# Music Grade 12 Paper 1 NSC November 2025 Memo (English) > Grade 12 Music Paper 1 memorandum from the NSC November Exam 2025 (English), 42 pages. Read online or download the free PDF. - Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12-music-2025-nsc-november-exam-memorandum-paper-1/55dfccf8-bbf2-4917-b390-dc6b05e8dc2a - Updated: 2026-09-28 - Subject: Music - Grade: Grade 12 - Document type: Memorandum - Year: 2025 - Exam period: NSC November Exam - Paper: 1 - Curriculum: CAPS - Pages: 42 Breadcrumbs: [Home](https://www.hlayiso.com/) › [Library](https://www.hlayiso.com/library) › [Grade 12](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12) › [Music](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12/music) › [Music Grade 12 Paper 1 NSC November 2025 Memo (English)](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12-music-2025-nsc-november-exam-memorandum-paper-1/55dfccf8-bbf2-4917-b390-dc6b05e8dc2a) ## About this document Music · Grade 12 · NSC November Exam · 2025. Memorandum, 42 pages. Read online or download the PDF. Read it free online on the page above; download the PDF from there. ## Document text Text extracted from the PDF. Layout, diagrams and tables may not survive extraction. ### Page 1 GRAAD 12 NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 12 MUSIC P1 NOVEMBER 2025 MARKING GUIDELINES MARKS: 120 These marking guidelines consist of 42 pages. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 2 Music/P1 2 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines SECTION A: THEORY OF MUSIC (COMPULSORY) (90 minutes) SECTION A must be answered on the QUESTION PAPER. Answer QUESTION 1 AND QUESTION 2.1 OR 2.2 AND QUESTION 3.1 OR 3.2 AND QUESTION 4.1 OR 4.2. QUESTION 1 (25 minutes) 1.1 Indicate the correct time signature change on the staff below each asterisk (*). Answer: 2x1 (2) 1.2 Rewrite the following bar by doubling the note values. Answer: 1 mark No ½ marks (1) 1.3 Write the minor triad found in the Eb major pentatonic scale. Write the triad in root position. Answer: OR 1 mark No ½ marks Any note value is acceptable (1) 1.4 Write the augmented triad that appears diatonically in G harmonic minor. Write the triad in first inversion. Answer: OR Minus ½ mark for root position Any note value is acceptable (1) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 3 Music/P1 3 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines 1.5 Study the extract below and answer the questions that follow. 1.5.1 Change the top note at (M) to form an interval of a diminished 6th. Notate the interval below. Answer: 1 mark No ½ marks Any note value is acceptable (1) 1.5.2 Notate the inversion of the interval at (N) without key signature. Answer: OR 1 mark No ½ marks Any note value is acceptable (1) 1.5.3 Write the enharmonic equivalent of the note at (i). Answer: 1 mark Any note value is acceptable (1) 1.5.4 How should this melody be performed? Make a cross (X) in the appropriate block. Gracefully Precisely Joyfully With power 1 mark (1) 1.6 Identify the scales/modes used in the following melodies. 1.6.1 Consider only the given notes when identifying this scale. Answer: B (major) pentatonic 1 mark (1) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 4 Music/P1 4 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines 1.6.2 Identify the mode built on F in this melody. Answer: (F) Dorian mode 1 mark (1) 1.7 Write the scales below according to the given instructions. 1.7.1 The descending blues scale starting on the given note Answer: OR Minus ½ mark per error up to a maximum of 2 marks (2) 1.7.2 The ascending harmonic minor scale of the relative minor of Gb major Answer: OR Minus ½ mark per error up to a maximum of 2 marks Candidates do not have to indicate semitones (2) [15] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 5 Music/P1 5 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines QUESTION 2 (25 minutes) Answer QUESTION 2.1 OR QUESTION 2.2. 