AS and A Level Music performing and composing

The AS and A Level Music (H143/H543) performing and composing components are externally assessed via an audio-visual recording which must be digitally uploaded to the OCR Repository by the following deadlines: 

• AS and A Level Composing – 15 May 
• AS and A Level Performing – 31 May 

For full assessment requirements, please refer to the relevant specification. For guidance on uploading files, see the OCR Repository pages.

For each component, candidates need to submit an audio-visual recording of their recital or composition together with the score and a cover sheet, which can be downloaded from the qualification page. It is also important for centres to keep back-up copies of all the work.

File formats

For audio and video recordings, any format that will play on a standard laptop is accepted, for example, MP3, MP4, MPEG, Quicktime or Windows Media File. 

Scores and briefs can be provided as Word or PDF files.

For performances

• Scores for performances are required but do not form part of the assessment. 
• Scores do not have to be full score notation: a lead sheet or tab are both acceptable as long as it represents what the performance is based on. 
• Students can annotate the scores to highlight or justify any differences between the score and the performances. 

For composition

• Scores for compositions are required but do not attract any marks. 
• Scores do not have to be full score notation: a lead sheet, tab or a screen shot of software are all acceptable. 
• Students can annotate their scores to highlight or justify a compositional decision.

Recordings must be completed between 1 March and 31 May in the academic year in which the student expects to be awarded the qualification. 

• The recital must be held as a whole, and video recorded from start to finish. 
• Pieces can be solo, ensemble or mixture and on any instrument, voice or technology. 
• The recital should be prepared to be performed to an audience. Audiences can range from a formal concert in a concert hall, classmates or simply the teacher and the recording equipment – as long they are held in the principle of an actual performance. 
• No written evaluation or programme note is needed – although this can be a useful part of the teaching and learning process, it does not get marked or need to be submitted for assessment. 
• If something goes wrong, a recital can be re-recorded as long as it falls within the above window and is the entire performance from start to finish. 

Performing B 

The focussed study is an extra piece that demonstrates the candidate’s full understanding of their chosen instrument. It could be specifically written or a piece that has been appropriately arranged: 

• Section 1: At least two pieces, anything the candidate wishes – marked as a whole using the Section 1 marking criteria. 
• Section 2: At least one other piece to be marked using the criteria for Section 2.

Recordings must be submitted by 15 May in the academic year in which the student expects to be awarded the qualification. 

• The compositions do not have to contrast – students may compose two pieces that belong to the same genre, or not, if they wish. 
• The learner set brief does not need to be long. It should contain the intention for instrumentation, genre, purpose and structure to show students have a clear intention and have set themselves something they can respond well to. 
• No commentary or log is needed – although this can be a useful part of the teaching and learning process, it does not get marked or need to be submitted for assessment. 
• The mark schemes for the composition components detail how the brief written by the student will be marked. 

Composing A 

For Section 3 technical exercises: 

• Students may choose to demonstrate their understanding of a technique found in the works of a specific composer or a particular type of work within any area of study 
• Students pick one area of study and then either pitch organisation or rhythm and metre or texture 
• Students will specify on their cover sheet exactly which area of study and technical devices they have chosen to demonstrate. Focus for technical exercises should be as specific as possible.

Teachers are required to declare the work submitted is the candidate’s own work by completing a centre authentication form (CCS160) for each performing and composing component. These should be retained within the centre until the end of the post-results period.