WAEC Syllabus - Uploaded online by naijschools.

com

MUSIC SYLLABUS

PREAMBLE AND OBJECTIVES

Music permeates the way of life in all cultures. An art is valued and appreciated in every society.
Music is used for entertainment, cultural, artistic and commercial purposes. It features in various
occasions and during ceremonies connected with events such as birth, puberty, marriage, festivals,
religious worship, and death. Music encompasses both dance and drama and continues to play a
significant role in society by providing pleasure, enjoyment and self-esteem. It provides outlets for
creative expression and is further used for therapeutic purposes in all cultures.

The acquisition of music education has unlimited potentials for producing world-renowned
celebrities and icons. The syllabus therefore emphasizes deeper knowledge of the subject through
the study of the historical, theoretical, creative and the practical aspects. The knowledge acquired
in the subject equips students with requisite skills that will enable them pursue further education in
music at the tertiary level. It will also provide them with adequate entrepreneurial skills as
professional performers, composers, arrangers, broadcasters, producers, music engineers,
instrument technologists, music therapists etc.

The candidate will be expected to

1. explore basic elements of music through reading, writing, listening, aural
recognition, improvisation, and composition.

2. develop skills and artistic confidence in the presentation of music and perform reasonably
well as a soloist.

3. appreciate the historical, social and economic factors that have influenced composers and
their contributions to the development of music in the West African sub-region and
the world in general.

4. compose short vocal/instrumental pieces.

5. explore basic computer software applications in music.

THE SCOPE
Areas to be tested will include:

A. THEORY OF MUSIC AND COMPOSITION

(i) Rudiments of Music

(ii) Harmony
(iii) Counterpoint (two-part writing)
(iv) Composition
(v) Form and Analysis

1
 WAEC Syllabus - Uploaded online by naijschools.com

B. PRACTICAL
(i) Aural Test
(ii) Performance Test

C. HISTORY AND LITERATURE OF MUSIC

(i) History and Literature of Western Music
(ii) Traditional and Contemporary African Art Music
(iii) Popular African Music and Black Music in the Diaspora

SCHEME OF EXAMINATION

There will be three papers, Papers 1, 2 and 3, all of which must be taken.

Paper 1: This will be a 1 hour multiple-choice objective test consisting of forty questions drawn
from the entire syllabus. Candidates must attempt all the questions in the paper for 40
marks.

Paper 2: This will be a 2- hour essay type test consisting of five questions. Candidates will be
required to answer three of the questions within 2 hours for 60 marks. Question 1 on
Theory/Composition (Melody Writing, Harmony and Counterpoint) and Question 2 on
analysis of prescribed set-works will be compulsory. The following areas will be
covered:

(i) Composition;

(ii) Harmony;

(iii) Counterpoint (two-part writing);

(iv) Form and Analysis;

(v) History and Literature of Music in Western and African traditions; (vi) Black Music

in the Diaspora.

Paper 3A: Aural Test

This will be a 45-minute listening test carrying 50 marks.

Paper 3B: Performance Test

This will be a 30-minute performance test carrying 50 marks. Candidates will be expected to perform on an
instrument of their choice (one of voice, violin, pianoforte/electronic keyboard, flute, atenteben, recorder, B
flat trumpet, and E flat alto-saxophone). Candidates' ability on sight reading, technical exercises, scales and
arpeggios will be tested.
2
 WAEC Syllabus - Uploaded online by naijschools.com

DETAILED SYLLABUS

1. THEORY AND COMPOSITION

(A) Rudiments of Music

(a) Notation
(i) Staff
(ii) Clefs (C, G, and F)

(b) Scales: (Western)

(i) Diatonic – Major and Minor (natural, harmonic and melodic)
(ii) Chromatic – (melodic only)

(c) Modes: (African)

(i) Pentatonic (5-tone)
(ii) Hexatonic (6-tone)
(iii) Heptatonic (7-tone)

(d) Keys and Key Signatures

(e) Time Signatures: Simple and Compound
(f) Intervals
(g) Transcription (Staff notation into Solfa and vice versa)
(h) Transposition, including writing for transposing instruments
(i) Musical terms, signs, ornaments and abbreviations

(B) Elementary Harmony

(a) Chords/Triads
(i) Primary - I/i, IV/iv, V and their inversions
(ii) Secondary - ii, iii, vi and their inversions
(iii) Chord vii˚ and its inversions
(iv) 7th Chords (dominant 7th only) and its inversions

