Technical Control

    OCR
    GCSE

    Technical control defines the candidate's ability to manipulate the instrument or voice with precision, encompassing accuracy in pitch and rhythm alongside the management of sonority. Candidates must demonstrate fluency and dexterity, ensuring that the mechanical demands of the repertoire do not compromise musical flow or stylistic intent. Assessment focuses on the consistency of intonation, the clarity of articulation, and the ability to sustain tone quality across the full dynamic range. High-scoring responses exhibit a command of instrument-specific techniques (e.g., breath control, pedalling, bowing) that appears effortless, allowing for full expressive communication (AO1).

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
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    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
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    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for high levels of accuracy in pitch and rhythm, particularly in technically demanding passages
    • Credit assured intonation and consistent tone quality across the full tessitura of the instrument or voice
    • Assess the fluency of the performance, rewarding the ability to maintain tempo and recover quickly from slips
    • Look for evidence of specific technical dexterity, such as rapid articulation, breath control, or advanced bowing techniques

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for high levels of accuracy in pitch and rhythm, particularly in technically demanding passages
    • Credit assured intonation and consistent tone quality across the full tessitura of the instrument or voice
    • Assess the fluency of the performance, rewarding the ability to maintain tempo and recover quickly from slips
    • Look for evidence of specific technical dexterity, such as rapid articulation, breath control, or advanced bowing techniques

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Select performance pieces that sit comfortably within your technical grasp to maximize marks in the Accuracy strand
    • 💡Annotate composition scores with specific technical instructions (e.g., 'con sordino', 'pizzicato') to demonstrate idiomatic understanding
    • 💡Ensure audio recordings for the portfolio are balanced and clear so technical nuances are audible to the moderator

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Selecting repertoire that exceeds the candidate's technical capability, resulting in frequent breakdowns
    • Neglecting fundamental technical preparation such as tuning or breath support in favour of expressive gestures
    • Submitting compositions with parts that are technically impossible or unidiomatic for the specified instruments

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Accuracy of Pitch and Rhythm
    Fluency and Dexterity
    Tone Quality and Sonority
    Instrument-Specific Techniques (e.g., Embouchure, Bowing, Pedalling)

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

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