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Component 3 Composition (non-exam assessment)

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What does the AQA composition brief require, and how do you compose a successful response?

Composing to a brief: the Component 3 requirements, the brief that targets the Western classical tradition, responding to a stimulus, the minimum length, and how a brief composition is assessed and submitted.
A focused answer to composing to a brief for AQA A-Level Music Component 3, covering the requirements, the brief that targets the Western classical tradition, responding to a stimulus, the minimum length, and how a brief composition is assessed and submitted as non-exam assessment.
8 min answer →

What is the free composition, and how do you write a successful one for Component 3?

Free composition: the second composition where you choose the style and forces, developing your own ideas, structuring an original piece, and how the free composition is assessed and submitted.
A focused answer to the free composition of AQA A-Level Music Component 3, covering the freedom to choose style and forces, developing original ideas, structuring an original piece, and how the free composition is assessed and submitted as non-exam assessment.
8 min answer →

What harmonic and contrapuntal techniques should you use when composing?

Harmonic and contrapuntal techniques: functional progressions, cadences, modulation, voice-leading, four-part writing, suspensions, sequences, imitation, canon and the principles of counterpoint.
A focused answer to the harmonic and contrapuntal techniques needed for AQA A-Level Music composition, covering functional progressions, cadences, modulation, voice-leading, four-part writing, suspensions, sequences, imitation and counterpoint.
9 min answer →

How do you orchestrate and arrange music effectively when composing?

Orchestration and arrangement: writing idiomatically for instruments and voices, instrumental ranges and transposition, balance and blend, doubling, texture, and arranging existing material for new forces.
A focused answer to orchestration and arrangement for AQA A-Level Music composition, covering idiomatic writing for instruments and voices, ranges and transposition, balance and blend, doubling, texture, and arranging existing material for new forces.
8 min answer →