Clarification details
Updated March 2019. This document has been updated under ‘Recording the songs’ section to include electronic recording options.
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.
Lyrics
The lyrics to each song are now more significant than for 91419. They need to express imaginative thinking that reflects Level 8 of The New Zealand Curriculum, and the lyrics assessed as equally important as the musical ideas. For example, they could support a theme, provide a narrative, or convey a ‘message’.
Lyrics need to be coherent and comprehensible. Students could use poetic devices, figurative language and/or imagery to communicate with impact, and will avoid the use of clichés, verbosity, and inappropriate language.
Recording the songs
The recording needs to be very clear to be considered “coherent” (Achievement). When a multi-track recording is used it is important the lyrics can be clearly heard.
A recording of the voice(s) accompanied by a piano and/or guitar would be a typical combination, but vocal(s) and electronic combinations are also to be encouraged.
Written representation
The chord changes in the lyric/chord chart need to be placed correctly above the lyrics. Students should include a ‘feel’ word (e.g. reggae), tempo indication(s) and/or a metronome mark at the beginning of each song.
Art songs, waiata, rap, jazz and other song forms will follow existing written conventions.