Music AQA
What will I be studying? • Western Classical Tradition 1650– 1910. Music for Theatre. Art Music since 1910 • Practical aspects of performance and communicating as a musician • Developing musical ideas and devices through composition • How sounds are organised and the musical elements What does this subject involve? Performing (in an ensemble and as a soloist), compositional techniques, aural skills, and listening and appraising skills, which include the study of various musical genres and the analysis of set works. What skills or qualities will I need? • At least Grade 6 (instrument or voice) • At least Grade 5 theory of music • A willingness to keep improving as a performer • A healthy curiosity about how music works and how it has been communicated to people over the years 22
• An interest and enjoyment in listening to and making music What about future prospects and careers? Those who continue their music studies to a higher level pursue careers such as: arts administration, media, performance, teaching, studio and orchestral management, music therapy, publishing, and recording. Do I need to have studied this for GCSE? It is preferable that you have studied music at GCSE. Additional information Because the A-Level classes are relatively small, we are able to attend several ‘extras’ – e.g. Performance master classes, concerts etc. We have a wide range of musical groups to join and Chamber Music coaching is also available. We offer many performance opportunities including Concerto slots with the School Orchestra and the Senior String group. We also run a thriving Sixth Form
Choir jointly with Birkdale School and we run a bi-annual trip to Cologne. Pianists from Piano Club compete in local competitions and we currently run 22 co-curricular music clubs during the week.
