.png){kind=small}
📘 Section A – Listening Paper
🎼 Irish Composer:
Seán Ó Riada is a strong contender. His work has been absent from recent papers, and his cultural significance continues to be emphasized in curriculum materials.
🎹 Set Works:
Expect a return of Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody or Tchaikovsky – Romeo and Juliet Overture, both of which have not featured in the last couple of years.
🎶 Aural Skills:
Pay special attention to chord progressions and modulations. Dictation questions may involve rhythms in compound time (e.g., 6/8).
✅ Pro Tip: Practice identifying cadences and texture changes across genres, especially in contrasting excerpts.
🧠 Section B – Composing Paper
🎵 Melody Composition:
Expect a question based on a 4-line phrase for either voice or instrument. Recent papers suggest an emphasis on word-setting and phrase structure.
🎼 Harmony Composition:
Four-part harmony and backing chords remain central. Watch out for modulations and secondary dominants in the given phrases.
🎯 Tip: Memorize cadential patterns and use chord substitution to enrich your harmonic vocabulary.
🎤 Section C – Practical Performance
🎷 Solo & Group:
Choose pieces that highlight a variety of musical elements (dynamics, articulation, modulation). Examiners reward expressive performance more than technical showboating.
🎼 Technology Option:
MIDI sequencing and multitrack recording continue to grow in popularity. Be clear on saving/exporting files correctly, and ensure proper panning/mixing in your final output.
🔊 Pro Tip: Practice under mock exam conditions with a teacher or peer. Focus on musicality and polish, not perfection.
📅 What Came Up in 2020–2024?
Here's a snapshot of recurring themes:
Premium Physics Notes
Want extra support? Check out our Premium Physics study notes - detailed explanations, exam tips, and exclusive resources.
What's Included ?
Comprehensive notes for every chapter (45+ pages)
Concise explanations for faster learning
High-quality visuals for better understanding
€ 13.52 €78.00
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I prioritize in May 2025?
A: Focus on set works that haven’t appeared recently, especially Queen or Tchaikovsky. Prepare for melodic dictation and modulations.
Q: Do deferred exams influence the main paper?
A: Occasionally. Some 2023 deferred material appeared in 2024, so reviewing the 2024 deferred paper (if released) is wise.
