Music

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

Students will be able to:

develop advanced performing skills through a range of opportunities including solo and ensemble performances and recordings;

compose music and develop a sense of their own style, as well as exploring Western Classical genres and musical features;

develop further skills in aural perception and learn to listen with an analytical ear;

gain a further understanding of elements of Western Classical music as well as Rock & Pop, Musical Theatre and Jazz styles, placing these in a broader historical perspective;

enhance understanding of the fundamentals of music including harmony, melody, rhythm, structure, texture, and timbre.

A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING MUSIC IN THE SIXTH FORM?

You will need at least a 6 at GCSE Music and one instrument (this could be voice) at around grade 6 (ABRSM or equivalent) standard or above. You will also be expected to have a substantial theoretical knowledge – a minimum would be an understanding of around grade 5 standard. You will need to be curious and have an open mind to a variety of musical styles, and should start the course with a broad range of listening experience. You should be creative and open to developing your own ideas to compose your own music. You should have an insatiable interest for all things musical and be dedicated to your own practice and improvement.

The Music Department will expect all A Level Music students to contribute significantly to the musical life of the school, through both small and large ensembles, e.g. Senior Orchestra, Chamber Choir etc.

students who love performing and / or composing

students who constantly listen to music and explore new styles

students who have an open mind

students who are self-motivated and can work to deadlines for concerts, recording sessions etc.

students who can overcome problems with creative solutions

WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION?

COMPONENT 1: PERFORMING Either Option A (35% of A Level) or Option B (25% of A Level)

This component allows students to advance their skills as performers, primarily on their first-study instrument/voice, as a soloist and/or in an ensemble context. For Option A, students must give a recital of 10-12 minutes (min. three pieces), with at least one piece being a solo. For Option B, students must give a recital of 6-8 minutes (min. two pieces). Students will learn to create a recital programme that is coherent and links to the Areas of Study.

COMPONENT 2: COMPOSING Either Option A (25% of A Level) or Option B (35% of A Level)

This component allows students to explore their own creativity. They will learn to extend and develop ideas, as well as understand the sonorities of different instrumental combinations. For Option A, two compositions will be written, totalling 4-6 minutes; one will focus on the conventions of the Western Classical Tradition, the other is a free composition. For Option B, three compositions will be written, totalling 8-10 minutes; one will focus on the conventions of the Western Classical Tradition, one will link to another Area of Study, and one is a free composition.

COMPONENT 3: 40% of A Level

This component allows students to expand their knowledge and understanding of music from an analytical and historical perspective. Students will explore topics including the Western Classical Tradition, 20th or 21st Century Music, and a choice of Rock & Pop, Jazz or Musical Theatre. This component is assessed through a listening paper (2 hours 15 minutes) at the end of the course. Students will listen to and answer questions on a wide variety of music, as well as writing in detail about the set works they have studied.

WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE?

Music is a broad and dynamic field and is one of the largest industries in the UK. There are job opportunities in a wide variety of areas, including performance, composition, song-writing, sound, production, arts management and teaching. For those who would like to study Music but not pursue such a career, A Level Music offers a range of skills that are necessary in most occupations:

self-motivation and an ability to work to deadlines;

the solving of problems through creativity and imagination;

real-time decision making, management of nerves, team skills, attention to detail, self-discipline, the ability to present a public face, through speeches, presentations etc.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS

Eduqas provide detailed information on their specification, specimen examination papers and resources on their website.

Go to http://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/music/ as-a-level/