Why should I study Music?
A level Music is an exciting course that allows students to develop skills in performance, composition, listening and analysis. Students will have the opportunity to perform in gigs, concert performances, lunchtime concerts, and make use of the recording facilities. Students will also gain experience in playing in ensembles, choirs and bands. Led by pianist, composer and orchestral player Rob Varley.
What will I study?
AS Units
Unit 1 – Performing music
- You will perform a solo recital between 5-6 minutes on your instrument or voice.
- The pieces must be about grade 5 standard
- This can be re-recorded at any time during the course
It is internally assessed and counts for 30% of the AS mark.
Unit 2 – Composing
- You will compose one piece of music of about 3 minutes in length from a selection of 4 briefs.
- You will also have to write a sleeve to note that describes the compositional processes and influences.
- This is externally assessed and counts for 30% of the AS mark.
Unit 3 – Developing Musical Understanding
- One 2-hour exam
- Set works from an anthology provide the main focus. A wide range of musical styles will be covered, from Bach to the Beatles. You will learn about each score through study and analysis.
- You will also be asked to identify harmonic and tonal features from an unseen score and complete a short SATB passage
This counts for 40% of the AS mark.
A2 Units
Unit 4 – Extended performance
- You will perform a balanced programme, making up a 12 – 15 minute recital to a small audience.
- The pieces must be about grade 6 standard
- This can be re-recorded at any time during the course.
It is internally assessed and counts for 30% of the A2 mark.
Unit 5 – Composition and Technical study
- Developing skills from unit 2, you will complete 2 compositions OR 1 composition and 1 technical study OR 2 technical studies.
- Compositions must last about 3 minutes; technical studies will be completed under 3-hour supervision
This is externally assessed and counts for 30% of the A2 mark.
Unit 6 – Further Musical Understanding
- One 2-hour exam
- A different selection of set works from AS provide the focus of study and analysis. You will learn about important musical features and how to write perceptively about music by comparing, contrasting, assessing, evaluating and commenting as appropriate.
- You will also learn how to identify unfamiliar pieces of music by developing your skills of aural analysis.
- This counts for 40% of the A2 mark.
What are the entry requirements?
Normal college requirements plus GCSE Music grade C (minimum); BTEC Level 2 (Distinction); grade 5 standard in instrument or voice (not necessarily taken exam). Strong reader of music desirable.
What skills do I need?
- Problem solving
- Research skills
- Willing to contribute to class discussions
How will I be taught?
Analysis, history and harmony are taught in formal full-class sessions.
Drop-in sessions take place daily you are expected to attend at least one per week, in addition to following a practice regime.
How is the course assessed?
AS
Unit 1 - Internally assessed, externally verified
Unit 2 - Externally assessed
Unit 3 - 2-hour exam
A2
Unit 4 - Internally assessed, externally verified
Unit 5 - Externally assessed
Unit 6 - 2-hour exam
What will this course prepare me for?
You can progress to degrees in Music, Acoustics, Recording and Education. Music A Level is valued highly by admissions tutors across a wide range of academic disciplines.
Private Study
As an approximate guideline AS subjects require 3-4 hrs of independent study each; A2 subjects 4-5hrs each and GCSE subjects 2 hrs each.
What materials will I need to purchase?
Not applicable, but you will need to continue practical lessons with a teacher and have your own instrument.
Examining Board
EDEXCEL
A Level Music is for you if
You enjoy practising, want to develop as a composer and get a kick out of analysing scores.
A Level Music is not for you if
You don't practise, don't like homework or cannot read music very well.
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