Rock and Pop - Giving Exam Answers

Question 1

What is the ‘MODEL’ system?

Answer 1

Music Device - What is the technique/device that you can hear/see?
Objective - What is the purpose of the question? ‘Describe’, ’State’, ’Identify’.
Detail - Have you included plenty of specific detail. Don’t be vague
Explanation - Have you fully explained what it is happening in the music
Location - Have you correctly identified where the technique is (be specific).

Question 2

What is a ‘musical device’?

Answer 2

Is a technique found in the music. Do not confuse for a literal electronic device.

Question 3

What do ‘state’ or ‘identify’ questions require?

Answer 3

A very specific objective answer. There’s no interpretation or opinion.

Question 4

What do ‘describe’, ‘discuss’ or ‘outline’ questions require?

Answer 4

A sense of interpretation of what the musical materials are doing. Think ‘function’ or ‘purpose’.

Question 5

How should locations be given in the Rock and Pop section?

Answer 5

Line Number, or the specific word. In many instances, both should be used.

Question 6

What approach should be taken for ‘Identify the time signature’ questions?

Answer 6

Listen to the drums, listen to any motifs/riffs that are repeated.

Question 7

How should you approach the ‘Identify the tonality’ questions?

Answer 7

Either Major or Minor. Use you knowledge of Major/Minor chords. Modal is also possible, but often given as a multiple choice.

Question 8

How should you approach the ‘Identify the instrument’ question?

Answer 8

It’s usually a non ‘band’ instrument. For saxophones, include Alto or Tenor. Revise the instruments of the decades sections for instrument-specific sounds.

Question 9

How should you approach the ‘Identify the rhythmic device’ question?

Answer 9

It’s usually ‘triplet’, ‘syncopation’ or ‘swung/dotted’ rhythm. Be aware of all of these rhythms.

Question 10

How should you approach the ‘describe the use of instruments’ question?

Answer 10

Remember that ‘describe’ means to point out the function of. Include:
- instrument-specific techniques
- rhythmic observations
- the way harmony is presented (arpeggiations, etc.),
- pattern observations (4-note motif, etc.)
- style-specific techniques (gospel, chanting, etc.)

Question 11

How should you approach the ‘describe the use of harmony’ questions?

Answer 11

• Primary chords (I, IV, V) used?
• Direction of harmony (ascending/descending)
• Parallel harmony (guitar power chords moving up/down)
• Harmonic pedal (repeated/sustained) note in the bass.
• Extended harmony (use of 7ths, 9th, 11th, etc.)
• Rate of chord change (does it speed up/slow down?)
• Specific progression (12-bar blues?)

Question 12

How should you approach the ‘describe the use of rhythm’ question?

Answer 12

• Syncopation (where is it?)
• Repeated note durations (3 crotchets?)
• Dotted rhythms?
• Anacrusis (pick up) ideas?
• Ostinato patterns with a consistent rhythmic idea?