How is Component 2 (Composing) structured, and how do you write a successful composition to a brief or free?
Component 2 Composing: the two compositions (Composition 1 to a Pearson brief or free, at least four minutes; Composition 2 a technical study, at least two minutes), the assessment criteria, and how to develop and notate ideas.
A focused answer on Component 2 (Composing) for Edexcel A-Level Music. Covers the two compositions (Composition 1 to a brief or free, Composition 2 a technical study), the assessment criteria, the minimum durations, and how to develop and notate musical ideas for the highest marks.
Reviewed by: AI editorial process; not yet individually human-reviewed
Have a quick question? Jump to the Q&A page
Jump to a section
What this dot point is asking
Component 2, Composing, is the second non-examined assessment, worth 30 percent (60 marks). You write two compositions: a larger Composition 1 (to a brief or free) and a shorter Composition 2 (a technical study). This page sets out the requirements, the assessment criteria, and how to develop and notate ideas for the highest marks.
The two compositions
The assessment criteria
Developing ideas and structure
Notation and submission
How Edexcel examines this
Component 2 is non-examined: it is assessed against the published composition criteria and moderated by Pearson. Understanding the two-composition structure, the briefs, and the criteria lets you plan a portfolio that targets the marks, a developed creative Composition 1 plus a technically secure Composition 2.
Try this
Q1. What are the two compositions in Component 2, and their minimum lengths? [Knowledge recall]
- Cue. Composition 1 (to a brief or free) of at least four minutes, and Composition 2 (a technical study) of at least two minutes, six minutes in total.
Q2. What is the single biggest way to lift a composition's marks? [Short explanation]
- Cue. Develop the musical ideas (transform the material through sequence, variation, modulation, re-texturing) rather than repeating them, across a clear structure.
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of Pearson Edexcel exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
Edexcel NEA20 marksExplain the structure of Component 2 and the requirements of the two compositions. (Component 2 requirements)Show worked answer →
A question on the structure of the composing component.
Composition 1 (40 marks). At least four minutes, written either to a Pearson-set brief (released annually, linked to an area of study) or as a free composition; it must show developed musical ideas and command of the elements.
Composition 2 (20 marks). At least two minutes, a technical study, either a set of Bach chorale harmonisations or a brief set by Pearson; it tests technique (voice-leading, harmony or idiomatic writing).
Total. The two compositions must together last at least six minutes. A strong answer states the marks, the minimum durations and the nature of each composition, not just "you write two pieces".
Edexcel NEA18 marksDescribe the assessment criteria for Composition 1 and how a candidate can address each. (Component 2 assessment criteria)Show worked answer →
A question on the criteria for the main composition.
Criteria. Developing musical ideas (strong, coherent material that is developed, not just repeated); the technical use of the elements (melody, harmony, tonality, texture, structure, rhythm, instrumentation); and the use of compositional and stylistic conventions appropriate to the brief.
Addressing them. Generate distinctive ideas, develop them across a clear structure, control harmony and texture, and meet the brief's stylistic demands; notate or record accurately.
A strong answer names the criteria and gives a practical strategy for each, rather than "write something good and original".
Related dot points
- Component 1 Performing: the requirements (a recital of at least eight minutes, solo and/or ensemble), the assessment criteria (accuracy, technical control, expression and interpretation), the role of difficulty, and how to prepare and record.
A focused answer on Component 1 (Performing) for Edexcel A-Level Music. Covers the requirement of an eight-minute recital, the assessment criteria of accuracy, technical control, expression and interpretation, the role of difficulty, and how to prepare and record for the highest marks.
- Compositional techniques and the technical study: harmony and voice-leading (Bach chorale style), melodic development, texture and structure, and the craft skills tested by Composition 2 and rewarded across the composing component.
A focused answer on compositional techniques and the technical study (Composition 2) for Edexcel A-Level Music. Covers Bach chorale harmony and voice-leading, cadences, melodic development, texture and structure, and the craft skills the composing component rewards.
- The musical elements (melody, harmony, tonality, texture, structure, rhythm, metre, tempo, dynamics, articulation, instrumentation and technology) and the analytical vocabulary the Component 3 appraising paper rewards across all six areas of study.
A focused answer on the musical elements that underpin every Edexcel A-Level Music appraising answer. Covers melody, harmony, tonality, texture, structure, rhythm, metre, dynamics, articulation, instrumentation and technology, with the precise vocabulary and bar-referencing the Component 3 exam rewards.
- Harmony, tonality and melody as analytical tools: diatonic and chromatic harmony, cadences, modulation, chromatic chords (Neapolitan, augmented sixth, diminished seventh), and melodic devices across the six areas of study.
A focused answer on harmony, tonality and melody for Edexcel A-Level Music appraising. Covers cadences, modulation, functional and chromatic harmony, the Neapolitan and augmented-sixth chords, melodic contour and devices, with the precise vocabulary and bar-referencing Component 3 rewards.
- Texture, structure (form) and rhythm as analytical tools: textural types, the standard forms, metre, syncopation, hemiola, polyrhythm and additive metre across the six areas of study.
A focused answer on texture, structure and rhythm for Edexcel A-Level Music appraising. Covers textural types, binary, ternary, rondo, sonata, ritornello and verse-chorus forms, metre, syncopation, hemiola, polyrhythm and additive metre, with the vocabulary and bar-referencing Component 3 rewards.
Sources & how we know this
- Pearson Edexcel A-Level Music (9MU0) specification (Issue 7) — Pearson Edexcel (2016)