(b) Chord Progressions

Cadences (in both major and minor keys)
(i) Perfect (V – I);
(ii) Plagal (IV – I)
(iii) Interrupted (V–vi)
(iv) Imperfect (I–V), (ii – V), (iii – V), (IV – V)

(c) Use of primary and secondary triads in harmonising a given melody

3
 WAEC Syllabus - Uploaded online by naijschools.com

(i) Use of six-four chords (cadential and passing only) (ii) The use
of non-harmonic tones;
Passing (accented and non-accented)
Auxiliary or Neighbouring tones
Anticipation

(d) Modulations from the home key to its closely related keys only
(i) Dominant
(ii) Subdominant
(iii) Relative major and minor

(e) Four-part harmony (SATB).

(f) Two-part free Counterpoint (adding a part above or below a given melody).

(C) Composition
(a) Continuing a given melodic phrase in either a major or minor key to form
a melody of not less than 12 bars and not more than 16 bars in all.
Candidates may be required to modulate to at least one specified related
key.

(b) Setting a given text in English to music.

(D) Form and Analysis

(a) Simple forms e.g. binary, ternary, rondo, etc.

(b) Extended forms e.g. overture, oratorio, opera, cantata, suite, sonata,
symphony, concerto, etc.

(c) Form in traditional African music, e.g. the various forms of antiphony
(Call and Response, Cantor/Chorus, Call and Refrain), Repetitive (Cyclic)
forms, etc.

(d) Form in contemporary African art music – with emphasis on compositional

techniques, e.g. use of melody, rhythm, harmony, instrumentation,
through-composed pieces, etc.

(E) Prepared set-works as recommended for each year

The set-works listed below (Western or African) are to be chosen by the

candidate, as recommended, for each year. This will be studied for a compulsory
question in Paper 2.

4
 WAEC Syllabus - Uploaded online by naijschools.com

Year Work Composers

Trumpet Concerto (2nd Movement) J. Haydn
2013 OR
Ahekoo E. Pappoe-Thompson
Largo from the Symphony in E minor “From Antonn Dvorak
the New World” (Abridged Piano Version)
2014
OR
Ore Meta Akin Euba

Gavotte (From French Suite No. 5 in G) J. S. Bach

2015 OR
Nne Bia Nyerem Aka Laz Ekwueme
Triumphal March (From AIDA) Giuseppe Verdi
( Abridged Piano Version)
2016
OR
Atentenata in C (Opus 3 No. 1) C.W.K. Mereku
Moment Musical in G Minor Franz Schubert
2017 OR
Kiniun Ayo Bankole

2. AURAL TESTS (PAPER 3A)

Candidates will be required to write all seven tests. The Aural Tests will be administered
by means of a CD/cassette, a copy of which will be sent to each examination centre on the day
of the examination.

(a) Rhythmic Dictation

A melody not exceeding 4 bars will be played four times. Candidates will be
required to write the rhythm on a monotone. Before playing the passage, the
examiner will give the time signature and indicate the speed at which the pulse of
the music moves. The passage may be in either simple or compound time.
(8 marks)

(b) Melody Writing

Candidates will be required to write from dictation a short melodic passage not
exceeding 4 bars and which may contain elements of African Music.
5
 WAEC Syllabus - Uploaded online by naijschools.com

Before playing the passage, the examiner will indicate the speed at which the
pulse of the music moves. The passage may be in either simple or compound time.
The piece, which may be modal or in a major or minor key, will normally begin
on the first beat of a bar. If the music is in a major or minor key, the key will be
named and tonic chord sounded, followed by the key note. If in a mode, the tonal centre
and the mode will be played.

