Clarification details
Updated September 2015. This document has been updated although no new moderation issues have arisen.
The purpose of clarifications
We create clarification documents to help people understand the current requirements of achievement standards. Clarifications do not introduce new criteria, change the intent of the standard, or change what we expect from assessment.
These documents unpack and explain the language and intent of the standard so people interpret and apply the standard consistently. We provide examples or guidance as illustrations only. They are not prescriptions or requirements.
For official requirements, always refer to the current version of the achievement standard as published by NZQA.
Musical intention
As outlined in Explanatory Note 5, students are required to supply a ‘brief statement of the composer’s music intent for each composition’. Student’s statements, in written form, will include the aim or purpose behind the composition, together with a general overview of musical elements to be used, e.g. instruments, form, etc.
Suggested length of compositions
Each composition should be between 2 1/2 to 3 minutes in length. This will allow students to develop musical ideas effectively and/or convincingly.
Representation
The written/visual representation should be appropriate to the accepted conventions of the style or genre.
For example:
- standard music notation for a string quartet
- a minimum of lyrics with chord indications for a pop song
- a lead sheet with melody, chords and rhythm for a jazz song (fake book format)
- a tablature (ideally with rhythmic indications) for a guitar piece
- a graphic notation or narrative description for electronic or electro acoustic pieces.
A combination of these approaches may be appropriate for some students in some cases. Visual representation and audio combine to provide a more comprehensive picture of the student’s compositional intent.
If the student is using a recording as the primary representation of their creative intentions, then extra care should be taken with the quality of the sound so that the recording could be used as a means of reproducing the music in performance.