A level Music

Music


Why should I study Music?
This is an enjoyable and stimulating academic subject. It enables you to progress through studies in musical techniques, analysis, history, composition and performance.

What will I study?
AS Units


Unit 1
:
Performing Music

• Perform a solo on any instrument or voice
• Discuss your performance with the examiner
• You will perform in an ensemble, or in a duet or as an accompanist or perform second instrument of perform one or two compositions or improvise.

This represents 40% of the total AS Level marks.

Unit 2:
Composing â€" The language of western tonal harmony

• You will submit 7 exercises â€" 6 completed during the course and one completed under supervision.
• Instrumental Techniques â€" a composition for 4 to 10 instruments not lasting more than 3 minutes.

This represents 30% of the total AS Level marks.

Unit 3:
Introduction to Historical Study

• Aural Extracts either a piece written between 1700 and 1830 (solo, instrumental or chamber music)

Or

• A piece of popular instrumental music taken from 1900 to present day.
• Prescribed orchestral scores â€" Bach, Mozart and Schubert.
• ii) Jazz, Jelly Roll Morton, Count Basie and Miles Davies
• iii) Contextual Awareness

This represents 30% of the total AS Level marks.

A2 Units
Unit 1:

• Recital
• Viva Voce

This represents 20% of the total A Level mark.

Unit 2:
Composing 2

• Stylistic Techniques
• Composition

This represents 15% of the total A Level mark.

Unit 3:
Historical and Analytical Studies in Music

• Aural Extract drawn from accompanied vocal music composed between 1900 and 1945.
• Historical Topics â€" to be announced.

This represents 15% of the total A Level mark.

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 â€" External Examiner Unit 2 â€" Marked internally, externally moderated Unit 3 - 2½ hour written exam

A2
Unit 1 â€" External Examiner Unit 2 â€" Marked internally, externally moderated Unit 3 - 2½ hour written 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 4-5 hrs 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.