Achievement Standard Making Music 91270:
Perform two substantial pieces of music as a featured soloist

Resource reference: Making Music 2.1A
Resource title: Solo Mio
Credits: 6

Achievement -
Perform two substantial pieces of music as a featured soloist.
Achievement with Merit -
Perform two substantial pieces of music effectively as a featured soloist.
Achievement with Excellence - Perform two substantial pieces of music convincingly as a featured soloist.


Student instructions:

Introduction

This activity requires you to perform before an audience two substantial pieces of music on your chosen solo instrument as a featured soloist.
Your performance will be recorded on video.
Preparatory activities
Choosing your pieces
The pieces you choose must be substantial and have some significance and/or complexity in the repertoire for the genre/instrument. It is very important that you select them carefully and that the skills you demonstrate reflect at least a fourth year of lessons through group lessons. Improvisation skills will be assessed where appropriate to the musical style. See Resources for information about what to consider when choosing your pieces to perform.
Arranging accompaniment
You may perform unaccompanied music or accompanied music.

Your pieces can also be performed accompanied by a small group. However, you must play a separate and clearly identifiable part. For example, you can be the singer with a rhythm section backing you, or you can use a backing tape, or even play a concerto with an orchestra as long as you are the featured soloist.
Preparing your pieces
Practise your chosen pieces regularly (daily is best) from the beginning of the year. It is a very good idea to set goals and work through the pieces with your tutor. Your classroom teacher will hear you play from time to time and give you feedback on how well you are progressing.

Task
Perform the two pieces for the audience. You may perform both pieces consecutively, or you may choose to play one early in the concert and the second piece later. These two pieces will be assessed as a performance.
Your performance will be recorded on video.

A quality solo performance will:
·        be performed assuredly with few errors or hesitations, none of which mar the enjoyment of the audience
·        be stylistically appropriate to the genre of music
·        be musically expressive with careful and considered attention given to elements such as dynamics, articulations, phrasing, and line
·        demonstrate interpretive understanding
·        be performed with body language and posture that is appropriate for your instrument and enhances the experience for the audience
·        be introduced to the audience by you then be performed in a manner that enhances the atmosphere and musical moment you create.

Resources
When choosing your pieces, consider the following questions:
·        Are these two pieces substantial enough to reflect this level of the curriculum? While there is no time limit, it is unlikely that a 30-second study could be considered substantial. A performance of both pieces of approximately 8 to 10 minutes is a broad guideline for you.
·        Are the pieces complex enough, both musically and technically, reflecting a fourth year of lessons?
·        Are they significant in the repertoire for the genre or your instrument?
·        Do the pieces have the potential to demonstrate the technical, musical, and presentation skills you are capable of? Will they show off your best skills? (Pieces that are too easy or insubstantial may not allow you to achieve, but pieces that are too difficult may mean you cannot play with assurance and expressiveness and be able to demonstrate interpretive understanding.)
·        Will you enjoy working on these for the next few months? Are they different enough to keep you interested and motivated? When you consider the music you have played in the past year, do these two provide some new challenges both technically and musically?

Discuss your options with your tutor, who will be able to suggest pieces that show you at your best and are considered substantial for your level of learning. You must then take your choice of music to your classroom teacher to discuss the reasons for your choices and to ensure that they will allow you to earn your best result.