Music for Grade 7
1 **Musicianship**
1-1 Sight-reading
1-2 Aural tests
1-3 General musicianship
2 **Performance**
2-1 Solo performance
2-1 1 One piece from List A
2-1 2 One piece from List B
2-1 3 One piece from List C
2-2 Ensemble performance
2-2 1 One piece from List A
2-2 2 One piece from List B
2-2 3 One piece from List C
3 **Theory of Music**
3-1 Harmony
3-1 1 Chord construction
3-1 2 Chord progressions
3-1 3 Cadences
3-2 Counterpoint
3-2 1 Two-part writing
3-2 2 Three-part writing
3-3 Form and Structure
3-3 1 Binary form
3-3 2 Ternary form
3-3 3 Rondo form
3-4 Analysis
3-4 1 Analyze a piece from List A
3-4 2 Analyze a piece from List B
3-4 3 Analyze a piece from List C
4 **History of Music**
4-1 Baroque Period
4-1 1 Key composers
4-1 2 Characteristics
4-1 3 Representative works
4-2 Classical Period
4-2 1 Key composers
4-2 2 Characteristics
4-2 3 Representative works
4-3 Romantic Period
4-3 1 Key composers
4-3 2 Characteristics
4-3 3 Representative works
4-4 Twentieth Century
4-4 1 Key composers
4-4 2 Characteristics
4-4 3 Representative works
5 **Composition**
5-1 Composition task
5-1 1 Compose a piece in a specified form
5-1 2 Compose a piece using given guidelines
5-2 Analysis of own composition
5-2 1 Discuss the form and structure
5-2 2 Discuss the use of harmony and melody
6 **Improvisation**
6-1 Improvisation task
6-1 1 Improvise a short piece in a given style
6-1 2 Improvise a piece using given chords
6-2 Analysis of improvisation
6-2 1 Discuss the use of scales and modes
6-2 2 Discuss the use of rhythm and dynamics
7 **Technology in Music**
7-1 Use of music technology
7-1 1 Recording techniques
7-1 2 Digital audio workstations (DAWs)
7-2 Music production
7-2 1 Mixing and mastering
7-2 2 Sound design
8 **Recital**
8-1 Preparation for recital
8-1 1 Repertoire selection
8-1 2 Practice and rehearsal techniques
8-2 Performance of recital
8-2 1 Solo performance
8-2 2 Ensemble performance
9 **Professional Development**
9-1 Career planning
9-1 1 Setting goals
9-1 2 Networking
9-2 Marketing oneself as a musician
9-2 1 Creating a portfolio
9-2 2 Social media presence
10 **Ethics in Music**
10-1 Copyright and intellectual property
10-1 1 Understanding copyright laws
10-1 2 Ethical use of music
10-2 Professional conduct
10-2 1 Respect for colleagues
10-2 2 Ethical behavior in performance
General Musicianship for Grade 7

General Musicianship for Grade 7

Key Concepts

General musicianship encompasses the foundational skills and knowledge required to understand and perform music effectively. For Grade 7, these key concepts include:

Rhythm and Meter

Rhythm is the pattern of beats and silences in music. Meter divides this pattern into regular groups, creating a sense of stability. For example, a 4/4 meter means there are four beats in each measure, and a quarter note gets one beat. Understanding rhythm and meter allows you to count and play music accurately.

Melody and Harmony

Melody is a sequence of single notes that form a recognizable tune. Harmony, on the other hand, involves the simultaneous sounding of multiple notes. For instance, in a chord, three or more notes are played together to create a rich, layered sound. Melody and harmony work together to give music its depth and emotional impact.

Form and Structure

Form and structure refer to the arrangement of musical ideas within a piece. Common forms include the sonata, rondo, and theme and variations. Understanding form helps you follow the narrative of a piece, from its introduction to its conclusion. For example, a sonata form typically has three main sections: exposition, development, and recapitulation.

Expressive Techniques

Expressive techniques are used to convey emotion and meaning in music. These include dynamics (loudness and softness), tempo (speed), and articulation (how notes are played). For instance, a crescendo (gradual increase in volume) can build tension, while a diminuendo (gradual decrease) can create a sense of release. Mastering these techniques allows you to communicate the composer's intent more effectively.

Examples and Analogies

Think of rhythm and meter as the heartbeat of a piece, guiding its steady pulse. Melody can be likened to the main character in a story, while harmony provides the supporting cast. Form and structure are like the plot, with each section contributing to the overall narrative. Expressive techniques are the emotions that bring the story to life, making it relatable and engaging.

By mastering these concepts, you'll develop a comprehensive understanding of music, enabling you to perform and appreciate it at a deeper level.