Cambridge IGCSE Music A*-G (0410) FAQs

• (GENERAL) - Our school is currently transitioning to Cambridge IGCSEs and as part of the preparation, we would like to know what are the minimum requirements for the musical equipment and room setup needed to be able to deliver the syllabus?
• (COMPONENT 1 - LISTENING) - Are there any specimen resources for the new set works or the world focus set topics as I am preparing a mock examination?
• How much extra time is applied in Component 1, the listening exam?
• Do we use Cambridge Global Listening platform to download the audio file for the listening exam?
• (COMPONENT 2: PERFORMING) What is the difference between a solo and an ensemble performance?
• Can solo singers perform with a band?
• How long do performances have to be?
• Are duets allowed?
• Is conducting acceptable?
• Is rap/beat-boxing and DJing acceptable?
• What music grade should candidates be?
• Can one ensemble be used for several candidates?
• Is tab allowed?
• Is improvisation allowed in performance?
• Can candidates perform pieces that have been transcribed or made easier?
• To achieve the minimum duration of four minutes our candidate has chosen to perform 2 solo pieces, do these solo performances need to be in the same recording or can they be in separate recordings?
• Can performances be recorded outside school?
• When should performances be recorded and submitted?
• What if no sheet music is available?
• (COMPONENT 3: COMPOSING) - Can a candidate perform their own composition?
• How long do compositions have to be?
• Do candidates need to perform their own compositions?
• Can candidates use the same instruments for both compositions?
• Is improvisation allowed in compositions?
• Are single-line compositions acceptable?
• Can candidates use loops in their composition?
• Can a student who used pre-composed samples and sequenced them as part of an electronic music performance transform these samples to be used as original melodies for their composition?
• I have a student who want to write a piece of music using electronic instruments (no loops of samples will be used). Is this allowed and if so, how does he show this in a notation format?
• Do we submit audio recordings of Component 2 Performing and Component 3 Composing on just one CD or USB stick?
• In the audio recordings for Component 2 Performing and Component 3 Composing, what order should the candidates be in? And are spoken introductions needed for each pupil?