2.1 Use the opening below to create a twelve-bar melody in ternary form. Write in staff notation OR in sol-fa notation. Concept answer: Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 6 Music/P1 6 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines The melody will be marked according to the criteria below. DESCRIPTION MARK ALLOCATION Form and cadential 1 mark per phrase x 3 3 points Notation Staff notation: beats per bar, note stems, grouping and accidentals Minus ½ mark per error up to a maximum of 2 marks 2 Sol-fa notation: beats per bar, rhythm and pitch indications Excellent Coherent and musical; phrases imaginatively define the 9–10 form; opening motive innovatively continued; successful use of key; melodic contour masterfully handled; creative approach to choice of pitches and rhythm Good Correct and musical; phrases clearly indicate the form; 7–8½ opening motive sensibly continued; stable key; melodic Quality contour satisfying; accurate approach to choice of Musicality (compass, pitches and rhythm 10 contour, implied harmony) Average Some sense of musicality; not all phrases clear; opening 4–6½ motive not well utilised; key unclear; melodic contour not convincing; unimaginative approach to choice of pitches and rhythm Not acceptable No musical sense; no sense of phrasing; opening 0–3½ motive ignored; no sense of key; no melodic contour; pitches and rhythm random TOTAL Markers may use ½ marks 15 [15] OR Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 7 Music/P1 7 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines 2.2 Write an original twelve-bar melody in ternary form in staff notation OR in sol-fa notation. Write for any single-line melodic instrument OR voice type of your choice. Name the instrument OR voice type. Use the following elements: • Rhythmic motive: Staff notation: • Key: D minor – indicate the key signature Sol-fa notation: • Lah is D Concept answer: Instrument/Voice type: • Treble clef: Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Trumpet/Violin/Soprano/Alto/Tenor/, etc. • Bass clef: Bass/Cello/Bassoon/Trombone/Euphonium/Baritone, etc. • Alto clef: Viola Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 8 Music/P1 8 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines The melody will be marked according to the criteria below. DESCRIPTION MARK ALLOCATION Form and cadential 1 mark per phrase x 3 3 points Notation Staff notation: beats per bar, note stems, grouping, accidentals, indication of clef and key Minus ½ mark per error up to a maximum of 2 marks 2 signature Sol-fa notation: beats per bar, rhythm and pitch indications Excellent Coherent and musical; phrases imaginatively define the form; given rhythmic motive innovatively 9–10 employed; successful use of key; melodic contour masterfully handled; creative approach to choice of pitches and rhythm Good Quality Correct and musical; phrases clearly indicate the Suitability for instrument 7–8½ form; given rhythmic motive sensibly employed; or voice (range), use of stable key; melodic contour satisfying; accurate given rhythmic motive, approach to choice of pitches and rhythm 10 musicality Average (compass, contour, Some sense of musicality; not all phrases clear; implied given rhythmic motive not well employed; key 4–6½ unclear; melodic contour not convincing; harmony) unimaginative approach to choice of pitches and rhythm Not acceptable No musical sense; no sense of phrasing; given 0–3½ rhythmic motive not employed; no sense of key; no melodic contour; random approach to choice of pitches and rhythm TOTAL Markers may use ½ marks 15 [15] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 9 Music/P1 9 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines QUESTION 3 (10 minutes) Answer QUESTION 3.1 OR QUESTION 3.2. 3.1 Study the extract below and answer the questions. Answer: Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 10 Music/P1 10 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines 3.1.1 Figure the chords at (a) to (g) on the score using Roman numerals, e.g. iii6/iiib. Answer: See score 1 mark per chord = 7 marks Minus ½ mark if inversion or 7th is missing or incorrect (7) 3.1.2 Figure the chords at (X) and name the cadence on the score. Answer: See score Chords = 2 marks Cadence = 1 mark (3) 3.1.3 Comment on the D# in the bass clef in bar 11. Answer: • It creates a (harmonic) sequence of bar 9. • It is a chromatic passing note between the D in bar 102 and E in bar 121. • It creates a secondary dominant in first inversion. • It is the leading note of E minor in the two-bar sequence (bars 11-12) on bars 9-10. • It creates a major chord on the submediant (VI). 