UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
THE MATRICULATION EXAMINATION
ADVANCED LEVEL
MUSIC
MAY 2015
EXAMINERS’ REPORT
MATRICULATION AND SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE
EXAMINATIONS BOARD
AM EXAMINERS’ REPORT MAY 2015
AM MUSIC
MAY 2015 SESSION
EXAMINERS’ REPORT
The table below delineates the distribution of grades:
GRADE
Number of Candidates
% of Total
A
1
7.14
B
6
42.86
C
2
14.29
D
4
28.57
E
1
7.14
F
0
0.00
Abs
0
0.00
Total
14
100
Paper I – Part 1
The candidates who had a good grasp of aural musicianship did very well in this paper. The
biggest liability seems to be in the dictation of the missing notes in the atonal excerpt and the filling
in of the top and bottom voices in the part-writing dictation.
Paper I – Part 2
Implied harmonies or intended progressions in the harmony exercise were often overlooked by
some candidates, thereby resulting in clumsy harmonisations and contrapuntal answers.
Candidates needed to handle better the imitiative counterpoint exercise where this frequently
resulted in fifths, octaves and other unnatural intervals.
Paper II – Part 1
The candidates’ performance in this component was quite satisfactory, with some doing better
than others. That being said, a more correct use of terminology is solicited.
Paper II – Part 2
On the whole, the examiners were satisfied with the candidates’ analytical perspectives.
Paper III
Two candidates secured a highly satisfactory performance. A smooth flow and assured technique
are part of the indispensable arsenal to tackle this paper with the required proficiency. The
submitted compositions showed flare and a knack for a sure technique.
Chairperson
2015 Examination Panel
2