A Level - Music

Course Summary

Subject: Music

Course Title: A Level - Music

Course Types: Sixth Form

Course Level: A-Level

Course Description

Introduction and Course Description

The A Level course builds on the skills and knowledge developed at GCSE level in the areas of Composing, Performing and Appraising, but require a higher degree of practical skill and a greater depth of study. The course consists of three units.

How will I be assessed?

Component 1 – Performing (35%)

A performance consisting of a minimum of three pieces. At least one of the pieces should be as a soloist. The other pieces may be as a soloist, or as part of an ensemble, or a combination of both. One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one area of study. At least one other piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one other, different area of study.

Component 2 – Composing (25%)

Two compositions. One must reflect the musical techniques and conventions of the Western Classical Tradition, and be in response to a brief set by Eduqas. Boys will have a choice of four briefs, which will be released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken. The second composition is a free composition.

Component 3 – Appraising (40%)

• Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes approximately
• 40% of qualification
• The written examination focuses on three areas of study

Area of study A: The Western Classical Tradition covering The Development of the Symphony, 1750 – 1900. Learners should choose one of the following set works for detailed analysis, and the other for general study:

• Symphony No.104 in D major, ‘London’ by Haydn
• Symphony No.4 in A major, ‘Italian’ by Mendelssohn

The second area of study should be selected from:

Area of study B: Rock and Pop (1960-2000)

Area of study C: Musical Theatre (Rodgers, Bernstein, Sondheim Schonberg, Lloyd Webber and Schwartz)

Area of study D: Jazz (1920-1960)

This Area of Study will be selected in response to the individual skills / experience of the cohort.

The third area of study should be selected from either,

Area of study E: Into the 20th Century, which includes 2 set works – Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano, Movement II by Poulenc and Three Nocturnes, Number 1 Nuages by Debussy or,

Area of study F: Into the 21st Century, which includes two set works – Asyla, Movement 3, Ecstasio by Thomas Adès and String Quartet No.2 (Opus California) Movements 1, Boardwalk and 4, Natural Bridges by Sally Beamish.

Future Opportunities

Advanced level music provides a worthwhile, satisfying and complete course of study which broadens experience, develops imagination, fosters creativity and promotes personal and social development. It can equally be a preparation for further study of music at degree level or a foundation for a lifetime of music-making as a leisure activity.

Course Entry Guidelines

It is recommend that boys enrolling on this course have achieved Grade V Theory of Music – those that do not have this qualification will be expected to take it in their first term of A Level study. Opportunities to develop technology-based skills are now an integral part of this course.

See what career this course can give you access