Music
What specification is proposed?
Edexcel A level Music.
What will be covered in the course?
Performing (30%)
You will have regular opportunities throughout the course to develop performing skills and present pieces to an audience. This will culminate in an assessed 8-minute recital between March and May of year 13. Students can perform on any instrument / voice, and in any style / genre. The standard of performance should be Grade 7 or equivalent by the performance date.
We strongly recommend that anyone embarking on the course is playing at a standard equivalent to at least Grade 5 by the end of year 11, in order to be able to reach Grade 7 by year 13. All students will need to be having regular instrumental / vocal lessons with a specialist teacher.
The Music Department runs a wide variety of extra-curricular ensembles and organises a range of trips and workshops. These opportunities are invaluable in helping A level students extend their performing skills and cultural experience.
Composing (30%)
You will develop your composing skills in a range of styles and will submit two pieces (combined minimum duration of 6 minutes). Composition 1 can EITHER be a free composition OR a composition written to fulfil a brief set by Edexcel. Composition 2 must be from a list of briefs set by Edexcel, and will assess your ability to compose using particular techniques, e.g. in the style of a Bach chorale.
Listening and Appraising (40%)
You will study set works and wider listening within six Areas of Study. These will include:
Music for Film Hermann, Psycho; Portman, The Duchess
Instrumental Music Vivaldi, Concerto in D minor; Berlioz, Symphonie Fantastique
Popular Music / Jazz Beatles – Revolver; Courtney Pine – Back in the Day, Kate Bush – Hounds of Love
Vocal Music Bach, Mozart, Vaughan Williams
Fusions Debussy, Anoushka Shankar, Familia Valera Miranda
New Directions John Cage, Kaija Saariaho, Stravinsky
Your understanding will be tested in a 2-hour exam at the end of year 13, including both listening and essay questions, including unfamiliar listening and melodic / rhythmic dictation.
How will I be assessed?
Recitals and compositions will be externally assessed by Edexcel.
The listening / appraising exam will be externally assessed by Edexcel.
What can I do with this subject?
Music is a challenging academic and practical subject, the value of which is recognised by highly academic universities. It develops a range of valuable skills: in-depth analysis, creativity, dedication and collaboration to name but a few. You will develop extensive essay writing skills and the ability to apply abstract concepts to music.
Specific entry requirements for this course
Students must be playing grade 5 pieces on a musical instrument by the end of year 11 and have a strong grasp of music notation.
Grade 6 at GCSE music (if previously studied)