You have now got all the background knowledge to tackle question 6 - “compose a
melody”.
When you take the exam, I advise that you leave this question to the last after you’ve
completed
as many as much of the other questions as you can confidently answer. Even so, I
would set aside 20-25 minutes for this question, as it’s the only question that demands
some creative thinking. So if all goes well on the day, and you’ve completed all
of the other questions in under 90 minutes, you’ll have plenty of time to indulge
your talent and imagination on this one. However, if things go badly on the day,
find 10 minutes towards the end of the exam to at least attempt this question.
You will always have the choice of EITHER “Complete the melody” OR “Compose a melody
to the words”.
If you are a natural tune-smith and good at setting tunes to words, and have 15+
minutes left in the exam on the day, then you might choose the “Compose a melody
to the words” option.
Otherwise pick the “Complete the Melody” option - there’s less to do and worry about,
and there’s less scope for the examiner to deduct marks ( you could set the words
to an obviously bad rhythm).
So if you have less than 10 minutes to do this question then choose the “Complete
the Melody” option