The pulse will be given and the melody will first be played in its entirety. It will
then be played twice in sections at short intervals of time and finally it will be
repeated in its entirety. (8 marks)

(c) Writing the Upper or Lower part of a Two-Part Phrase

A two-part phrase in a major or minor key not exceeding four bars will be played. The
candidates will be required to write out either the upper or the lower part in full. The key
and time-signature will be given and the tonic chord sounded. The passage will be played
four time. The passage may be in either simple or time.
(8 marks)

(d) Chords
A passage in a named key containing not more than eight chords will be played.
The candidate will be required to identify chords employed in the progression by
using the Roman numerals e.g. Ic, V, vib, etc. or a technical description of each chord,
e.g. dominant, first inversion; sub-dominant, root position etc. The passage will be
played four (4) times at a reasonably slow pace. The key will be given and the tonic
chord sounded before the passage is played through.
(8 marks)

(e) Cadences
Candidates will be required to recognize and name any of the following cadences
(perfect, imperfect, interrupted or plagal) occurring in a musical example in a
major key. After the tonic chord has been sounded, the whole musical sentence will be
played through 3 times with due deliberation at short intervals. Only four
examples will be given which may not necessarily have to be different.
(6 marks)

(f) Modulations
Candidates will be required to recognize and name simple changes of key. Four
examples will be given, each starting from the same tonic key and containing one
modulation only.

Modulations will be limited to the dominant, subdominant, and relative major or

minor keys. After the key has been named and the tonic chord sounded, each of the four
examples will be played through three times. The test will not necessarily

6
 WAEC Syllabus - Uploaded online by naijschools.com

contain examples of modulations to four different keys: the same key-change may re-
occur.
(6 marks)
(g) Identification/Description of Themes
Candidates will be required to identify or describe the characteristics of three
themes or excerpts taken from selected pieces, at least one of which will be African.
Each theme/excerpt will be played three times. Before each passage is played, the
Examiner will tell candidates exactly what they are expected to do. Questions will
be limited to the form, style or genre of excerpt played, principal instrument(s) playing,
scale or mode employed and meter.
(6 marks)
NOTES ON THE CONDUCT OF AURAL TEST

For Centre Supervisors only

Schools and centres at whose venues Aural Tests are held must provide a quiet, well-lit
room, a good CD/cassette player, and a non-music teacher to assist the Supervisor. The
Assistant’s role would be to administer the test through the playing of the provided
CD/cassette for the examination. The CD/cassette must be played once only.

3. PERFORMANCE TEST

Performance
Every candidate will offer an instrument or voice for a practical examination.

Sight-reading will form part of the examination for the Performance Test. A list of
set-works for the practical examinations is attached as Appendix. Only works from that list may
be selected for the performance test.

Information on set pieces are available at any WAEC Office in the member countries.

Musical Instruments
The current approved instruments for Performance Tests are:
(i) Voice (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone/Bass)
(ii) Pianoforte/electronic keyboard
(iii) String Instruments: Violin, Guitar
(iv) Selected wind instruments: Recorder (descant and treble), atenteben, flute,
clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium and tuba

NOTES ON THE CONDUCT OF PERFORMANCE TEST

7
 WAEC Syllabus - Uploaded online by naijschools.com

1. For Test Centres/Supervisors

(a) The exact dates of performance tests at individual centres can be arranged
only after the entries are completed.

(b) There may be one or more examiners at the option of the West African
Examinations Council. No other person will normally be allowed in the
room with the candidates (except an accompanist) during the examination.

(c) The normal time for the performance test will be about 30 minutes per
candidate. However, examiners may, at their discretion, take less time over
examination of individual candidate.

(d) Schools and Centres at whose premises performance tests are held must provide a quiet,
well-lit room, a well-tuned pianoforte/electronic keyboard,
a writing table and chair for the Examiner, and someone to act as a steward
outside the examination room.

2. For Candidates
(a) Performing or playing from memory is optional. But, candidates
performing from memory must bring copies for the Examiner’s use.

(b) A technical exercise or study as stipulated on a list of set works will be performed from
memory.

(c) The Examiner may, at his/her discretion, stop the performance of any piece
when he/she has heard enough to assess the candidate.

(d) Candidates must perform pieces from the approved list only, using the
instrument for which the pieces were written.

(e) A candidate should provide his/her own accompanist (if needed) who may
remain in the room only while actually engaged in the accompanying. The
candidate’s teacher may also be the accompanist but the Examiner will not.
However, in lieu of an accompanist, a soundtrack of the
accompaniment is allowed.

(f) Each candidate is to provide music stand (if required).

(g) Two sight-reading tests will be given. The tests may be in either simple or
compound time.

4. HISTORY AND LITERATURE

8
 WAEC Syllabus - Uploaded online by naijschools.com

General historical backgrounds, works and contributions made by composers as outlined

below. Only a general (non-specialist) knowledge of the composers, periods, works and forms
will be expected.

