Music

Back

What will I study?

The A Level is made up of 6 units. The first three are completed in the first year as the AS level.

Unit 1 - Influences in music of the Western Tradition.

In this unit you will analyse one set work in detail - Mozart Symphony No. 41

You will also study works from:

Baroque Choral Music
Music Theatre 1940 - 1980
British Popular Music 1960 - present.

Unit 2 - Responding to a Composition Brief.

You will be given a choice of briefs to work to within the following three areas. You only complete ONE piece.

Compositional Techniques
Free Composition
Arranging

Unit 3 - Performance.

You will be expected to give two performances lasting in total 10 - 16 minutes in length.

The two can be chosen from:

Instrumental Solo
Vocal Solo
Instrumental Solo on 2nd instrument
Ensemble
Sequenced Performance
Multi tracking

Unit 4 - Music in Context.

In this unit you will study and analyse in depth two set works: Mahler Symphony No.4 and Vaughan Williams Symphony No. 5.

You will also study works from:

20th Century Choral Music
Chamber Music (Mendelssohn to Debussy)
Four Decades of Jazz and Blues 1910 - 1950

Unit 5 - Composition - responding to a brief.

As for unit 2, you are given a choice of brief from three areas.

Unit 6 - Performance.

You will be asked to perform two or more contrasting pieces, to form a short programme of solo acoustic or technology based performance, lasting 10 - 15 minutes.

How will I be assessed?

Unit 1 - 15%

A Written exam 1 hr. 45 minutes. This includes structured listening questions and two essays which are externally assessed.

Unit 2 - 15%

A score and recording of the completed composition is externally assessed.

Unit 3 - 20%

The performances chosen are recorded onto CD and with a copy of the written music, are assessed internally and then moderated by the exam board.

Unit 4 - 20%

A written exam 2hr.15 minutes. This includes structured listening questions on the extracts, such as instrumentation, harmony, chords, texture, dynamics and context. Also two essays, one on the set works and one from the areas of study listed above. This is externally assessed.

Unit 5 - 15%

A score and recording of the completed composition is externally assessed.

Unit 6 - 15%

The performance programme of 10 - 15 minutes is externally assessed.

Overview of Assessment:

Listening/ Written Exam = 35%

Performance = 35%

Composition = 30%

What will I need?

All Music scores will be provided. However, if you are expecting to go on to study music in higher education, you may find it useful to purchase your own copy of scores.

You will be expected to buy your own music for the purposes of performances.

What can this subject lead to?

Higher education music courses at Music Conservatoires or University Departments.

Ultimately this could lead to careers as a performer with orchestras and choirs, teaching, studio work, music retail, music therapy, music media and much more.

Entry requirements:

You will need to have good knowledge of theoretical skills and be a competent performer. Therefore we will expect you to have at least one of the following:

GCSE Music minimum grade B
Grade 5 theory (ABRSM / Trinity Guildhall)
Grade 5 on your main instrument or voice

Music Technology

The AS course comprises of TWO units.

Unit 1 - Music Technology Portfolio 1 - 70%

Students complete 3 tasks.

1A - Sequenced realised performance
1B - Multi-track recording
1C - Creative sequenced arrangement

A CD recording is made of the three tasks and a logbook kept, providing information on the resources used as part of the process.

Unit 2 - Listening and Analysing - 30%

This is a written examination 1hr.45 minutes.

Students study the main styles and trends common in popular music 1910 - present. Also, TWO styles are given special focus and studied in more depth.

In 2012 these are;

Punk and New Wave
Club Dance

In 2013 they are;

Rock & Roll
Rap & Hip Hop