Skip to content
    Music A-Level

    Minimalism and phase shifting

    What Minimalism and phase shifting means in Music A-Level, as defined for AQA.

    Definition of Minimalism and phase shifting

    Check what you remember

    Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Minimalism and phase shifting in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.

    Reference: AQA

    A 20th-century style associated with the technique, in which a motif is shifted against the metre to drive the music forward through rhythmic dissonance.
    AQA · Area of study 7: Art music since 1910 - Musical elements

    Topics that use Minimalism and phase shifting

    Related terms

    Using Minimalism and phase shifting in the exam

    Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.

    Practise Music questions

    Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.

    Start free

    A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge

    All Music A-Level terms