1 mark (1) 3.1.4 Name the type of non-harmonic notes at (i) and (ii). Answer: (i) Passing note (ii) (Lower) Auxiliary note 2x1 (2) 3.1.5 Notate the following non-harmonic notes at (iii) and (iv) on the score. Use a quaver note value for the answer. Answer: See score (iii) Suspension (iv) Anticipation 2x1 (2) [15] OR Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 11 Music/P1 11 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines 3.2 Study the extract below and answer the questions. Answer: Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 12 Music/P1 12 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines 3.2.1 Identify the chords at (a) to (g). Write the chord symbols in the spaces provided above the staves, e.g. G/B. Answer: See score 1 mark per chord = 7 marks Minus ½ mark if chord inversion or extension is missing or incorrect (7) 3.2.2 Write the chord symbols at (m) and (n) and name the cadence at (X) on the score. Answer: See score Chords = 2 marks Cadence = 1 mark Minus ½ mark if 7th is missing (3) 3.2.3 Comment on the Bb in the bass clef in bar 11. Answer: • It is the root note of Bb7 resolving to A7. • It is the lowered submediant in D major. • It creates a chromatic harmonic progression using seventh chords. 1 mark (1) 3.2.4 Name the type of non-harmonic notes at (i) and (ii). Answer: (i) Passing note (ii) Anticipation 2x1 (2) 3.2.5 Notate the following non-harmonic notes at (iii) and (iv) on the score. Use a crotchet note value for your answer. Answer: See score (iii) Suspension (iv) Lower auxiliary note 2x1 (2) [15] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 13 Music/P1 13 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines QUESTION 4 (30 minutes) Answer QUESTION 4.1 OR QUESTION 4.2. 4.1 Complete the four-part vocal harmonisation below by adding the alto, tenor and bass parts. Include the following in your harmonisation: • Passing progression with the given viio6 chord • Interrupted cadence using a dominant seventh chord in bars 3–4 • Harmonic realisation of the given iii6 – I chord progression Concept answer: Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 14 Music/P1 14 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines The harmonisation will be marked according to the criteria below. DESCRIPTION MARK ALLOCATION Choice of Including the listed chords 14 chords Notation and 8 – (number of mistakes ÷ 4) 8 voice leading Excellent Superb sense of chorale style; advanced choice of chords; use of inversions facilitates excellent progression; creative 6½–8 melodic bassline; alto and tenor mostly in stepwise motion; imaginative use of non-harmonic notes; smooth, accurate or imaginative voice leading Good Fair sense of chorale style; choice of chords includes secondary chords and inversions; bassline has good 5½–6 balance of stepwise movement and acceptable leaps; alto and tenor exhibit cohesive role in contained compass; mostly smooth and correct voice leading Quality 8 Average Some sense of chorale style; choice of chords mostly root 3½–5 positions of primary chords; bassline disjunct, not consciously crafted; alto and tenor behave in random fashion; voice leading random with typical mistakes Weak No sense of chorale style; disjunct chords; voices are just 'filled in'; no discernable voice leading between chords; 0–3 incoherent or no bassline; no sense of progression; substantial number of mistakes; hardly any effort to complete the question; loose chords and notes written down haphazardly (30 ÷ 2) TOTAL 15 [15] Candidates must be credited for a different/creative and correct harmonisation not given in the marking guidelines. No marks are allocated for figuring of chords. OR Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 15 Music/P1 15 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines 4.2 Harmonise the given melody below by adding at least three notes in minims for each chord, as suggested in bar 1. Include the following: • Harmonic realisation of the given chord symbols • ii – V – I progression in G • Plagal cadence at the end Concept answer: Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 16 Music/P1 16 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines The harmonisation will be marked according to the criteria below. DESCRIPTION MARK ALLOCATION Choice of Including the listed chords 14 chords Notation and 8 – (number of mistakes ÷ 4) 8 voice leading Excellent Superb sense of suggested jazz style; advanced choice of 6½–8 chords; use of extended chords and voicing facilitates excellent flow Good Fair sense of suggested jazz style; choice of chords 5½–6 includes extended chords, secondary chords and inversions; use of extended chords and voicing facilitates