Minimum time and score requirements

Following consultation, Ofqual has updated the subject conditions and requirements for GCSE, AS and A Level Music. Under length performances will no longer result in candidates being awarded 0 marks for their performance. Instead, we will apply a proportional penalty. 

Ofqual has also confirmed, for instances where a score or lead sheet for a performance does not exist, alternative reference material can be submitted. 

These changes apply to the June 2019 series onwards. Our specification will be updated to reflect these changes. In the meantime, please see the information below for more details. 

Minimum time requirements 

The requirements for submitting work have not changed: you must continue to make sure all performances meet the minimum combined time requirement as stated in the specification. 

GCSE Music (9-1): New form for candidates who do not meet the requirements 

For GCSE Music (9-1) J536, if you have not done so already, submit your marks to us by 15 May and then send the sample to your moderator, with the durations filled in on the cover sheets. 

For any candidates in your cohort who do not meet the minimum duration requirements, you must also complete a new form (the Minimum Duration Statement) and send it together with a copy of their work, at the same time as the requested sample. Any penalty will be applied as part of the moderation process. 

By submitting this form you are confirming any candidates who have not reached the minimum requirements have been added to the requested sample, and all other candidates in the cohort have met the minimum duration requirements as outlined in the specification. 

We also reserve the right to request a further sample of candidate work. 

AS and A Level Music 

For AS and A Level Music H143/H543, submit the performance recordings for assessment to us as usual, with the durations filled in on the cover sheets. Any penalty will be applied as part of the assessment process. 

Score requirements 

A notated score or lead sheet is still required for all performances and you should guide your students to choose pieces that have an obtainable score or lead sheet. 

Where a written score or lead sheet is unavailable because it does not exist, the only other types of evidence permissible are: 

• The chord pattern used 
• The note pattern/raga used 
• A recording of the piece by the original commercial performer 
• A recording by a commercial artist in the style of the learner’s performance.

If you have any queries about this update, please call our Customer Support Centre on 01223 553998 or email music@ocr.org.uk.

Qualifications

• Music (9-1) - J536 (from 2016)
• Music - H143, H543 (from 2016)