How do I revise Component 2: Composing for Edexcel A-Level?

Ensure the free choice composition and the technique-based composition complement each other to meet the minimum six-minute requirement

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

Use the Composing Authentication Sheet to document the process and ensure work is authenticated

What exam tips are there for Component 2: Composing? (3)

For music technology briefs, ensure the final recording is in the correct format (.wav, 44.1kHz, 16-bit)

What mistakes should I avoid in Component 2: Composing?

Submitting work that does not meet the minimum combined duration of six minutes (results in proportional mark reduction)

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

Lack of clear structure or direction in musical ideas

Component 2: Composing

EDEXCEL

A-Level

Component 2: Composing involves the creation of two compositions with a combined minimum duration of six minutes. Students must complete one free choice composition (40 marks, minimum 4 minutes) and one composition to a brief assessing technique (20 marks, minimum 1 minute). The component assesses the ability to develop musical ideas, demonstrate technical control, and achieve musical coherence.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

Component 2: Composing is a core part of the Edexcel A-Level Music qualification, accounting for 30% of the total marks. In this component, you are required to create two compositions: one in response to a brief set by the exam board (from a choice of four), and one free composition that you design yourself. The total combined duration must be at least 6 minutes. This component tests your ability to apply musical knowledge creatively, demonstrating understanding of harmony, structure, instrumentation, and stylistic conventions.

Composing is not just about writing notes; it's about communicating musical ideas effectively. You will need to show control of musical elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, and dynamics. The set briefs often require you to compose in a specific style (e.g., Baroque dance suite, film music, jazz, or popular song), so familiarity with these genres is essential. The free composition allows you to explore your own interests, but must still meet technical and stylistic criteria. This component is your chance to showcase originality and technical skill, and it directly links to the listening and appraising skills developed in Component 3.

Success in Component 2 requires careful planning, regular drafting, and critical self-evaluation. You should keep a composition log or diary to document your creative process, as this can help you reflect on decisions and justify them in your commentary. The final submission includes a score and a recording (live or MIDI), plus a brief commentary explaining your intentions and how you met the brief. Mastering this component not only boosts your grade but also develops transferable skills in creativity, problem-solving, and attention to detail.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Creating and developing musical ideas with coherence (design and management of structures, formal processes, unity and variety)
Creating and developing musical ideas with expressive control (pacing, mood, atmosphere, response to brief/intentions)
Creating and developing musical ideas with technical control (handling of musical elements, devices, conventions, and idiomatic use of forces)
Response to the specific brief (for technique-based compositions)

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Creating and developing musical ideas with coherence (design and management of structures, formal processes, unity and variety)
Creating and developing musical ideas with expressive control (pacing, mood, atmosphere, response to brief/intentions)
Creating and developing musical ideas with technical control (handling of musical elements, devices, conventions, and idiomatic use of forces)
Response to the specific brief (for technique-based compositions)

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Ensure the free choice composition and the technique-based composition complement each other to meet the minimum six-minute requirement
💡Use the Composing Authentication Sheet to document the process and ensure work is authenticated
💡For music technology briefs, ensure the final recording is in the correct format (.wav, 44.1kHz, 16-bit)
💡Ensure the score or written account clearly justifies the intentions of the piece so it can be replicated by another performer
💡Work within the guided maximum length (8 minutes) to avoid self-penalising with excessively long submissions

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Submitting work that does not meet the minimum combined duration of six minutes (results in proportional mark reduction)
Lack of clear structure or direction in musical ideas
Unidiomatic handling of instruments or voices
Inconsistent or unconvincing control of style and stylistic procedures
Failure to provide a sufficiently detailed score, lead sheet, or written account

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Harmonic Language and Progression

Thematic Development and Variation

Structural Coherence and Form

Idiomatic Instrumental and Vocal Writing

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Compose

Develop

Create

Manipulate

Evaluate

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

Component 2: Composing

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 1: Performing

E2E stub topic

Component 3: Appraising

Component 2: Composing

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should each composition be?

Can I use a DAW like Logic Pro to compose?

What if I don't play an instrument well? Can I still compose?

How important is the commentary?

Can I write a piece that is not in a Western classical style?

What happens if my composition is too short?

Key Terminology

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in EDEXCEL A-Level Music

Assessment Objectives

Component 1: Performing

E2E stub topic

Component 3: Appraising