Curriculum Leader: Mr R McElwaine
A Level Teachers: Mr R McElwaine and Mr Manchester
Examining Board: EdExcel
Coursework Content: AS – 60% , A2 – 15 - 60% (depends on options)
Form of Examination: Written examination and coursework.
Should I choose this subject?
AS/A2 follows on extremely well if you have previously studied GCSE music or if you are an advanced instrumentalist or vocalist. You should also be involved in choirs, orchestras or other ensembles both inside and outside school. You must be able to read and write Music.
What is it about?
AS: Areas of study – Instrumental Music and Vocal Music
1: Performing (15%): Candidates record five – six minutes of solo and/or ensemble music
2: Composing (30%): A free composition lasting about three minutes which must be recorded and notated with an explanatory commentary.
3: Understanding (20%)
a) Listening: A written examination of candidates’ understanding of musical elements, styles and notation as displayed in a variety of recorded music taken from the Anthology.
b) Analysis: A written examination on set works from the Anthology, asking questions about structure, harmony, melody and other musical elements.
c) Harmony: Pupils study a piece of music and then complete an exercise to fill in missing parts in the same style.
A2: Areas of study – Instrumental Music and Applied Music (functional)
1: Performing (15%): Candidates record a 12 – 15 minutes of solo and/or ensemble music
2: Composing (15%): Submit two pieces. Either two three-minute free compositions; two technical exercises, or one of each.
3: Musical Understanding
a) Listening: A listening examination on music chosen from the areas of study.
b) Analysis (25%): A written examination on set works.
How will it be studied?
For both courses, most listening work will be completed during lessons, some research and exercises will be set as homework. Analysis will be taught in lessons with regular independent research and questions set. Compositional work will be developed both during lessons and for homework and your performance skills will be developed during your individual lessons and in class seminars and ensembles.
How will Music be useful in the future?
Music complements all other subjects. A Level Music helps develop many skills that Universities are seeking and is accepted by all Universities including Oxbridge. There are many careers in the recording, media and publishing industries as well as in the worlds of education and commerce that need higher qualifications in Music.