good flow Quality 8 Average Some sense of suggested jazz style; choice of chords 3½–5 mostly root positions of primary triads; use of chords and voicing facilitates adequate flow Weak No sense of suggested jazz style; disjunct chords; no real 0–3 progression and voicing; random chords; a substantial number of mistakes; hardly any effort to complete the question; loose chords and notes written down haphazardly (30 ÷ 2) TOTAL 15 [15] Candidates must be credited for a different/creative and correct harmonisation not given in the marking guidelines. No marks are allocated for chord symbols. TOTAL SECTION A: 60 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 17 Music/P1 17 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines SECTIONS B, C, D, E: GENERAL MUSIC KNOWLEDGE (90 minutes) Answer SECTIONS B, C, D and E in the ANSWER BOOK. SECTION B: MUSIC INDUSTRY (COMPULSORY) Note to marker: One mark will be allocated for each correct fact. Candidates must be credited for any correct answer not given in these marking guidelines. QUESTION 5 5.1 Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Write only the letter (A–D) next to the question numbers (5.1.1 to 5.1.4), e.g. 5.1.5 E. 5.1.1 Music creators are entitled to royalties each time their music is … Answer: D (All the above-mentioned) 5.1.2 Producers of film documentaries that use music need to apply for … Answer: D (None of the above-mentioned) 5.1.3 Which ONE of the following groups benefits from synchronisation rights? Answer: C (A recording artist, session musician and composer) 5.1.4 Which ONE of the following explains the term public domain? Answer: D (The space where non-copyrighted compositions are freely available) (4 x 1) (4) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 18 Music/P1 18 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines 5.2 Complete the table below by matching each collecting agency with the relevant rights. Write only the letter (A–E) next to the question numbers (5.2.1 to 5.2.3), e.g. 5.2.4 F. COLLECTING AGENCY RIGHTS 5.2.1 SAMRO A mechanical rights on behalf of performers and composers 5.2.2 SAMPRA B graphic rights on behalf of recording 5.2.3 CAPASSO artists C needletime rights on behalf of recording artists D synchronisation rights on behalf of sound engineers E performance rights on behalf of composers and publishers Answer: 5.2.1 E 5.2.2 C 5.2.3 A (3 x 1) (3) 5.3 Answer the following questions regarding SAMRO music licences: 5.3.1 Who needs to apply? Answer: Any music user (e.g. restaurants, prisons, schools, shopping centres, gymnasiums, etc.). (1) 5.3.2 What is permitted by the licence? Answer: • The licence permits music to be broadcast (radio, television, internet) in public. • It allows for music to be performed live in public, e.g. covers of well- known compositions. • It allows for music to be played in public venues as background music. (2 x 1) (2) TOTAL SECTION B: 10 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 19 Music/P1 19 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines Answer SECTION C (IAM) OR SECTION D (JAZZ) OR SECTION E (WAM) in the ANSWER BOOK. SECTION C: INDIGENOUS AFRICAN MUSIC (IAM) QUESTION 6 6.1 Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Write only the letter (A–D) next to the question numbers (6.1.1 to 6.1.4), e.g. 6.1.5 E. 6.1.1 Which element refers to the tone quality of an instrument? Answer: D (Timbre) 6.1.2 Which of the following could be found in traditional African music? Answer: D (All the above-mentioned) 6.1.3 Which other name is used for mbaqanga? Answer: C (Umgqashiyo) 6.1.4 Name the traditional dance type that is the driving source of mbaqanga: Answer: D (Indlamu) (4 x 1) (4) 6.2 Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE. Write only 'true' or 'false' next to the question numbers (6.2.1 to 6.2.4), e.g. 6.2.5 False. 6.2.1 Songs and dances are used specifically to communicate with the ancestors at various ceremonies. Answer: True 6.2.2 In African divinity, all songs and dances may induce a trance. Answer: False 6.2.3 Traditional healers may have personal songs that connect them to the ancestors. Answer: True 6.2.4 The tempo of dancing is determined by the beat of the drum. Answer: True (4 x 1) (4) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 20 Music/P1 20 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines 6.3 Define the following terms: Answer: 6.3.1 Overlapping When the response to the call begins before the call ends 6.3.2 Crepitation Spontaneous vocal sounds used to show excitement or approval 6.3.3 Ukupika Guitar played in a picking style 6.3.4 Isicathamiya Traditional a cappella music for male voices/TTBB in a call and response style which includes ukucothoza (walking slowly) (4 x 1) (4) 6.4 Define the word call in call and response. Answer: A call is a melodic or a rhythmic fragment which is sung/played by a soloist, that is followed by a musical response/answering phrase by a choir/group. 