Music

STATEMENT OF INTENT FOR MUSIC

Music students at Charters School will be creative in the way they make, listen to, explore, and appreciate music. They will be capable of critical, and analytical listening, which will in turn help them understand the processes of performance and composition. They will be inspired to discover new styles of music, both as listeners and performers. They will have opportunities to make music that play to their existing strengths and challenge them to develop new skills. They will explore the cultural significance of music and its influence on society today and gain an understanding of how the development of music through history sits within the wider cultural and political stories of societies.

COURSE DETAILS

• Component 1 – Performing: This component requires students to plan, prepare and perform a solo recital on an instrument of their choice, lasting a minimum of 10 minutes. • Component 2 – Composing: Learners are required to create two compositions with a combined duration of at least 4 minutes. One is written to a brief set by the examination board and the other is a free choice composition. • Component 3 – Listening and appraising: This component culminates in a written examination in which four Areas of Study will be tested: o AoS1: Instrumental Music of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven o AoS2: Popular Song: Blues, Jazz, Swing and Big Band o AoS5: Programme Music 1820-1900 o AoS6: Innovations in Music 1900 to the present day Students will study a range of set works and pieces chosen to exemplify the genres covered.

COMPLEMENTARY SUBJECTS

Music is an academic subject which works well alongside all other A Levels. Music is very mathematical in nature, and so Music and Maths complement each other well, as do Music and Languages. However, it can work well with any combination of subjects and is highly regarded by top academic universities, including Oxbridge, as well as for a third subject for those applying for Medicine.

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

The varied nature of the course enables students to develop highly desirable skills in areas such as self-management, creativity, data analysis, performance, team-work, problem-solving, and communication, all of which makes them an attractive prospect for employers. Choosing to study Music at university can lead to a huge variety of career paths, including broadcasting, publishing, law, politics, and the Civil Service. An A Level in Music can open doors into areas such as being a sound technician, music therapist or teacher, or to work in television, radio, or arts administration. It is highly regarded as an academic subject and so could complement future studies leading to a professional career. Music does not stop you getting into professions such as Law and Medicine.

BE INSPIRED BY EXPLORING FURTHER

Nicolas Cook: A Short Introduction to Music A Level Music Seminars and Revision from LSO Discovery (available on YouTube) Alex Ross: The Rest is Noise (also available as a podcast)