MUSIC Music A level is a rigorous academic subject which sets pupils up well for university study: it is one of the most multi-disciplinary of subjects and offers a superb opportunity to set pupils apart to Admissions Tutors. Analysis skills sit well for Law, Science and Maths; Listening with Languages; whilst Performance develops focus, confidence, processing, presentation and fine motor neuron workouts! The study of Music can help prepare for any choice of degree, in both arts and sciences and the key elements of creativity, self-discipline and critical analysis through written work are highly desirable skills and widely recognised in industry at large. Pupils considering this A level should have a genuine love of Music with a keen interest in listening to and reading about a wide range of styles and genres. They will normally have done GCSE music and have instrumental skills around Grades 6-8. The course extends the core skills from GCSE and the structure is identical with the weighting: 30% Performance, 30% Composition and 40% Appraising (Listening, Analysis and History). All elements of coursework are prepared in academic lesson time, with the performance aspect of the A level developed through instrumental lessons. Pupils have gone on to study Music at Cambridge, Oxford, Durham, Manchester, King’s College London, the Tonmeister course at Surrey, as well as the specialist UK conservatoires. Elizabeth Arkell Head of Academic Music
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COURSE DETAILS • Performing (externally assessed) A public performance of one or more piece, solo or in an ensemble—with at least 8 minutes of music. This has to be recorded after 1st March in the year of certification • Composing (externally assessed) Two compositions: one to a brief or a free composition (40 marks and at least 4 minutes); the other a compositional technique (20 marks and at least 1 minute). Total time across both must be at least 6 minutes. Composition work allows pupils to explore their creativity and develop musical ideas based on their academic study. • Appraising Application of knowledge through the context of six areas of study, encompassing thirteen set works. Historical and Analytical study is based on set works from a variety of styles. The examination will consist of three listening questions related to set works, one dictation exercise and two essay questions (one drawing links from the set works to music heard as an unfamiliar extract and one evaluating the musical elements, context and language of a choice of set works).