1 mark (1) 6.5 Answer the following questions on malombo music. 6.5.1 Name the TWO South African cultures that Philip Tabane fused in malombo music. Answer: Bapedi and vhaVenda 6.5.2 How did these two cultures influence malombo's popularity? Answer: • These cultures exposed malombo to a greater variety of resources: o the drum and pipes from the Bapedi o the malombo and murundzi drums from the vhaVenda • The use of two distinct languages (Sepedi and Tshivenda) meant that more people could understand this music. (2 x 2) (4) 6.6 Name the instrument that replaced the penny whistle in mbaqanga music. Answer: Saxophone 1 mark (1) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 21 Music/P1 21 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines 6.7 Describe the role of izihlabo in maskanda. Answer: • It introduces the individual performer (guitarist/concertina player) and his playing technique. • It serves as the introduction to the song before the band enters. • It is used to check the sound and tuning of the soloist's guitar. (2 x 1) (2) [20] QUESTION 7 Describe how maskanda music became a popular genre. Answer: • The rich Zulu heritage and its significance to the Zulu people made maskanda largely popular in KwaZulu-Natal. • Maskanda spread to various parts of the country when people moved from the rural areas to the big cities to seek a better quality of life. • Maskanda was a popular form of street music in Durban drawing huge crowds. • Maskanda was popularised by John Bhengu, who was known for his street performances in the late 1940s. • In the 1970s, the acoustic guitar was replaced by electric guitars, creating the sound of modern maskanda. • Traditional maskanda, combined with the heavy bass lines of mbaqanga, produced the popular sound that we know. • Popularity was also due to the competitive maskanda festivals held at hostels and stadiums around the country, especially in KwaZulu-Natal and Johannesburg. • Radio broadcasts further popularised this genre to wider audiences. (5 x 1) [5] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 22 Music/P1 22 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines QUESTION 8 Complete the table below by filling in the missing information. Write only the answer next to the question numbers (8.1 to 8.5), e.g. 8.6 Answer. ITEM KWELA MBAQANGA Influences 8.1 Marabi and kwela Four-chord cyclic harmony of Harmony primary triads: 8.2 I – IV – V – I OR I – IV – I64 – V Melodies Short repetitive melodies 8.3 Instrumentation 8.4 Guitar/Organ driven Vocal or Uses lyrics in African 8.5 instrumental languages Answer: 8.1 Marabi and indigenous penny whistle music 8.2 Uses four-chord cyclic harmony of primary triads: I – IV – V – V/I OR I – IV – I64 – V 8.3 Mbaqanga melodies are layered and repetitive in nature. 8.4 Penny whistle/Saxophone/Guitar driven 8.5 Instrumental music with lyrics added in the more modern kwela style. (5 x 1) [5] QUESTION 9 Explain how music is used in indigenous African initiation rituals. Refer to the following stages of initiation: • Preparation of initiates (1) • Circumcision (2 x 1) • Return of initiates (2 x 1) Answer: Preparation of initiates • A ceremony is held to call the ancestors to guard the initiates during the process of initiation. o Praise singing is used to call the presence of the ancestors using their clan names when initiates depart to the initiation sites. • In some cultures, the initiates go around the community singing songs to alert the community that they will be leaving for the initiation school. 