A. Traditional Musicians/Composers (a) Nigeria

Ezigbo Obiligbo, Dan Maraya, Haruna Ishola, Ayinla Omowura, Dauda
Epoakara, Odolaye Aremu, Ogundare Foyanmu, Hubert Ogunde, Israel
Nwoba, Mamman Shata, etc.

(b) Ghana
Vinoko Akpalu, Yaa Adusa, Afua Abasa, Kakraba Lobi, Gilbert Berese, Kodjo Nuatro,
Kwamina Pra, etc.

B. Popular Musicians (a) Nigeria

(i) Highlife: Victor Olaiya, Celestine Ukwu, Inyang Henshaw, Zeal Onyia, Victor
Uwaifor, Nico Mbarga, Roy Chicago, Rex Jim
Lawson, Bobby Benson, Stephen Osita Osadebey, Eddie Okonta,
Adeolu Akinsanya

(ii) Afrobeat : Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Femi Kuti, Orlando Julius

Ekemode.

(iii) Juju : I. K. Dairo, Fatai Rolling Dollar, Ebenezer Obey, Sunny Ade,
Prince Adekunle, Segun Adewale, Dele Abiodun, Shina Peters.

(iv) Fuji : Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Ayinla Kollington, Rasheed Ayinde,

Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, Abass Obesere, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma,
Saheed Osupa.

(v) Waka : Batile Alake, Kuburatu Alaragbo, Salawatu Abeni

(vi) Afro-Pop: Onyeka Onwenu, Christi Essien Igbokwe, Sonny

Okosuns, Mike Okri, Chris Okotie, Bisade Ologunde (Lagbaja) Zaki
Adze.

(vii) Afro-Reggae : Terra Kota, Majek Fashek, Ras Kimono, Victor

Essiet, Evi Edna-Ogholi

(viii) Hip-Hop : Tuface Idibia, Dbanj, P-Square, Paul Dairo, 9ice, Wande
Coal, Terry Gee, Davido, etc

(b) Ghana
E. T. Mensah, George Darko, A. B. Crentsil, Paapa Yankson, Asabea

9
 WAEC Syllabus - Uploaded online by naijschools.com

Cropper, Dinah Akiwumi, Kwa Mensah, M. K Oppong (Kakaiku), Jerry

Hanson, Kwame Gyasi, Nana Kwame Ampadu, Awurama Badu, Mary
Ghansah, E K Nyame, Kwabena Onyina Gyedu Blay Ambolley, C. K.
Mann, Akwasi Ampofo Agyei, Akosua Agyapong, Stella Doughan Reggie
Rockstone

C. Contemporary Art Musicians

(a) Nigeria
T. K. E. Phillips, Fela Sowande, Ayo Bankole, W.W.C. Echezona,
Adam Fiberesima, Dayo Dedeke, Akin Euba, Sam Akpabot, Ikoli Harcourt-
Whyte, Laz Ekwueme, Okechukwu Ndubuisi, Sam Ojukwu, Bode
Omojola, Ayo Oluranti, Debo Akinwunmi, Christian Onyeji, Richard
Okafor

(b) Ghana
Ephraim Amu, Otto Boateng, J. M. T. Dosoo, S. G Boateng, Walter Blege,
J. H. K. Nketia, Alfred Enstua-Mensah, A. Adu Safo, J. A. Yankey, Kenn
Kafui, E. Pappoe Thompson, Ata Annan-Mensah, N. Z. Nayo, R. G. K
Ndo, M. K. Amissah, G. W. K Dor, Sam Asare-Bediako. Gyima-Larbi

D. Western Composers
(a) Medieval ca. 450 - 1400
Guillaume de Machaut, Johannes Ockeghem, Jacob Obrecht
(b) Renaissance ca. 1400 - 1600
Guillaume Dufay, Thomas Tallis, John Cooke, John Tudor, Josquin des
Prez, Orlando di Lasso, John Dowland, Orlando Gibbons, William Byrd,
John Dunstable Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina,

(c) Baroque ca. 1600 - 1750

Claudio Monterverdi, Antonio Vivaldi, Archangelo Corelli, Henry Purcell
Johannes Sebastian Bach, George Frederick Handel, , Domenico Scarlatti.

