ADVANCED LEVEL SUBJECT: Music (Cambridge International AS & A Level 9483

ADVANCED LEVEL SUBJECT: Music (Cambridge International AS & A Level 9483)

Overview

The Cambridge International A Level (Music 9483) provides opportunities for students to develop and improve their musical skills in a wide range of music styles and traditions. It allows students to explore and build on their own interests, and encourages independent expression and the development of critical, reflective practice. During the course, students develop their listening skills and understanding of music, including compositional techniques and performance practice. They will learn to work with Western notation and explore music of their choice. They will develop an aural appreciation of a variety of Western and nonWestern music styles, genres and traditions. Cambridge International A Level Music is internationally recognised and accepted by leading universities worldwide. Music is the only Arts A Level which appears on the list of preferred subjects at top British Universities such as LSE and Cambridge. This course equips candidates to study Music at a higher level and/or to enjoy music as lifelong learners.

The course offers three possible routes: • AS Level only • A Level staged over two years (Year 1 AS Level, Year 2 Complete the A Level) • A Level where candidates take all components in the same examination series.

Course Description

Component 1 – Listening

Written paper, 2 hours 100 marks 60% AS Level, 30% A Level

The listening exam consists of a variety of short- and long-answer questions based on either unprepared music or set works. There are a mixture of compulsory questions and sections where students choose questions. Students will have their own individual playback facilities for musical extracts and may listen as many times as they wish.

Component 2 – Practical Music

100 marks 40% AS Level, 20% A Level

This component has two elements: Performing (60%) and Composing (40%)

PERFORMING

Candidates perform a selection of contrasting music of their choice in a programme of 6 – 10 minutes. The performances may be solo and/or ensemble. Performances must be on one instrument or voice.

COMPOSING

Candidates create two contrasting compositions in any style or genre. Each composition should be 1 – 2 minutes long and should be for two or more voices/instruments. Any sound source (including music technology) may be used. Candidates submit an audio recording and either notation or a detailed account of the composition process.

Components 3, 4 and 5

Candidates must choose two from: • Extended Performance • Extended Composition • Investigating Music

Component 3: Extended Performance: 25% (A Level) Candidates perform music on a single instrument or voice which reflects a single focus from any tradition. It may be one substantial piece, or two or more pieces related by a common theme or purpose. The performance of 15 – 20 minutes must take place on a single occasion. A research report of 1,000 – 1,500 words must also be submitted in which candidates will identify, analyse and compare music to provide a record of the decisions that lead to the choice of their performance programme.

Component 4: Extended Composition: 25% (A Level) Candidates must compose a single composition lasting 6 – 8 minutes. The composition can be in any style and should either be notated precisely or accompanied by a full account of the composition and recording process. Any sound source including music technology may be used. A research report of 1,000 – 1,500 words must also be submitted in which candidates will identify, analyse and compare music to provide a record of the decisions that guided their composition.

Component 5: Investigating Music: 25% (A Level) Candidates must write an essay of 2,500 – 3,000 words in response to contextualised listening. The title of the essay should be phrased as a question and music studied may be drawn from any tradition. The focus of the essay must be on the music. Candidates will submit an outline proposal form to Cambridge International for topics of study for this component before embarking on their investigation.

Course Requirements

It is a recommendation (but not a requirement) that students starting this course have studied IGCSE, GCSE or equivalent in Music. An enjoyment of music and the ability to sing or play an instrument is important. Students should have the ability to read basic musical notation, and any existing knowledge of music theory will be beneficial.

Career Path:

The Cambridge International A Level Music course provides an enriching and valuable course of study for students who wish to study Music at tertiary level or who wish to pursue other careers. This course also provides all students with the opportunity to engage in the world of music as lifelong participants. Potential pathways for Careers in music are Music Production and Studio Engineering, Composing and Arranging, Performance and Live Music, Legal/Business/Management aspects of Music, Recording Labels, Media, TV, Radio and Print, Education and Music Therapy. Music is the only A Level Arts subject on the list of preferred subjects at a number of top universities including LSE and Cambridge.

Contact for information:

Mr Richie Baxter: richie.baxter@tts.edu.sg