How do I revise Component 1: Performing for Edexcel A-Level?

Ensure the total performance time is at least eight minutes; gaps between pieces and tuning do not count.

What exam tips are there for Component 1: Performing? (2)

Performances must be recorded after 1 March and submitted by 15 May in the year of certification.

What exam tips are there for Component 1: Performing? (3)

Use the Pearson Edexcel GCSE, AS and A level Music Difficulty Levels Booklet to inform piece selection.

What mistakes should I avoid in Component 1: Performing?

Submitting performances shorter than the eight-minute minimum, leading to proportional mark reductions.

What are common errors in Component 1: Performing exams? (2)

Editing or piecing together recordings from multiple sessions.

Component 1: Performing

EDEXCEL

A-Level

Component 1: Performing is a non-examined assessment (NEA) worth 30% of the A-Level. It requires students to perform a recital of at least eight minutes, consisting of one or more pieces, which can be solo, ensemble, improvisation, or a realisation using music technology. The performance must be live, unedited, and recorded in front of an audience of at least two people.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

Component 1: Performing is a core component of the Edexcel A-Level Music qualification, accounting for 30% of the total A-Level marks and 60% of the AS grade. This component assesses your ability to perform as a soloist and/or as part of an ensemble, demonstrating technical control, expressive interpretation, and stylistic awareness. You are required to submit a recorded performance of a programme lasting 6–8 minutes at A-Level (or 4–6 minutes at AS), which can include one or more pieces. The repertoire must be drawn from at least two different areas of study, ensuring breadth and depth in your musical engagement.

This component is crucial because it develops your practical musicianship, which is central to understanding music as a living art form. Performing not only hones your technical skills but also deepens your interpretative and analytical abilities, as you must make informed decisions about phrasing, dynamics, and articulation based on the stylistic context of each piece. The skills you gain here directly complement the other components: you will draw on your knowledge of musical elements and contexts from Component 3 (Appraising) and apply compositional techniques from Component 2 (Composing) in your performance choices.

To succeed in Component 1, you must plan your programme carefully, balancing technical demands with musical expression. Your performance is assessed on accuracy (pitch, rhythm, intonation), technical control (tone quality, articulation, fluency), and communication (interpretation, style, and overall impact). Regular practice, mock recordings, and feedback from your teacher are essential. Remember, the recording is a one-shot submission, so preparation and consistency are key.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Technical control of the instrument (coordination, breath control, diction, pedalling, intonation, tone quality, use of filters/effects).
Accuracy of pitch and rhythm.
Fluency of performance.
Expressive control (use of dynamics, phrasing, articulation).
Understanding of style and context.
Difficulty level of the chosen pieces (standard, more difficult, or less difficult).
Ensemble skills (balance, interaction, and reaction to other performers).

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Technical control of the instrument (coordination, breath control, diction, pedalling, intonation, tone quality, use of filters/effects).
Accuracy of pitch and rhythm.
Fluency of performance.
Expressive control (use of dynamics, phrasing, articulation).
Understanding of style and context.
Difficulty level of the chosen pieces (standard, more difficult, or less difficult).
Ensemble skills (balance, interaction, and reaction to other performers).

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Ensure the total performance time is at least eight minutes; gaps between pieces and tuning do not count.
💡Performances must be recorded after 1 March and submitted by 15 May in the year of certification.
💡Use the Pearson Edexcel GCSE, AS and A level Music Difficulty Levels Booklet to inform piece selection.
💡Ensure the recording is a complete, unedited, continuous live performance.
💡Submit all necessary documentation, including the Performance Authentication Sheet and appropriate scores/lead sheets.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Submitting performances shorter than the eight-minute minimum, leading to proportional mark reductions.
Editing or piecing together recordings from multiple sessions.
Choosing pieces that are too easy (levels 1-6), which can be self-penalising.
Failing to provide acceptable scores, lead sheets, or reference materials for the examiner.
In ensemble performances, failing to be assessed on the whole performance, including periods where the student is not playing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Technical Control and Fluency

Expressive Interpretation and Phrasing

Stylistic Awareness and Idiomatic Realisation

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Perform

Record

Submit

Interpret

Communicate

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

Component 1: Performing

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terminology

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in EDEXCEL A-Level Music

Assessment Objectives

Component 2: Composing

E2E stub topic

Component 3: Appraising

Component 1: Performing

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should my performance be for A-Level Music Component 1?

Can I perform as part of an ensemble for Component 1?

What areas of study do I need to cover in my performance programme?

How is my performance marked?

Can I use backing tracks or accompaniment?

What if I make a mistake during the recording?

Key Terminology

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in EDEXCEL A-Level Music

Assessment Objectives

Component 2: Composing

E2E stub topic

Component 3: Appraising