Music AS / A Level

MUSIC AS / A LEVEL
At Scarborough Sixth Form College Music is available at both AS Level, a one year course, and A Level, a two year course. We offer the Edexcel Music for the AS (one year) course and A2 (two year) course.

What and how will I be studying? AS - Year 1
For AS music you will study basic harmony, music analysis (both aural and from a score), composing and continue to develop your performing skills.

This is broken down into three units:

• Performing music: A combination of solo and or ensemble performances culminating in a 6 minute recital (minimum grade 5 standard).
  
• Composition: You will create a three-minute composition in response to a chosen brief and answer three questions to provide information about your composition.
  
• Developing musical ideas: This unit focuses on listening to music and understanding how it works. Set works from the anthology provide the focus for the listening and analysis questions, followed by identification of harmonic features and a completion of a short and simple passage for SATB.
  

A2 - Year 2
For A2 music you will study harmony, compositional techniques, musical analysis, composing and performance at a more advanced level than in AS.

This is broken down into three units:

• Extended Performance: A combination of solo and or ensemble performances lasting 12-15 minutes in which the student must perform a balanced programme of music.
  
• Composition and technical study: In this unit students are able choose between 2 technical studies, 2 3 minute compositions in response to a chosen brief, or one of each.
  
• Further musical understanding: This unit consists of aural analysis of the set works and unfamiliar music, followed by musical analysis question on the set works using a score.
  

Exam style questions and performances will be regularly assessed throughout the year to monitor progress.

What skills will I need and be developing during the course?
As a musician you are expected to have good listening skills and a keen interest in music from all classical periods. Both of these skills will be developed on the course as will harmony, music theory and composition.

Music students must be proficient on an instrument or vocally and are expected to practice their instrument regularly.

All A level music students are entitled to one instrumental lesson a week at a reduced rate from a selection of peripatetic staff.

How is the Course assessed? AS - Year 1
The AS course is 60% coursework and 40% 2 hour exam.

30% of the overall grade is performance, 30% composing and 40% developing music ideas.

A2 - Year 2
The A2 course is also 60% coursework and 40% 2 hour exam.

30% extended performance, 30% composition and technical study and 40% further musical understanding.

What career opportunities are there?
To be an A level musician you must be dedicated and hardworking, which are skills that universities are looking for in students for all subjects. A variety of music courses are available to pursue at university from performance, music history, musicology to music technology and sound engineering.

There are many careers that are specifically based in music such as composer, arranger, performer, conductor, instrumental or class teacher and many music technology careers.

...and what else?
The college encourages informal musical activities such as Rock Bands or groups, but there is also a wind ensemble and a college Choir that all students are welcome to join.