(d) Classical ca. 1750 -1820

Willibald Gluck, Josef Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Jan Ladislav
Dussek, Muzio Clementi, C.P.E. Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven. Franz
Haydn

(e) Romantic ca. 1820 - 1900

Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann, Clara Schumann, Felix Mendelssohn,
Fredrick Chopin, Franz Lizst, Johannes Brahms, Hector Berlioz, Richard
Wagner, Antonn Dvorak, Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, Johannes
Strauss, P. I. Tchaikovsky The Russian Five (Modeste Mussorgsky,
Balakirev, Cezar Cui, Alex Borodin and Rimsky Korsakov)

10
 WAEC Syllabus - Uploaded online by naijschools.com

(f) 20th century ca. 1900 - 2000

Bela Bartok, Igor Stravinsky, Arnold Schoenberg, Paul Hindemith,
Aaron Copland, Hector Villa-Lobos, Saint Saens,

E Black Music in the Diaspora

Scott Joplin, Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington,
Charlie Parker, Dizzie Gillespie, John Coletraine, Aretha Franklin, Miles Davies
James Brown, Diana Ross, Lord Kitchener, Mighty Sparrow, Jimmy Cliff,
Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Hugh Masakela, Mariam Makeba, and such forms
as Spiritual, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Gospel, Soul, Calypso, Reggae and Afrobeat

Note : Questions may also be asked on current and very widely known musicians of
African origin.

5. TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN MUSIC

(a) The role of music in traditional African Society

(b) Musical Instruments

(i) Names and description
(ii) Classification
(iii) Function (musical and non-musical)

(c) General Characteristics

(i) Scales/Modes
(ii) Rhythm (metrical and non-metrical, cross-rhythm, hemiola, syncopation, polyrhythm)
(iii) Polyphony
(iv) Form (antiphony, strophic, through-composed etc.)
(v) Vocal styles (recitative, yodelling, ululation, holler, nasalization)
(vi) Texture (monophonic, homophonic, polyphonic)
(vii) Instrumentation

(d) Categories and types

(i) Dirges
(ii) Cradle songs; Lullabies
(iii) Ritual songs
(iv) Folk songs
(v) Satirical songs
(vi) Other types of traditional vocal genres

(e) Relationship of music to other arts e.g. dance, drama, festival etc.

List of traditional dances to be studied

General knowledge of the dances and the ethnic groups that perform them as well as the
occasions on which they are used would be expected.
11
 WAEC Syllabus - Uploaded online by naijschools.com

Ghana
Adowa, Kundum, Kete, Akom, Fontomfrom, Agbadza, Atsigbekor, Kpatsa, Borborbor,
Toke, Gahu Kolomashie, Gome, Kpanlogo, Apatampa, Gumbe Takai, Bamaya, Nagila etc

Nigeria
Bata, Egwu Amala, Atilogwu, Swange, Apiiri, etc.

APPENDIX

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES ON THE LIST OF STUDIES AND PIECES AND

OTHER TECHNICAL EXERCISES FOR THE PERFORMANCE TEST (PAPER 3B
UNDER PRACTICAL)

PERFORMANCE TEST

Introduction

The separate lists embodying the requirements for the performances tests, technical exercises,
scales, arpeggios, etc. are published here along with the pieces for the musical instruments that are
testable at the moment. The instruments are voice, (soprano/tenor and alto/bass),
pianoforte/electronic keyboard, violin, selected wind instruments (descant recorder, treble
recorder, atenteben, flute, B-flat trumpet, and E-flat alto saxophone). Other musical instruments
will be added when necessary. The present lists are subject to review from time to time.

Requirements for Practical Examination

(a) Candidates may use any edition of music, except where a particular arrangement or
transcription is specified. Candidates and teachers are reminded that the Copyright Acts
do not permit the making or use of photocopies of copyright works.

(b) Where no metronome or expression marks are indicated in the music, candidates should
use their discretion to achieve an acceptable performance.

(c) Discretion should be used in choosing works from different lists (i.e. A and B) so as to
display variety and contrast of style and mood.

VOICE
Schedule of Marks
Technical Exercises etc. 10
One piece from list A 15
12
 WAEC Syllabus - Uploaded online by naijschools.com

One piece from list B 15

Singing at sight 10
Total 50

(a) Candidates should note that purity of vowels and tone production, breath control,
flexibility, intonation, articulation and diction will be taken into account in the
marking.