1 mark (1) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 23 Music/P1 23 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines Initiation sites • Initiation songs vary according to different cultures, e.g. domba (vhaVenda) and umtshilo (amaXhosa). o Songs are used to summon the ancestors before the initiates go through the process of initiation at the mountain. o Other songs are taught during initiation to teach the initiates different human qualities and cultural values through the use of the lyrics. • Musical instruments are often used during initiation to embody spirits and to simulate animals. • In some cultures the initiates create small models of animals, and compose songs about these models, e.g. a python in the vhaVenda culture is a symbol of female fertility, therefore performing the python dance during domba shows fertility of the initiates and readiness to start families. • During the initiation process they sing songs like mokorotlo (Basotho) or somagwaza (amaXhosa) to reinforce their masculinity and reduce the pain. 2x1 (2) Return of initiates • On the return initiates wash in the river (where ancestors are believed to dwell) accompanied by song and dance, e.g. izidlalo (Amampondo). • A ceremony is held at the initiates' home to acknowledge the ancestors for the safe return of the initiates. o In some Xhosa cultures men sing somagwaza and children sing celebratory songs during the return of the initiates. • In some cultures the initiates will have to sing or dance to show that they have returned after the ritual has ended. • Types of songs, e.g. mangae (baPedi), are sung and danced at the conclusion of this ritual. 2x1 (2) [5] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 24 Music/P1 24 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines QUESTION 10 Study the sketch below. [Source: Examiners' own sketch] This sketch above depicts an indigenous communal activity. Write an essay in which you discuss how isicathamiya developed into a modern style and how its composing methods link to the communal activity shown in the sketch above. You will be credited for the logical presentation of facts and the structure of the essay. Answer: Example of an introduction Traditionally, isicathamiya has been influenced by the Zulu cultural belief in the sense of community. Building a hut is a communal activity from its point of origin to its culmination. It is a creative process and not dissimilar to, e.g., composing a piece of music or developing a music style. Development of the style • Isicathamiya has its roots in communal traditions in the Zulu culture which believes in the doctrine 'Umntu ngumntu ngabantu'. • Urbanization brought about migration to the cities to find work. • In order to ease the loneliness, men living in hostels would entertain themselves by singing traditional songs from home and church hymns. • Cultures were mixed in the hostels and different cultural groups influenced each other's music making. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 25 Music/P1 25 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines • Imbube choral music and competitions developed from this integrated music. • Hostels were congested and compactly constructed, the loud mbube night competitions became a challenge resulting in groups singing softer and dancing on tip toe (ukucothoza) instead of stamping. o A new version of imbube developed and was named isicathamiya based on ukucothoza. • One of the groups that stood out in these competitions was 'Ezimnyama' (the black ones) which was later named Ladysmith Black Mambazo, founded by Joseph Shabalala in 1960. • There were international collaborations, recordings and tours with well-known artists, e.g. Paul Simon on his Graceland album and tour, and Michael Jackson. • By collaborating with other artists they incorporated music instruments into a traditionally a cappella style. • Ladysmith Black Mambazo performed with other well-known South African groups, e.g. Soweto String Quartet. • They included English in the lyrics to make the style more accessible. • More modernised isicathamiya groups grew from modern isicathamiya already established by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, e.g. Thee Legacy. 7x1 Composing methods • In isicathamiya composing songs is seen as 'ukwakha' (building a house) which is done as a communal project instead of an individual endeavour. • The song composition is a shared task in the same way that duty is shared when building a hut. • The master builder leads the building process while the rest of the group work on the different parts of the hut. In the same way, while 'building' a composition: o The composer (usually the leader) only teaches his indlela (path/part) of the composition. o The leader as the ivulindlela (pathfinder) leaves his izigqi (footprints) on the path, which is his style of composition. o The rest of the group follow with their own personal footprints using the interlocking rhythms and harmonic direction provided by the leader. • Harmonisation is a collaborative procedure that is decided upon during this process. • During the collaboration the ivulindlela (leader) stands in the middle surrounded by group members. • Collaboration is also evident when the key of their composition is decided by the group members. 