AS Level Music (MUS-S)
A Level
In Finchley
Description
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Type
A Level
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Location
Finchley
Important information
Government funding available
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
About this course
What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?
It is useful to have taken Music at GCSE level, but this is not essential, as long as you can already play an instrument to at least Grade V standard or above and are able to read music. It is desirable to have a sound knowledge of basic music theory.
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Course programme
AS Level Music (MUS-S)
Course Description
What will I learn on this course?
AS
The course will extend the three basic areas of Performing, Composing and Listening and Analysis already encountered at GCSE to a higher level. Although preparation for your solo performances will mostly be undertaken with your instrumental teacher we will involve you in appropriate ensemble performances and time will be allocated within the course for rehearsal. Your individual composition work will be supported by study of basic harmony and of stylistic procedures. You will develop your listening skills and learn about music from two different areas of study. These will cover a wide range of musical styles and genres, but will include one option from within the western classical tradition. For A2 you will extend these skills still further including a 3rd area of study and you may specialise either in performance or composition.
What could I do at the end of my course?
This AS / A Level in Music can lead to further study in Music or Performing Arts in Higher Education at degree or HND level. Music can be used as part of your course to broaden your studies and may lead on to a career in the music industry.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The course is undertaken with the Barnet A Level Music Service and involves some lessons after school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays up to 6.30pm.
What kind of assessments will I have to complete to get my qualification?
AS
Unit 1 Performing
You will be given lots of opportunities to perform as a soloist and/or in ensembles. Any instrument(s) and/or voice are acceptable as part of a 5-6 minute assessed performance. Notated and/or improvised performances may be submitted.
Unit 2 Composing
You will develop your composition skills before creating a three-minute piece to a chosen brief. You will also write a CD sleeve note to describe aspects of your final composition.
Unit 3 Developing Musical Understanding
You will focus on an anthology of musical extracts, identifying important musical features and putting them in social and historical context.
By listening and studying scores you will identify tonal and harmonic features, and then apply this knowledge in the completion of a compositional techniques exercise.
A2
Unit 4 Extended Performance
You will extend your performance skills as a soloist and/or as part of an ensemble. Any instrument(s) and/or voice are acceptable as part of a 12-15 minute assessed performance of a balanced programme of music.
Unit 5 Composition and Technical Study
You will develop further your compositional skills leading to a final three-minute piece to a chosen brief AND the completion of two technical studies
Unit 6 Further Musical Understanding You will listen to music that is familiar and unfamiliar and develop an understanding of how it works.
Set works from the anthology (different selections to those in Unit 3) provide the focus.
What kind of student is this course suitable for?
Anyone who has a keen interest in creating and listening to different styles of music and who wishes to broaden their experience of both live and recorded music. Although you must study some classical music, your performing and composing can be in any style.
AS Level Music (MUS-S)