Music (EDUQAS

Entry Requirements

Candidates should have achieved at least a grade 6 in GCSE Music. Students should be able to read and write music proficiently and have a good foundation in musical theory as well as a musical ear. They should be able to play an instrument, or sing, to at least Grade 6 standard by the start of the course. We are happy to discuss suitability if a student has had an unconventional musical background that does not meet one of these expectations.

Course Content

There are two pathways and students choose to major either as a performer or as a composer. This can be decided during Year 13 of the course.

Component 1: Appraising Music [Listening Paper] 2 hours 15 mins (40%)

This examination will assess knowledge and understanding of music through three areas of study. Area of study A is compulsory and learners then choose two further contrasting areas of study: one from either area of study B,C, or D and one from either area of study E or area of study F.

Area of study A: The Western Classical Tradition (The Development of the Symphony 1750-1900)

Choose one from: Area of study B: Rock and Pop Area of study C: Musical Theatre Area of study D: Jazz

Choose one from: Area of study E: Into the Twentieth Century Area of study F: Into the Twenty-first Century

Structure of the exam: A range of questions covering all areas of study: • Short questions and a mini essay for Areas of study B/C/D • Questions on an unprepared extract with a skeleton score provided (Area of Study A) • A detailed analysis question on one of the set works (Area of Study A) • An essay-based question which assesses knowledge of the development of the symphony in relation to both set symphonies and to the wider social, cultural and historical context (Area of Study A) Option A - Performance major, Composition minor Option B - Composition major, Performance minor

Component 1: Performance (35%) • Recital Consisting of a minimum of three pieces. • At least one solo piece (+/- accompaniment), other pieces must reflect areas of study and can be either solo or ensemble • Duration: 10-12 minutes Component 1: Performance (25%) • Recital Consisting of a minimum of two pieces. • As a soloist, part of an ensemble, or both • One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one area of study • Duration: 6-8 minutes

Component 2: Composition (25%) • a portfolio of two compositions, • one piece in the Western Classical Tradition in response to a set brief • second composition is a free composition Component 2: Composition (35%) • a portfolio of three compositions, • one piece in the Western Classical Tradition in response to a brief • one piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one area of study • third composition is a free composition

Music at Berkhamsted

The musical community at Berkhamsted is thriving with 400 students across the Senior and Sixth form enjoying instrumental or singing lessons in school with our inspirational peripatetic teaching team. A diverse range of ensembles and choirs run each week with regular performance opportunities arranged, ranging from large scale concerts to informal platform recitals. We embrace musicians of all instruments who have tastes and interests from across musical genres. The department runs regular foreign tours as well as off-site concerts, for example a number of ensembles including the Big Band and the Chamber Choir have toured in Salzburg, Prague and Lake Garda. The next tour is scheduled for Summer 2023.

Future Prospects

A Level Music is a highly regarded qualification by all universities. Careers in the music industry lie ahead, ranging from performing and conducting, composing and arranging, recording and arts administration. It is widely recognised, through a wealth of substantiated research, that musicians acquire unique, valuable skills and qualities through their musical training. These are readily transferable to a wealth of other professions and non-musical pathways.