AS and A2 level Music

AS and A2 level Music

The curriculum area of Music is one of the largest in the county and offers a wide range of opportunities for music making to about 200 students each week. It has a reputation for outstanding results and high standards. Experienced staff offer you a comprehensive musical education in an atmosphere that is friendly, sociable and yet hard working.

WHAT FACILITIES WILL I BE ABLE TO USE?
If offered a place on this course, you will have access to the most modern and well-equipped music suite, theatre, recording and performance facilities in the county.

·Music and rehearsal suite with new grand piano

·13 purpose built practice rooms, many equipped with pianos

·Dedicated listening room with Naxos Music Library access

·30 laptop PCs â€" some available for overnight loan, equipped with Sibelius 6

·Concert Grand Piano for use in recitals in the performing arts centre

·Music Library for loan of books, scores, and CDs

·Full size xylophone, vibraphone, acoustic drum kits and full set of timpani

·Instrumental loan including: saxophones, (inc. baritone and soprano) double bass, bassoon, cello and guitars

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE FOR PLAYING?
Numerous and varied activities of a high standard include:

·Big Band

·Choral Society

·NCE (Orchestra)

·Jazz Ensemble

·Chamber Choir

·Male Barbershop

·Saxophone Quartet

·String Quartet

·Brass Quintet

·Flute Ensemble

·Guitar Ensemble

·Grade 5 Theory

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE FOR PERFORMING?
In addition to practical work in class and the extra-curricular programme, you will have many opportunities to perform:

·concerts throughout the year in College and in external venues such as Guildford Cathedral

·weekly lunchtime recitals, often in the Prospect Theatre

·visits to festivals, competitions, and playing in the community

·master classes with visiting professional musicians

·informal concerts

·concert tours home and abroad

In addition, students are encouraged to lead their own ensembles. Trips to concerts and visiting performances are also arranged to enhance the course.



IS INSTRUMENTAL PROVISION PROVIDED?
Fifteen specialist instrumental tutors visit the College. The College provides instrumental tuition for students who are studying AS or A2 Music for 37 weeks a year. Please collect an application form and further details from the Music department.

SCHOLARSHIPS
The College offers a limited number of Music Scholarship places for gifted musicians who are playing at approximately Grade 7 standard on entry. Music Scholars study two instruments free of charge and take part in their own programme of theoretical study and music making. In year two, there is a chance to progress to an Advanced Scholarship in partnership with the Royal Academy of Music.
Full details and an application form are available from the Music department. Please note that Scholarship places must be applied for by the

1st December 2009
.

WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?

AS MUSIC
If you enjoy performing, listening to music, composing or arranging, this course could be ideally suited to you.
The main areas of study will include:

·Performing
- both solo and in ensembles

·Composing
â€"composing to a set brief

·Listening and Analysing
-music from the last 400 years

A2 MUSIC
The aspects of music from AS are developed further.

Areas of study are likely to include some of the following:

·Performing
â€" solo recital of 12-15 minutes

·Composing
â€" two 3 minute compositions

·Listening and Analysing Music
â€" more detailed study of music from the last 400 years

WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?
You will be involved in many different activities including group work, individual study, tutorials, discussion, practical work and listening. You will be given individual guidance and support in order to fulfil your potential. As part of the course, you will sing in Choral Society and take part in at least one other musical extra-curricular activity.

HOW WILL THE COURSE BE ASSESSED?
Assessment of the course is by examination and coursework.

WHAT OTHER SUBJECTS COULD I DO WITH MUSIC?
Music combines well and contrasts with Mathematics and Science (particularly Physics), Modern Foreign Languages, Media Studies and other arts subjects. Music is accepted as an academic subject for entrance to Higher Education.

AND AFTER THE COURSE?
We have an enviable reputation for outstanding results. Students continue their studies further at Music Colleges, universities or colleges of Higher Education. Others simply enjoy making music for pleasure.