On this page you will find Music Grade 12 Exam Guidelines Scope for 2025 final exams.
The guidelines apply to both Music Paper 1 (Music Literacy and General Music Knowledge) and Music Paper 2 (Music Comprehension). Learners will write Paper 1 on 24 November 2025 and Paper 2 on 26 November 2025. The two papers together assess literacy, listening, comprehension, and contextual understanding of music across different traditions.
Music Grade 12 Exam Guidelines Scope 2025 – What to Expect
The Music final exam consists of two written papers. Paper 1 focuses on music literacy and general knowledge, while Paper 2 focuses on listening comprehension.
Paper 1 – Music Literacy and General Music Knowledge
Date: Monday, 24 November 2025
Duration: 3 hours
Marks: 120
Structure of Paper 1:
- Section A: Music Literacy (Topic 2)
- ±1½ hours recommended.
- Covers notation, rhythm, pitch, tonality, harmony, dynamics, texture, structure, and compositional techniques.
- Requires knowledge of all simple and compound time signatures, note values, and key signatures.
- Sections B and C/D/E: General Music Knowledge (Topic 3)
- ±1½ hours recommended.
- Candidates must answer only one stream:
- Section C – Western Art Music (WAM)
- Section D – Jazz (South African and International)
- Section E – Indigenous African Music (IAM)
- Questions will focus on history, styles, context, and key works.
Important Note: Learners are not allowed access to a musical instrument during this exam.
Paper 2 – Music Comprehension
Date: Wednesday, 26 November 2025
Duration: 1½ hours
Marks: 30
Structure of Paper 2:
- Sections A, B, and C – All candidates must answer.
- Listening-based exam written while listening to an official examination CD.
Key Features:
- Learners will respond to music from a variety of styles and traditions.
- If multiple streams (IAM, Jazz, WAM) are offered at a school:
- Each stream is written in a separate venue.
- Each venue must have its own CD and sound equipment.
- Invigilator ensures playback according to instructions.
Foundational Knowledge Required:
- Note values, time signatures, and rhythm patterns.
- Key signatures and tonal systems.
- Elements of music: tone colour, duration (metre, rhythm, tempo), pitch (melody, tonality, harmony), dynamics, texture, structure, mood, and atmosphere.
Conclusion
The Music Grade 12 Exam Guidelines Scope for 2025 confirms that learners will write two papers. Paper 1 on 24 November tests literacy and general music knowledge, with a choice of stream (WAM, Jazz, or IAM). Paper 2 on 26 November is a comprehension and listening exam based on an official DBE audio CD. Together, these papers assess both technical knowledge and contextual understanding of music. Learners must prepare by revising music theory, practising past comprehension questions, and strengthening their knowledge of their chosen stream.
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