Music AS and A Level

Why study this subject?
Students learn to work together well, in addition to developing performing, composing and critical or analytical skills. It is highly versatile and can suit many needs. It is valued by employers and Universities even as an additional subject because it reflects versatility, creative ability and good communications.

What is the course content?
Performance includes:
solo instrument performance, ensemble skills, and performance workshops for vocal and instrumental skills.
Composition includes:
different styles of composition, harmony and counterpoint, orchestration and arrangements, form and analysis, recording, IT and vocal and aural skills.
Musical understanding includes:
musical techniques, stylistic perception (aural), analysis of set classical and jazz works, vocal and instrumental writing and research.

In the second (A Level) year, these same three areas of study will be developed further with more specialisation to the student†s interests.

How will your work be assessed?

AS Level (Year 1)
Performance - by a recital of 8 minutes in any style followed by a Viva Voce. Any instrument(s) and/or voice(s) are acceptable (40%).
Composition - 3 minute free composition and seven excersises (30%).
Musical Understanding - Listening & analytical/critical skills will be assessed by a 2 hour examination in June which includes listening to a selection of set classical and jazz pieces and answering relevant questions about them and answering a contextual question (30%).

A Level (Year 2)
Performance - by a recital of 12-15 minutes in any style (40%)
Composition - more advanced harmony and composition coursework with a choice of free composition or technical studies (30%).
Musical Understanding - a listening and music study exam of 2 hours on a variety of prescribed musical topics (30%).

What are the entry requirements?
The general entry requirements for studying at Advanced level apply: a minimum of grade C in Music GCSE if taken or Grade 5 instrument. Grade 5 Theory is strongly advised â€" if a student has not taken it there is a class available leading up to Grade 5 examination and beyond.

Other information
There are many facilities in which you can develop your skills in the department. Concerts and workshops happen every term, budding composers can try out works and have them performed. There are 4 practice rooms, 3 pianos, 7 synthesizers 3 digital pianos and every computer in College has Sibelius5, Cubase and other music software programs to support your work.
There is a College Orchestra, Jazz Group, Choir, Rock workshop, Guitar group and various other small ensembles such as String and Wind Quartets that regularly meet. These are not only to support examination students, but open to all the students in College.
Students have the opportunity to work with top professional musicians who have included: Glyndebourne Touring Opera, The Hanover Band, English National Opera, Brighton Jazz Club, Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra and musicians from the Royal Festival Hall.
Many students are encouraged to be involved in musical work outside College, such as Brighton or East Sussex Youth Orchestra, solo appearances and band performance. Competitions, awards and scholarships are also supported.

Student Bursary
Students studying AS and A Level are qualified to receive up to £70 re-imbursement per term towards their tuition fees.

Another course for A level or non A level students
Grade 5 Theory and above
Grade 5 Theory is a strong recommendation to students who have not already achieved it, but students may want to revise material and proceed further if they have already taken the exam, as the skills help practical skills, composing and are well-regarded by Further Education bodies.

10/09