Composing overview: how the two WJEC A-Level Music compositions (Component 2) work

This overview maps WJEC A-Level Music Component 2 (Composing), the two compositions worth 25 per cent of the A level. It is non-examined coursework, so there is no written paper for this component; you submit two pieces with scores or written accounts and recordings.

What Composing tests

Component 2 asks for two compositions totalling 4 to 6 minutes: one in response to a WJEC set brief and one a free composition. Both are marked for handling of the musical elements, idiomatic writing, and a clear structure with development.

The two pieces

1. The brief composition. WJEC releases a list of briefs each year, often linked to an area of study, and each brief may fix a style, mood, set of forces or stimulus. You select one and write to its requirements.
2. The free composition. You choose the starting point, style and forces, which is where personal imagination shows. Making the two pieces contrast (style, forces or mood) demonstrates range.

Each piece is submitted with a score or detailed written account and a recording (live or produced).

How they are marked

• Handling of the musical elements - melody, harmony, tonality, rhythm and metre, texture, structure and instrumentation working together.
• Idiomatic writing - music that is playable and well voiced for the chosen forces.
• Structure and development - a recognisable form with material that is developed, not just collected.
• Answering the brief (brief piece) and imagination and coherence (free piece).

How to prepare

1. Read the brief carefully. Note exactly what it fixes (style, mood, forces, stimulus) and meet every requirement.
2. Develop strong material. Start from a memorable motif or progression and transform it rather than stacking unrelated ideas.
3. Shape a clear structure. Give each piece a recognisable form so the listener follows a journey.
4. Write idiomatically. Keep the music playable and well voiced for the forces.
5. Notate and record cleanly. Submit a clear score or written account with a recording, and make the two pieces contrast.

Where this fits in the course

Composing sits alongside Performing (Component 1) and Appraising (Component 3). The harmony, structure and stylistic knowledge you build for Appraising directly improves your composing craft. For the official specification and the current briefs, see wjec.co.uk, and always work from the current specification because requirements and briefs are board-specific and change yearly.