Preliminary Examination in Music
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1. The subject of the Preliminary Examination in Music shall be the study of the history, criticism, theory, composition, performance, and practice of music.
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Each candidate will be required to offer papers 1-3 and two of the options in paper 4.
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1.Techniques of Composition and Keyboard Skills
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The paper shall consist of two parts:
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A. Techniques of Composition:
A seven-day take-away paper in which candidates should attempt three questions: the two compulsory questions and one other. The examination paper will be available for collection in the Music Faculty Library from noon on Tuesday of Week 5 in the Trinity Term in which candidates are presenting themselves for examination. Completed papers must be submitted to the Chair of Preliminary Examination in Music, Examination Schools, High Street, Oxford, not later than noon on Tuesday of Week 6 of the same term. Each paper must be accompanied by a declaration, in a sealed envelope bearing the candidate’s examination number.
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B. Keyboard Skills
A practical examination in which candidates will be asked to: (a) realise a figured bass line at the keyboard or, where appropriate, on another continuo instrument (e.g. lute); (b) read at the keyboard three- or four-part writing in three different clefs. Preparation time for candidates in the examination will be 30 minutes.
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2. Musical Analysis and Critical Listening
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The paper shall consist of two parts:
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A. Musical Analysis
A three-hour paper in which candidates will answer one question from a choice of two.
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B.Critical Listening
Assessment is by means of a take-away paper, consisting of three recordings with brief instructions, issued on Tuesday of eighth week of Hilary term. Submissions will be due on Tuesday of first week of Trinity term. Students will be required to submit a preliminary non-verbal representation/transcription/analysis, supported by a commentary of no more than 750 words.
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3. Special Topics
A three-hour paper in which candidates should attempt to answer three questions.
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4. Options
Candidates must choose two from the following:
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(a) Foundations in the Study of Music
A two-hour paper in which candidates should attempt to answer two questions.
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(b) Composition
Candidates will be required to submit a portfolio of compositions and to take a listening examination. The Composition Portfolio must be submitted not later than noon on Tuesday of Week 5 of Trinity Term and accompanied by a declaration of authorship placed in a sealed envelope bearing the candidate's examination number. The specifications for the portfolio are as published in the Faculty Undergraduate Handbook relating to the examination.
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(c) Performance
A solo performance, vocal or instrumental, of some 10-12 minutes in length. Instrumental candidates may choose to perform a single work, a movement from a longer work, or two pieces in contrasting style. The choice of instrument is limited to related families of instruments. Singers may choose to perform up to four pieces. Programmes must be submitted to the Chair of Preliminary Examination in Music, Faculty of Music, St Aldate’s, not later than noon on Friday of Week 6 in the Hilary Term of the academic year in which the candidates are presenting themselves for examination.
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(d) Extended Essay
An essay of 4,000-5,000 words on a subject to be chosen in consultation with the candidate's tutor.
The Extended Essay must be submitted not later than noon on Tuesday of Week 5 of Trinity Term and accompanied by a declaration of authorship placed in a sealed envelope bearing the candidate's examination number.
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(e) Critical Studies in Ethnomusicology
A two-hour paper in which candidates should attempt to answer two questions.
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Candidates who fail one or two of papers 1, 2, 3, or 4 above may resit only that paper or papers at a subsequent examination; candidates who fail three or four papers will be required to resit all four papers at a subsequent examination.
