > Music > Musicology > Music 2: Musicology/Aural > Preparing for the Musicology/Aural skills examination

Preparing for the Musicology/Aural skills examination

This article (written by Debra Gilmore from Sydney Boys High School) provides Music 2 students with valuable advice on preparing for questions 1–3 in the Musicology and Aural Skills paper.

Introduction

Many students studying the Music 2 and Extension courses give a great sigh of relief once the practical examinations and compositions have been completed in September. However, it is wise to remember that the written paper for combined Musicology and Aural Skills represents 30% of the final music mark.

So sit back and think — how best am I able to develop my skills and knowledge in the time frame allowed? What steps do I need to take to maximise my potential?

What

There are two major challenges to face in preparation: the first is that the music you will be asked to comment upon is unknown, and sourced from a wide range of musical styles. Students who have not been exposed to a great variety of music will find the examination especially challenging.

As with all HSC written examinations, the second major challenge in the Musicology and Aural Skills paper is the time constraints, determined not only by the length of the examination, but also by the recording.