JOINT Music

Wakefield Girls’ High School

Queen Elizabeth Grammar School

Wakefield

Course Guide

A-level Music

Music

Background Knowledge and Qualifications

The subject is an extremely rewarding option for those who are keen to develop their musical skills and understanding. The word “music” covers a huge range of different styles and genres, and each one of us has our own preferences and interests. The Eduqas A level specification recognises this through the varied areas of study and the choice of routes through the course:

Areas of study include the Development of the Symphony; a choice of Rock and Pop Music, Jazz, or Musical Theatre; and at A level, either Into the Twentieth Century or Into the Twenty-First Century.

Performing is assessed by a visiting examiner, giving a much more realistic scenario than a recording, allowing students to demonstrate their communication of the music to the listener, and giving a real sense of occasion.

Composition is assessed through two pieces: one written in a Western Classical style in response to a chosen brief, and one free piece which can be in any style, allowing candidates to demonstrate and develop their personal specialisms.

Subject at a glance

You can develop your existing performance ability and use this towards achieving an A level. If you already enjoy writing your own music or songs, you can use this ability and experience, and learn how to develop your ideas into successful pieces. If you love listening to music, you will learn more about what makes the music you enjoy work so well.

For this specification learners must choose either Option A in both Components 1 and 2 or Option B in both Components 1 and 2 . All learners must study Component 3.

Component 1: Performing (35% OR 25%):

Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner

Option A: Performing (35%)

Learners are required to give a performance consisting of a minimum of three pieces. At least one of these pieces must be as a soloist. The other pieces may be either 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. The total duration of all the pieces must be between 10 and 12 minutes.

Option B: Performing (25%)

Learners are required to give a performance containing a minimum of two pieces either 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. The duration of the complete performance must be between 6 and 8 minutes.

Options A and B Where a performance is required to relate to an area of study, the piece must be selected from one the following areas of study:

Area of study A: The Western Classical Tradition (Baroque, Classical and Romantic eras)

Area of study B: Rock and Pop

Area of study C: Musical Theatre

Area of study D: Jazz

Area of study E: Into the Twentieth Century

Area of study F: Into the Twenty-first Century

Learners may choose to perform one of their own compositions, either as the piece linked to an area of study, or as another piece in the performance. Learners choosing to perform one of their own compositions are advised to select a suitable piece ensuring that it allows them the opportunity to demonstrate their highest performing skills

Component 2: Composing (35% OR 25%)

Learners must choose either Option A in both Components 1 and 2 or Option B in both Components 1 and 2

Option A: Composing (25%)

Learners are required to prepare a portfolio of two compositions, one of which must reflect the musical language, techniques and conventions associated with the Western Classical Tradition in response to a brief set by WJEC. The second composition is a free composition for which learners set their own brief.

Total duration of compositions: 4-6 minutes

Option B: Composing (35%)

Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by WJEC

Learners are required to prepare a portfolio of three compositions, one of which must reflect the musical language, techniques and conventions associated with the Western Classical Tradition in response to a brief set by WJEC.

The second composition must reflect the musical techniques and conventions of one different area of study (i.e. not the Western Classical Tradition) and the third composition is a free composition. Learners will set their own briefs for compositions two and three.

Total duration of compositions: 8-10 minutes

Options A and B

Composing to a brief set by WJEC Learners will have the choice of four set briefs, released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken. The brief will always contain details of the occasion or audience plus additional musical requirements. All four briefs will be set in the context of the Western Classical Tradition and the response to the selected brief must result in a composition in a Western Classical style which illustrates understanding of the musical language, techniques and conventions of the period (i.e. Baroque, Classical and Romantic eras). Learners may choose any suitable style or genre from the period within the remit of the composition brief.

Option B only

Compositions linked to a different area of study

Learners must compose a piece of music linked to one area of study apart from the Western Classical Tradition. They must choose from the list below:

Area of study B: Rock and Pop

Area of study C: Musical Theatre

Area of study D: Jazz

Area of study E: Into the Twentieth Century

Area of study F: Into the Twenty-first Century.

Learners are required to set their own brief linked to the area of study; the brief must always give details of the audience or occasion for which the piece is composed plus additional musical requirements. The brief itself is not assessed; however, learners are assessed on their musical response to the brief

Component 3: Appraising Music

Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes (approximately)

40% of qualification

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 or area of study C or area of study 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

Learners will study the development of the symphony for the Component 3 examination. This will include two set works:

Symphony No. 104 in D major ‘London’: Haydn and

Symphony No. 4 in A major ‘Italian’: Mendelssohn

Use of Course and Qualification

Music is a natural focus for those who see it as their main career focus, however it is also suitable for anyone with a keen interest and confidence in the subject who wished to show both academic rigour and breadth in their A level portfolio.

Music-specific careers include: broadcasting and the media; recording and sound engineering; performing and composing; journalism; arts management and marketing; teaching and lecturing and music therapy. In general terms the transferable skills demonstrated by students possessing A level Music make them highly sought after by employers in the wider world of work.

Technical Information

A-level Examinations:

Name Method of Assessment

1: Performing 2 options: EITHER option

A: Perform 10-12 mins OR option B: 6-8 mins

Marked externally

2: Composing 2 options: EITHER option

A: Compose 2 pieces of 4-6 minutes OR option

B: Compose 3 pieces of 8-10 minutes

Marked externally

3: Appraising A range of listening questions and essay questions based on set works from a wide range of musical styles and composers 2 hour 15 minute exams

Option A: 108 marks; 35% Option B: 72 marks; 25%

Option A: 72 marks; 25% Option B: 108; 35%

100 marks; 40%

WGHS Senior School (Girls 11-18 years)

Wentworth Street

Wakefield WF1 2QS

Telephone: 01924 372 490

Email: office@wghsss.org.uk

Twitter: @WGHSYorkshire

QEGS Senior School (Boys 11-18 years)

154 Northgate

Wakefield WF1 3QX

Telephone: 01924 373 943

Email: office@qegsss.org.uk

Twitter: @QEGSYorkshire

www.wgsf.org.uk