Hey people.
I'm an O' Level Music student, and I'm taking Music as my 9th
subject for my O' Level examinations this year, in addition to
double pure sciences, double mathematics, double languages and
double humanities, though I am not part of any Music Elective
Programme. (my school doesn't offer it).
I have already finished ABRSM Grade 8 Music theory and
Piano.
My components would include going for a Major in music
performing, and a Minor in music writing, and the main paper.
The main paper should be manageable with a lot of studying.
The minor in music writing is simply coursework, and should be
no problem for me.
The major in music performing requires me to be adept at one
instrument and voice, or two instruments.
I plan to perform two contrasting pieces on the piano, namely
Fantasie Impromptu, and a Sonata composed by Scarletti, and
sing one piece (as my third piece).
I really need help on selecting, or even singing the third piece
of my choice.
The criteria states, singing purely with voice and accompaniment of
an instrument, one song from any style/genre.
What? I am confused. Nobody else in my school's history has
taken voice as their 2nd instrument. And all 3 music teachers in my
school were strongly against me taking voice as a 2nd instrument,
even though I am in my school's choir, have a very good vocal range
and have good vocal technique. They simply advised against it, not
because I was not up to it, but because it simply wasn't a good
idea for ANYONE to do such a thing.
But what's done is done. And now I need advice on it.
Does anyone know any songs to recommend? It has to be at least of
Grade 4 ABRSM singing standard, and can be from any style/genre.
The few people I know who have sung a song as their third piece
with voice had no advice for me.
I also need advice on the main paper and the piano performing
segment.
Do they judge harshly? Worse than ABRSM standard? General
Advice?
I know some schools only require a student to have Grade 4 ABRSM
music qualifications before taking O' Level Music as a subject,
while my school required Grade 6 ABRSM music qualifications..
Has anyone here taken O' Level Music before? Regardless of
whatever instrument, qualifications or grades you obtained, or if
you even liked the subject or not, please share your experience and
advice.
Thanks!