AS/A Level Music

AS/A LEVEL MUSIC

WHY STUDY MUSIC?
* You will probably choose to study Music if you are a competent instrumentalist or singer and/or have a strong interest in composing your own music
* You may wish to study Music in higher education either on an academic degree course or on a more practically based course for performers
* The AS and the A level music courses are valuable qualifications in their own right as they not only demonstrate academic, practical and creative skills but also highlight your qualities of self-discipline and commitment

USEFUL SKILLS & INTERESTS
AS and A2 music students should be competent instrumentalists or singers of at least a Grade five standard on at least one instrument or voice and Grade five standard for theory.

COURSE STRUCTURE & CONTENT
The AS course is made up of the following three units:
Unit 1 - Influences of Music
* The Western Classical Tradition
* Choral Music in the Baroque Period
Unit 2 - Composing - you will produce one composition from a choice of three briefs Unit 3 - Performing - two performances are prepared from a choice of six options
Upon successful completion of the AS you will have the option to progress to the second year of the course where you will study the following units:
Unit 4 - Music in Context
*The Western Classical Tradition (compulsory)
*English Choral Music in 20th Century
*Chamber Music from Mendelssohn to Debussy
*Four Decades of Jazz (1910 - 1950)
Unit 5 - Composing - students produce one composition from a choice of three briefs
Unit - 6 - Performing - two contrasting performances are prepared as a soloist or using Music Technology in both

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
Unit 1 is assessed by a listening and written exam making up 30% of the total AS marks and Unit 2 is externally assessed and makes up a further 30% of the final grade. Unit 3 is a practical performance lasting between five and eight minutes, this is internally assesses and makes up the remaining 40% of the grade. In the A level Unit 4 is assessed by a listening and written exam and Unit 5 is externally assessed and makes up 50% of the grade. Unit 6 is also externally assessed.

COMMITMENT
If you study music we also expect you to join the Music Enrichment programme so that you can benefit from your studies to the fullest extent. The Music Enrichment Programme offers a number of opportunities for performing in ensembles throughout the year.

COURSE COSTS
The College works in partnership with the Tees Valley Music Service to provide instrumental lessons. If you are taking A level Music or if you received lessons from TVMS in school you will qualify for this provision. From September 2008 a half hour individual lesson will cost £126.00 per term (equivalent to £12.50 a lesson). Assistance with costs may be available from our Learner Support Fund. Provided you are registered with the service you can also hire instruments at £18.00 per term. If you choose to study Music at AS and A2 you will qualify for a 50% reduction of the costs charged by TVMS. This is only available through the college upon presentation of a receipt of full payment to TVMS.

PROGRESSION ROUTES
The full A level provides a sound basis for students wishing to proceed to Higher Education courses in Music or Performing Arts. It can lead to careers in teaching, performing, composition as well as related areas in publishing and media. It combines well with most other subjects but compliments in particular Theatre Studies and Music Technology. Students considering a career in Popular Music may also wish to take BTEC Music Performance.