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Guidelines for composing

Third Phase

Revision and preparation of the final draft

This is the phase where fine tuning of the idea and of the materials takes place. It involves some questioning such as ‘is there too much of this or too much of that or not enough of this.

Continue to approach the work from an overview perspective - this is the time to look at general tendencies such as the degree of contrast in ideas, texture, instrumentation; the role of register, shifts in colour, dynamic shape and the detail of phrasing and articulation.

Consider whether the sequence of events unfolds in a coherent way.

Once again revisit the durational proportions of the sub-sections and make the necessary adjustments so that the way in which the work unfolds is not too predictable.

Continue to revisit your underlying idea(s) and as you move forward through the movement also look back and question whether you explored the idea as much and as creatively as you could have in the time allowed.

Still be prepared to let material go if it detracts from the overall impact.

Check detail such as indicating instrumentation, any other performance instructions, bar numbers, tempo and tempo changes, expressive indications, detail of articulation and dynamics, page numbers and spacing on the page- don’t cram the notation on the page, leave plenty of space so it’s easy to read.

Refer to Composition Marking Guidelines and Markers' Comments for further advice.
http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_hsc/pdf_doc/music_2_prac_mark_guide.pdf

http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/hsc_exams/exam-papers-2007/pdf_doc/music-notes-07.pdf

Good luck!

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