Music

What levels are on offer?

You can take Music at Higher Level or at Standard Level.

How do I decide which to choose?
  • Higher Level is aimed at students wishing to further their music studies at Music Conservatoires or University Music departments.
  • Standard Level is aimed at students who enjoy practical music making and want to broaden their experience in performance and appreciation of music.
What will I need?
  • For Higher Music we would expect you to have at least a B in GCSE music or grade 5 in Associated Board theory and grade 5 on your main instrument.
  • For Standard Level we would expect you to have at least a C in GCSE music.
What will I study?

The Higher Level Course includes:

Musical Perception and Analysis - This includes:

  • The study of prescribed works. These are currently Symphony No.41 (Jupiter) by Mozart and El Salon Mexico by Copland.
  • Study of Musical Genres and Styles in the Western Tradition as well as World Music.
  • Musical Investigation. In this investigation you will research similarities and differences between chosen pieces of music from two distinct cultures.
  • Solo performance: This can be voice or instrument. You will select a programme of pieces for a short recital lasting between 15 and 20 minutes.
  • Creativity: Three contrasting compositions and/or arrangements.

The Standard Level Course includes:

  • Musical Perception and Analysis - This is the same as the Higher Level course.
  • Musical Investigation. The same as the Higher Level.
  • Either - Solo performance with one or more recitals, lasting 15 minutes.
    Or - Group Performance with two or more public performances
    Or - Creativity: Two contrasting compositions and arrangements.
How will I be assessed?

In each case there are two aspects to the assessment.

  • Internal Assessment - For both levels, the performance and composition elements will be assessed internally and externally moderated by the IBO - 50% of total marks.
  • External Assessment - For both levels, the same paper.

This end of course exam is taken in May of the second year.

The Listening paper lasts 2hrs 30 and is worth 30%

The Musical Investigation is a media script of between 1200 and 1500 words and is 20% of the marks.

Also Available:

  • Tuition in college on any musical instrument or voice.
  • Grade Exams in ABRSM, Trinity Guildhall and London College.
  • Theory tuition for grade exams.
  • Young Peoples Gold Arts Award (accredited and awarded by Trinity Guildhall & Arts Council England). It is equivalent in UCAS points to an AS level qualification. It is an excellent course if you like performing. It involves developing your arts skills and also leading arts activities. You will work with another artist, go to high-quality arts events and research, plan, run and review your own arts project with a public outcome. For more information visit www.artsaward.org.uk. This can be completed during CAS time. Reminder: grade 6+ in theory and practical exams converts into UCAS points when applying to Universities.

Previous Page