6x1 Example of a conclusion The development of isicathamiya has been influenced by the belief in community, or Umntu ngumntu ngabantu, 'a person is a person because of other people'. In amaZulu culture, the sense of community is a value that speaks to the identity of their nation. This explains their communal method of composing a song. Ladysmith Black Mambazo made this unique genre accessible to a wider audience. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 26 Music/P1 26 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines The essay will be marked according to the criteria below. CRITERIA MARK ALLOCATION Development of the style 7 Composing methods 6 Excellent • An introduction, conclusion, with a substantial argument in the body of essay = 1 mark • No headings or bullets • A rich use of full sentences Average Partial compliance to essay format, e.g. • Introduction but no conclusion • Conclusion but no introduction • Use of headings in an essay that = ½ mark Essay format 1 complies to essay format in other respects • Use of bullets for specific listing purposes • A consistent use of full sentences Not acceptable • No attempt at essay-writing, single paragraph only = 0 marks • Bullets and/or headings throughout • No introduction or conclusion • A limited use of full sentences Excellent • Logical argument that remains relevant = 1 mark to the topic throughout Average • Argument mostly logical but with some Relevance of argument 1 misplaced and/or irrelevant statements = ½ mark • Conclusive paragraph/introduction not relevant to body of argument Not acceptable = 0 marks • Essay has no bearing on the topic TOTAL 15 [15] TOTAL SECTION C: 50 OR Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 27 Music/P1 27 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines SECTION D: JAZZ QUESTION 11 11.1 Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Write only the letter (A–D) next to the question numbers (11.1.1 to 11.1.5), e.g. 11.1.6 E. 11.1.1 Which type of form is also known as AABA form? Answer: B (32-bar form) 11.1.2 A saxophone is a ... Answer: B (single-reeded wind instrument) 11.1.3 A style of jazz with a syncopated melody and a steady non-syncopated rhythmic accompaniment: Answer: C (Ragtime) 11.1.4 A gliss or glissando is … Answer: A (a continuous slide upwards or downwards between notes) 11.1.5 Which element refers to the tone quality of an instrument? Answer: D (Timbre) (5 x 1) (5) 11.2 Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE. Write only 'true' or 'false' next to the question numbers (11.2.1 to 11.2.4), e.g. 11.2.5 False. 11.2.1 Blues is a style of music that was most popular between 1910 and 1940, and still influences compositions written today. Answer: True 11.2.2 Call and response is a singing style in which a group usually sings a phrase to which a soloist replies with an answering phrase. Answer: False 11.2.3 Swing jazz was predominantly meant as dance music. Answer: True 11.2.4 Comping is chords, rhythm and counter-melodies that the rhythm section uses to support a solo line. Answer: True (4 x 1) (4) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 28 Music/P1 28 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines 11.3 Define the following terms: Answer: 11.3.1 Chorus • A part of a song which is repeated after each verse • A complete cycle through the form of the song/tune • A sound effect available on a pedal/amplifier/keyboard • A piece sung by a large group/ensemble of people on stage 11.3.2 Vamp • A continuously repeated bass line over which a solo is played • A short catchy motive, which is repeated as often as necessary 11.3.3 Syncopation An accentuation of weak beats 11.3.4 Extension Adding notes to extend a chord, e.g. a ninth, eleventh or thirteenth. (4 x 1) (4) 11.4 Describe how quavers are performed in a swing rhythm. Answer: • Straight quavers are played with a triplet feel. • Fast swing creates an accentuated feel on the second quaver (syncopation). 