This is an Assessment Activity that could develop naturally in a teaching and learning programme, which is rich in focused listening to different styles of music. This will support ākonga to develop aural discernment and to build an awareness of the special features that characterise different music styles. Ākonga will also have been developing their aural capabilities through practical playing activities (such as improvising, jamming, and imitating) and transcription activities using various modes of visual representation.

Kaiako will need to provide a range of extracts for ākonga to choose from in order to support the development of aural skills in a mode that is most supportive of their aspirations. Extracts would offer choices in terms of music styles and instrumental lines. However, ensure that what is offered is also logistically manageable in a classroom setting.

The instrumental line that ākonga will playback or transcribe may be part of an ensemble recording, whereby they must just pick out the chosen part, or the extract may be a solo only. Care must be taken to ensure that the extracts chosen are equally accessible and of similar complexity, and that the key features of the style and instrumental lines are clearly identifiable.

For the playback option, the instrument in the extract should be the instrument that ākonga use to play back on. For example, if the extract is a recording of a clarinet melody, then ākonga will play the melody on a clarinet. Similarly, a piano extract would involve both left and right hands, which would be replicated by the student. In this case, the melody or bassline may not be as complex as a single instrument line because it takes into account the requirement to reproduce both hands.

Playback presentations to the kaiako need to be recorded for moderation purposes, as do verbal description components to the submission.

Ensuring authenticity:

• For a transcription, ākonga may use headphones, play the material as much as needed, and have an instrument at hand to work things out on. However, it is essential that no music software or other resources are used to assist in this activity.
   
• For a playback, ākonga will work out how to play the extract by ear through experimentation, without the help of any music software or other resources. Ākonga may use visual/notated prompts that they themselves have created to help them with their playback.
   
• Although practising aural skills can be done collaboratively throughout the year, both assessment options are strictly individual activities. Work on these activities must be done in class time only so that kaiako can verify authenticity.