MUSIC

QUALIFICATION:

A level

OVERVIEW:

A level Music is an exciting course which enables you to extend your knowledge and understanding of music, to create and develop your own musical ideas and to demonstrate technical, interpretative and communication skills through performing music. This course helps you to develop aural, theoretical and analytical skills as well as enabling you to explore significant set works and an area of study selected to suit your preferences. Studies include compositional techniques, music creation, and arranging, all of which draw on your own experience and enthusiasm. In your performances, you can perform as a soloist and as a member of an ensemble. Students will also gain experience with industry standard techniques and equipment when working with music technology and production. The course touches on many genres within the world of music and teaches students to become well-rounded, high calibre musicians. A few of these include Musical Theatre, Pop Music, Classical Repertoire, Film Music, Jazz and Contemporary Music.

EQUIPMENT:

The facilities of the School Music Centre will be available to you, including practice rooms, acoustic and electronic instruments, recording facilities and computer-based composing, sequencing and notation software.

SKILLS:

A level music is a highly respected academic and practical course. A very important quality for all those wishing to embark on this course is a genuine interest in ALL musical styles, forms and periods. It is expected that you will engage in listening to music on a regular basis and that you will be involved in a number of extra-curricular musical opportunities. It is highly desirable for you to have studied Music at GCSE. As long as you are a competent musician, with a sound grasp of music theory and various musical forms and styles, the A level course could be suitable for you. Grade 5 or equivalent standard in your chosen instrument is recommended in terms of performance work. The voice does count as an instrument!

ASSESSMENT:

Appraising music (listening, analysis and essay)

40% Performance (solo, ensemble as instrumentalist or vocalist and / or music production)

35% Composition (composition to brief / free composition) 25%

FUTURE PROSPECTS:

This course provides a sound preparation for the study of Music in higher education, as well as providing opportunities to develop strengths and interests in a wide range of musical professions.

WHAT DO OUR STUDENTS SAY:

“A fun and enjoyable experience which prepares you well for the world of music.”