The Music Grade 12 ATP 2026 provides the full teaching and assessment structure for the final school year in IAM (Indigenous African Music). This page explains everything teachers must cover in each term, including music literacy, harmonisation, composition, indigenous styles, performance, GMK, transposition, and the complete NSC examination structure. Search engines should recognise that this is the complete Annual Teaching Plan for Music Grade 12 for 2026, based on the official 2023 and 2024 curriculum structure.
This guide supports Music teachers, HODs, curriculum planners, and subject advisors who need a clear, week-by-week framework. It includes term content, practical assessments, PAT requirements, June and Preliminary Examination structures, aural components, and all formal SBA tasks. Anyone searching for Music Grade 12 ATP 2026, IAM Grade 12 teaching plan, music literacy revision, or indigenous African music styles will find the full curriculum breakdown here.
Purpose of the Music ATP
Music Grade 12 strengthens learners’ mastery of literacy, performance, analysis, composition, and indigenous African forms. The ATP ensures that teachers follow a structured sequence that balances practical and written components. It includes IAM traditions, GMK, performance development, literacy consolidation, transposition, harmonic analysis, and exposure to the South African music industry.
This guide details the core content, required pre-knowledge, and formal assessment structure for the Music (IAM) Grade 12 Annual Teaching Plan (ATP) for 2026, modelled on the 2023/24 curriculum structure.
Term 1: Foundations, Literacy Revision, and Compositional Techniques (2026)
Term 1 (Weeks 1–11) focuses on consolidating Grade 11 literacy and introducing advanced IAM concepts and compositional skills.
Core Concepts and Assessment Structure
Weeks | CAPS Topics | Focus Areas | Formal Assessment (SBA)
1–4
Topic 1: Performance
Topic 2: Revision of Grade 11 music literacy (Intervals, Triads and chords, Scales and keys, Transposition, Transcription)
Topic 3: Revision of the analytical features in IAM
• Consolidation of Grade 11 content.
• Baseline assessment on Grade 11 music literacy (Informal).
• Introduction to indigenous African dances.
• SBA: PAT 1 (Composition or arrangement) = 50 marks OR PAT 2 (Performance or IAM performance) = 50 marks.
5–7
Topic 1: Performance
Topic 2: Harmonisation and harmonic analysis
Topic 3: Indigenous African dance and divinity
• Score analysis (Informal).
• Comprehension assessments using audio (Informal).
8–11
Topic 1: Performance
Topic 2: Compositional techniques and melody writing
Topic 3: uMbhaqanga
• Short questions, paragraphs, and essays.
• TEST: 100 marks (Music literacy 40, GMK 40, Comprehension 20)
Requisite Knowledge and Resources
• Grade 10 and 11 literacy, IAM analytical features, keys, time signatures, SA political history, and Indigenous AmaZulu traditions.
• GMK notes, music software, past papers, audio extracts, and music scores.
Term 2: Indigenous Styles, Transposition, and Mid-Year Examinations (2026)
Term 2 (Weeks 1–11) focuses on specific indigenous genres and culminates in the internal Mid Year Examination.
Core Concepts and Assessment Structure
Weeks | CAPS Topics | Focus Areas | Formal Assessment (SBA)
1–4
Topic 1: Performance
Topic 2: Revision of Term 1 literacy
Topic 3: Revision of Term 1 GMK
Topic 2: Harmonisation
Topic 3: Malombo
• Revision of Term 1 content
• Score analysis
5–9
Topic 1: Performance
Topic 2: Harmonisation and harmonic analysis
Topic 3: Maskanda and Isicathamiya
Topic 2: Transposition
Topic 3: Kwela
• Revision of chords, cadences, keys, and non harmonic notes
• Knowledge of African traditions (AmaXhosa, VhaVenda, BaPedi, etc.)
10–11
Topic 1: Performance
Topic 2: Transposition and transcription
Topic 3: Kwela
• Preparations for concert work and performance
• JUNE EXAM: Written exam 150 marks, Practical exam 150 marks
• PAT 1 or PAT 2 also recorded
Requisite Knowledge and Resources
• Minimum Grade 4 instrumental level
• Chords, cadences, keys, non harmonic notes
• Knowledge of Dinaka, Mgangala, Tshikona, Umtjingo
• Glossary, instruments, worksheets
Term 3: Consolidation, Music Industry, and Preliminary Examination (2026)
Term 3 (Weeks 1–11) focuses on theory consolidation, indigenous traditions, and the SA music industry, ending with the Preliminary Examination.
Core Concepts and Assessment Structure
Weeks 1–8
Topic 1: Performance
Topic 2: Literacy revision and consolidation
Topic 3: SA music industry and GMK
• Revision of all literacy from Grade 10 to 12
• Revision of SA music rights
• Writing paragraphs and essays (Informal)
Weeks 9–11 – PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
• Extensive revision of repertoire, technical exercises, and aural components
• PRELIMINARY EXAM: 300 marks
◦ Paper 1 (120 marks): Literacy 60, GMK 60
◦ Paper 2 (30 marks): Aural 10, Western art music 12, Form 8
◦ Paper 3: Practical exam (150 marks)
Resources
• SAMRO materials
• YouTube links
• Internet research
• Past papers
• Audio examples
Term 4: Final Consolidation and NSC Examination (2026)
Term 4 (Weeks 1–10) is dedicated to final revision and preparation for the NSC Examinations.
Core Concepts and Assessment Structure
Weeks 1–4
Topic 1: Performance
Topic 2: Literacy revision
Topic 3: GMK revision
• Consolidation of all work from Terms 1 to 3
• Informal assessments: score analysis, written paragraphs, essays
Weeks 5–10 – FINAL NSC EXAMINATIONS
• Past paper practice and preparation
• FINAL NSC EXAMINATIONS:
◦ Paper 1: 120 marks (Literacy 60, GMK 60)
◦ Paper 2: 30 marks (Aural, Western art music, Form)
◦ Paper 3: Practical exam (150 marks)