A Level Double Award in Music and Music Technology

Course information:
A Level Double Award in Music and Music Technology

Course summary:
This two-year intensive course is ideal if you have a serious interest in music or music technology. It is equivalent to two full A Level qualifications and fits well with a broad range of other A Level subjects.

Course content:
Essential Information
It is important to note that the ability to play piano or keyboard is essential to this course (one of the examinations involves playing your 4-part choral work at the keyboard to check it). Students who don†t play piano should consider the equivalent Btec courses in Performance and/or Music Technology.

Music Technology
Music technology, like other forms of technology, advances rapidly. This new Music Technology specification provides opportunities to embrace recent developments in the field.

This new Music Technology specification involves much practical work and encourages the cultivation of a wide range of skills. Students will have opportunities to:

- sequence MIDI
- sequence audio
- record live instruments
- produce CDs
- compose using music technology.

Understanding technical processes and principles
Students will have opportunities to build understanding of the technical processes and principles that underpin effective use of music technology, and comment on it in writing.
Music At both Advanced Subsidiary Levels (AS) and A2, students experience all three main musical disciplines of performing, composing and listening and understanding. Students will have opportunities to:

- develop performance skills (solo and/or ensemble)
- compose music and learn about harmony (the basics at AS and stylistic studies at A2).
- build up their aural and analytical skills by studying selections from the New Anthology of Music and through wider listening.

In addition, expert performance tuition enables students to achieve higher â€-grade†exams which add points for university applications.

Entry requirements:
To apply for this course you should have one of the following:

• GCSE Music Grade C, plus 3 other GCSEs
• 4 GCSEs at Grade C, plus a successful audition
• 4 GCSEs at Grade C, plus a grade IV pass in instrument or voice

Qualifications achieved:
GCE A Level (Double Award) in Music and Music Technology.
This course enjoys a very high pass rate, with 100% pass rates in certain years.

Progression opportunities:
This course is excellent preparation for university. All double music students at South Tyneside College who applied for university have been successful in securing a place on a degree course.
Students have also gained places at the specialist conservatoires such as the Royal Academy of Music, Royal Scottish Academy, Trinity College.

Free study and financial support:
Most full-time students do not have to pay for their course. We may also be able to help you with some of the extra costs associated with college, eg travel, childcare, equipment, books etc. In addition, if you have just left school, you may be eligible for an Educational Maintenance Allowance. Please ask us about â€-Money Matters†for more details.