AS/A2 Music (level 3)

This course is designed to enable you to:

Study music as a practical, intellectual and creative subject

Take specialist pathways in performing and composing

Study a wide range of musical styles

Aid the development of skills in: performance (solo and ensemble), composition, study of musical styles through set works and their analysis including classical, world, popular and jazz and aural perception

Is it for me?

The course suits those who are seriously interested in developing their music skills. You will also need to have reached instrumental standard of grade 4 minimum and have a degree of theoretical knowledge.

Assessment is a mixture of practical coursework and examinations.

What’s involved?

AS

Performing

You will be required to perform a 5-6 minute recital as a soloist and/or in a small ensemble. This will be your own choice of music in any style or genre and you may improvise - standard level Grade 5. This will be recorded and marked by the teacher and moderated by the Board.

Composition

You will be required to create a 3-minute composition and sleeve notes to a given brief - to be completed under controlled conditions.

Developing Musical Understanding

A two hour exam will assess the outcome of this part of the course. You will study and analyse 10 set works upon which listening and written questions will be based. You will also be assessed on theoretical knowledge including keys, chords, and cadences.

A2

Performing

You will be required to perform a 12-15 minute recital as a soloist and/or in a small ensemble. You can choose your music from any style or genre and can improvise - standard level Grade 6. This will be recorded, marked by the teacher and moderated by the Board.

Composition and Technical Study

Either: two 3-minute compositions based on briefs presented by the Board.

Or: a 3-minute composition plus a technical exercise (either Bach chorale, or 2 part Baroque counterpoint, or Popular Song)

Or: two technical exercises.

All the work in this unit is marked by the Board, the technical exercises and compositions are completed under controlled conditions.

Further Musical Understanding

There will be a final exam in which 12 set works are assessed in the form of essays - the listening exam will be based on unfamiliar music.

Entry Requirements:

A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades A* to C including English Language and:

GCSE Music

or

ABRSM Theory grade 3 or above

Assessment of practical skills at a taster session

Which courses go well with this?

A wide range of other courses - both AS Levels and BTECs.

Progression:

Past students have progressed onto a wide range of degrees/diplomas in Music, the Performing Arts or Combined Arts at Music Conservatoires and Universities.