MUSIC Exam Board: Pearson Music Syllabus: A-level: 9MU0 Consult: Ms Sampson WHY STUDY THE SUBJECT? Anyone who has a keen interest in creating and listening to different styles of music and who wishes to broaden their experience and deepen their understanding of live and recorded music would be suitable for this course. A-level Music develops the practical skills of performing and composing alongside listening to a variety of music and developing ideas about how and why it was written and/or performed. Whilst an artistic and practical subject, Music is recognised by universities as an academic A-level and provides a good step towards degrees in a wide range of subject areas including Sciences, Mathematics, Languages, Humanities and Arts. CONTENT AND BREAKDOWN At A-level three musical disciplines are studied; performing, composing and appraising. The appraising unit covers a collection of set works from six different areas of study (vocal music, instrumental music, music for film, popular music and jazz, fusions and new directions).
ASSESSMENT At A-level 60% of the course is controlled assessment, and 40% exam assessment. A-level Content: • Performing (30%): Perform for more than 8 minutes. • Composing (30%): Create two compositions, one to a set brief and one a free choice. The examiners briefs will take the form of a technical study for which understanding of harmony and specific composing styles will be covered. • Appraising (40%): One written paper, with questions based on set works and wider listening in these styles. EXTRACURRICULAR There are lots of performance opportunities for A-level students, and trips to see set works performed are organised when they are available.
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AFTER ASHCOMBE Music graduates have a wide range of career options available to them both inside and outside the industry. It is common to find music graduates in consultancy, finance, banking, music therapy and legal jobs, as well as in music roles including: performer, teacher, administrator, songwriter, conductor, promoter, or music publisher. There are also more jobs than ever in music business related areas, such as: careers in digital marketing, social media, PR, technology, label services, ticketing and merchandising. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Candidates must be having lessons on their chosen instrument. Candidates are expected to participate in Music Department activities. Some understanding of the rudiments of Theory is needed for this course. Working at a Grade 5 level is very helpful.