1 mark (1) 11.5 Explain the 12-bar blues progression. Answer: • The 12-bar blues progression is a repeated/cyclic harmonic progression • There are three 4-bar phrases structured as follows: o Bars 1 to 4: I – I – I – I (jazz blues uses I – IV – I – I or I – ii – I – V), o Bars 5 to 8: IV – IV – I – I, o Bars 9 to 12: V – IV – I – I/V (turnaround repeat) (3 x 1) (3) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 29 Music/P1 29 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines 11.6 Choose the instrument in COLUMN B that matches the artist in COLUMN A. Write only the letter (A–E) next to the question numbers (11.6.1 to 11.6.3), e.g. 11.6.4 F. COLUMN A COLUMN B 11.6.1 Feya Faku A piano 11.6.2 Zim Ngqawana B saxophone 11.6.3 Chris McGregor C penny whistle D trumpet E drum kit Answer: 11.6.1 D 11.6.2 B 11.6.3 A (3 x 1) (3) [20] QUESTION 12 Explain why the contribution of the Jazz Epistles is important to South African jazz. Answer: • The Jazz Epistles were South Africa's first well-known bebop band in the 1950s. • Their influence, through combining hard bop with the developing African jazz culture, is their legacy. • In 1959 their album Jazz Epistle, Verse 1 became the first album released by a black South African band. • All members of the Jazz Epistles composed their own original material, thus creating a large body of work. • The band consisted of Dollar Brand (later Abdullah Ibrahim) on piano, Kippie Moeketsi on alto saxophone, Jonas Gwangwa on trombone, Hugh Masekela on trumpet, Johnny Gertze on bass, Early Mabuza or Makaya Ntshoko on drums (who all became South African jazz-icons in their own right). • The Jazz Epistles started a particular South African sound, which individual artists developed over the following decades. • These compositions affirmed the culture and tradition of their African heritage. • Many of these musicians chose exile and developed their style further through contact with European musicians. The group members were, inter alia, involved in the popular South African jazz musical, King Kong, which toured overseas. • They ploughed back their newfound knowledge and skills into the South African context on their return. (5 x 1) [5] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 30 Music/P1 30 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines QUESTION 13 Describe the role of the bass guitar in Ujomela. Refer to the rhythmic and harmonic support and the interaction with other instruments. Answer: Rhythm • The bass guitar provides a rhythmic foundation, locking in with the drums to create a solid groove. • It helps establish the tempo and drive of the song. Harmonic support • The bass guitar reinforces/supports the harmonic structure (I – IV – V) by outlining the chord progressions, often playing the root notes of the chords and adding depth to the overall sound. Interaction with other instruments • The bass guitar interacts closely with the drums, creating a solid rhythm section. • The bass guitarist also works together with the guitar, providing a bridge between harmonic and rhythmic elements and ensuring that all instruments blend seamlessly. • It also responds to the call by the lead guitar. • The bass guitar is important in establishing the 'feel' of the song and it influences the overall vibe and energy of the performance of this song. At least ONE rhythm, ONE harmonic support and ONE interaction with other instruments (5 x 1) [5] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 31 Music/P1 31 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines QUESTION 14 Complete the table below by filling in the missing information. Write only the answer next to the question numbers (14.1 to 14.5), e.g. 14.6 Answer. ITEM KWELA MARABI Developed from American jazz Origin 14.1 and African traditional songs. Instrumental or 14.2 Both vocal and instrumental vocal Songs usually start with a Introduction 14.3 penny whistle introduction. Rhythmic Rhythmic influences of 14.4 influences marabi Melody 14.5 Piano has a melodic role Answer: 14.1 It developed from marabi. 14.2 Kwela is instrumental. 14.3 Songs often start with a brief introduction featuring the piano/keyboard. 14.4 Rhythmic influences of ragtime 14.5 Penny whistle or saxophone has a melodic role. (5 x 1) [5] Copyright reserved Please turn over Text truncated here. 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