(b) The candidate should bring a copy of each of the chosen songs for the accompanist’s use.

(c) The test of singing at sight will not be accompanied. It may be sung on any of the
syllables, ah, oh, as legato or staccato.

(d) The chord and the keynote will first be sounded for the candidate before each sight-
singing test. If in a mode, the tonal centre and the notes of the mode will first be played.

(e) Technical Exercises

Each of the following exercises could be sung to any of the syllables ah, oh, oo or in tonic
solfa, legato or staccato.

1.

2.

13
 WAEC Syllabus - Uploaded online by naijschools.com

I). Soprano/Tenor
Two songs to be sung from memory; one chosen by the candidate from each of the lists A and B.

List A
(i) G. F. Handel - How beautiful are the feet (Air)
(ii) F. Mendelssohn Bartholdy - O for the wings of a dove
(iii) Charles Gounod - Ave Maria

List B (Ghana)
(i) Dr E. Amu - Mawue na ‘me
(ii) Timothy Mensah - Taabanyiriba (Accompaniement)
(iii) Joshua A. Amuah - Bɔne Bɛn
(iv) J. H. Nketia - Mo! Agya no a Ɔɔko

List B (Nigeria)
(i) (ii)
(iii)

II). Contralto/Baritone
Two songs to be sung from memory; one chosen by the candidate from each of the lists A and B.

List A
(i) Henry Purcell - If Music be the food of love (Arr. By Lawrence Henry)
(ii) L. van Beethoven - Ich Liebe dich (I love you Dear)
(iii) Franz Schubert - To Music

List B (Ghana)
(i) Faustina Amu - Gyae Nsem keka yi
(ii) J. H Nketia - Dwabenhene ba Foriwa
(iii) J. H Nketia - Wo ho te sen Wo ho te sen

List B (Nigeria)
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
14
 WAEC Syllabus - Uploaded online by naijschools.com

Singing at Sight: Two short tests in a major, minor or modal key. One of the tests will be on
African rhythm.

VIOLIN
Schedule of Marks
Technical Exercise etc. 10
One piece from list A 15
One piece from list B 15
Singing at sight 10
Total 50

a. The teacher or accompanist may help to tune the instrument before the examination
begins. The teacher may act as the accompanist. The Examiner will not
accompany any candidate.

b. Candidates should provide themselves with music stands or stools if they require them.

c. Intonation, production and quality of tone (bowing, finger action) and positioning of the
instrument will be taken into account in the marking of the pieces and studies,
scales and arpeggios. Candidates are not compelled to adhere to the fingering and
bowing marks indicated. Any good practical fingering and bowing will be
accepted.

d. The test of playing at sight will be given without accompaniment.

(a) Scales

(i) Scales – separate bows

(ii) Slurred bowing

15
 WAEC Syllabus - Uploaded online by naijschools.com

(b) Arpeggios

(i)

(ii)

Two pieces to be played; one chosen by the candidate from each of the lists A and B.
List A
(i) G. F. Handel - Lord of our being
(ii) Stephen Dodgson pg. 34-35 - Serenade
(iii) Antonio Vivaldi - Spring (from the four seasons)

List B
(i) C.W.K Mereku - Atɛntɛnatta in C (Opus 3 No. 1)
(ii) J. H. Nketia - Prelude
(iii) G. E. Kwame - Ibibio Folk Tune

PIANO
Schedule of Marks
Scales, Broken Chords/Arpeggios 10 marks
One piece from list A 15 marks
One piece from list B 15 marks
Playing at Sight 10 marks
Total 50 marks

a. The Examiners in marking will pay attention not only to accuracy of notes and
time, but also to other things inherent in good performance, for example, quality of
touch, variety of gradation of tone, choice of tempo, observance of marks of
expression, rhythm, phrasing and accent and the use of practical fingering.

b. Scales, arpeggios and broken chords should be played from memory, ascending and
descending throughout the prescribed compass, at a pace appropriate to the technical
demands of the grade, consistent with accuracy and distinctiveness and without undue
accentuation.

