Past Papers

June 2007 exam:

Discuss the factors that might contribute to the success of a television music programme.

"Television has damaged the music industry. There are now too many performers who are getting success because of their looks, not their musical skill.” Discuss this view of the contribution that television is making to music.


Jan 2007 exam:

To what extent does the medium of television influence the music industry ?

'Music on TV is better served by television than by radio, because music should be a visual experience' Discuss this view


Jan 2008 exam:

How well are music lovers served by TV?

'Music is light entertainment. Viewers don't want anything live or intellectually demanding. Just pop videos on demand. The video channels have got it right" Discuss this view



How important is tv to the music industry ?

How might you go about answering an essay question like the above ?
Here are about 20 points you might make (in a random order!)
You need to think of examples for each and then explanations to make clear their relevance.

Structuring them into some kind of argument would be the third step to making this into an essay answer...

Image construction is vital to the music industry
TV adverts are used to sell albums
Chart shows are essential for the promotion of singles
Chat show appearances are often used to promote albums
The number of audition/reality shows on TV is testament to their huge importance
Documentary coverage of artists is frequently tied in with the release of new audio product
News coverage of bands/ solo artists is useful to their progress
The number of music channels to be filled with music videos represents a big area for the music business
Artists often appear on panel shows
Variety programmes for niche and mass audiences are used to showcase bands and their latest releases
Live concerts and festivals represent another opportunity for bands on TV to reach a wider audience
record companies sometimes release DVDs, particularly of tours, which end up being shown on TV
A flagging career can sometimes be revived by an appearance on a reality Tv show
Tracks can sometimes gain in popularity by being used as incidental music, trailer music on adverts, sports coverage or even soaps
Soap stars often release singles and start a pop career

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