How is Component 1 (Performing) assessed, and what does a high-mark Edexcel A-Level performance need?
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.
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What this dot point is asking
Component 1, Performing, is the first non-examined assessment, worth 30 percent (60 marks). You must prepare and present a recital of at least eight minutes. This page sets out the requirements, the assessment criteria, the role of difficulty, and how to prepare and record for the highest marks.
The requirements
The assessment criteria
The role of difficulty
How to prepare and record
How Edexcel examines this
Component 1 is non-examined: there is no written paper. It is assessed against the published performance criteria by a visiting examiner or from a recording submitted to Pearson, and moderated. Understanding the criteria and the difficulty model lets you choose repertoire and direct your practice to where the marks are.
Try this
Q1. What is the minimum length of the Component 1 recital, and how much is it worth? [Knowledge recall]
- Cue. At least eight minutes; 60 marks and 30 percent of the A-level.
Q2. Name the three assessment criteria for performing. [Short explanation]
- Cue. Accuracy (notes and rhythms), technical control (tone, intonation, fluency) and interpretation and expression (dynamics, phrasing, style, communication).
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 NEA18 marksExplain how the choice of repertoire and its difficulty affect the marks available in a Component 1 performance. (Component 1 assessment criteria)Show worked answer →
A question on the role of difficulty, marked on understanding of the assessment model.
Difficulty. Each piece has a standard of difficulty; the assessment rewards performances at or above a defined level (around Grade 6 standard), and the level of demand influences the ceiling of marks: a flawless very easy piece cannot reach the top, while a secure performance of suitably demanding repertoire can.
Choice. Candidates should choose music that is challenging but achievable, playing to their strengths, because accuracy and control are assessed alongside difficulty.
A strong answer explains that marks reward accuracy, technical control, expression and interpretation, scaled by the difficulty of the chosen repertoire, not just "harder pieces get more marks".
Edexcel NEA16 marksDescribe the assessment criteria for a Component 1 performance and how a candidate can maximise each. (Component 1 assessment criteria)Show worked answer →
A question on the criteria.
Criteria. Accuracy (correct notes and rhythms), technical control (tone, intonation, fluency, command of the instrument or voice), and interpretation and expression (dynamics, phrasing, articulation, style and communication).
Maximising. Secure the notes early, then refine control and bring out expression and stylistic understanding; choose suitable repertoire; rehearse with any accompanist; and record in good conditions.
A strong answer names the criteria and gives a practical strategy for each, rather than "play well and practise".
Related dot points
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- Area of Study 1 Vocal Music: the two set works (Bach's Cantata Ein feste Burg BWV 80 and Vaughan Williams's On Wenlock Edge), the genres of cantata and song cycle, and the techniques of text setting and word-painting.
An overview of Area of Study 1 (Vocal Music) for Edexcel A-Level Music. Introduces the two set works, Bach's Cantata Ein feste Burg BWV 80 and Vaughan Williams's On Wenlock Edge, the genres of the Baroque cantata and the song cycle, and the text-setting techniques the appraising exam rewards.
Sources & how we know this
- Pearson Edexcel A-Level Music (9MU0) specification (Issue 7) — Pearson Edexcel (2016)