16
 WAEC Syllabus - Uploaded online by naijschools.com

Scales and Arpeggios (from memory)

Scales: Major and minor (melodic or harmonic at candidate’s choice): hands together in
similar motion one octave apart, in all keys (three octaves). In contrary motion with both
hands beginning and ending on the keynote (unison), in the major keys of C, G, D, F, B-flat
(two octaves)

Chromatic scales: Hands together in similar motion, one octave apart, beginning on any
note named by the examiner (two octaves).

Arpeggios: The major and minor common chords of C, G, D, F, B-flat in root position
only, with hands together in similar motion an octave apart (two octaves).

Two pieces to be played; one chosen by the candidate from each of the lists A and B.

List A
(i) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Sonata 1
(ii) Ludwig van Beethoven - Minuet in G
(iii) J S Bach - 2-part Inventio No 8

List B
(i) N. N. Kofie - Akan Fughetta
(ii) J. H. Nketia - Play Time
(iii) J. H. Nketia - Bulsa Worksong

WIND INSTRUMENTS
A Recorder
B. Atɛntɛbɛn
C. Flute
D. Trumpet
E. Saxophone (Alto in E flat)

Schedule of Marks
Technical Exercise -- 10
One piece from list A -- 15
One piece from list B -- 15
17
 WAEC Syllabus - Uploaded online by naijschools.com

Singing at sight -- 10
Total = 50
Technical Exercises
The Technical Exercises are for all wind instruments. Candidates will be required to play the
exercises legato or staccato.
1. The scale of C major two octaves ascending and descending.
2. The major scales of G, D, F, and B flat one octave ascending and descending.
3. The minor scales of E, A and D
4. Arpeggios – one octave of each of the above keys

DESCANT RECORDER
Two pieces to be played; one chosen by the candidate from each of the lists A and B.

List A
(i) Ludwig van Beethoven - Melody (from the Sorp. ‘Ich Liebe Dich)

(ii) Francis Piggott - Minuet (from a choice collection of Ayres

for the Harpsichord or Spinet)
(iii) Jeremiah Clarke - The Prince of Denmark‘s March

List B
(i) J. H. Nketia - Quartet No. 1
(ii) C.W.K Mereku - Atentenatta in C (Opus 3 No. 1)
(iii) J. H. Nketia - Yaanom Montie

ATƐNTƐBƐN
Two pieces to be played; one chosen by the candidate from each of the lists A and B. List
A
(i) Kojo Tibu - Ghana Nyingba (Arr. E. Obed Acquah).
(ii) C.W.K Mereku - Atentenatta in C (Opus 3 No. 1)
(iii) Ebeli Eva - Journey of Hope

18
 WAEC Syllabus - Uploaded online by naijschools.com

List B
(i) J H Nketia - Quartet No 1 (Arr. C. W. K. Mereku)
(ii) E. Obed Acquah - Ama Adoma
(iii) J. H. Nketia - Yaanom Montie

FLUTE
Two pieces to be played; one chosen by the candidate from each of the lists A and B. List
A
(i) Carl Reinecke - Gavotte (From Five serenades for the young)
(ii) Justin Connolly - The Purple Chorale
(iii) Timothy Baxter - Waltz Interlude

List B.
(i) C.W.K Mereku - Atentenatta in C (Opus 3 No. 1)
(ii) Eva Ebeli - Dambai
(iii) Kojo Tibu - Ghana Nyingba (Arr. E. Obed Acquah).

TRUMPET
Two pieces to be played; one chosen by the candidate from each of the lists A and B. List
A
(i) John Barrett - The St. Catherine
(ii) William Croft - Sarabande
(iii) Lully - Lonely Woods

List B.
(i) J.H.K Nketia - Mmoboro Asem (Arr. E. Obed Acquah)
(ii) Kojo Tibu - Ghana Nyingba (Arr. E. Obed Acquah).
(iii) Ebeli Eva - Enyonam

E-FLAT ALTO SAXOPHONE

Two pieces to be played; one chosen by the candidate from each of the lists A and B. List
A
(i) Jeremiah Clarke - Gavott
(ii) Henry Purcell - Rigadoon

19
 WAEC Syllabus - Uploaded online by naijschools.com

(iii) Franz Schubert - Ave Maria

List B.
(i) J.H.K.Nketia - Onipa beyee bi
(ii) Kojo Tibu - Ghana Nyingba (Arr. E. Obed Acquah).
(iii) J.H.K Nketia - Mmoboro Asem (Arr. E. Obed Acquah)

20