Music

Please note:
This subject is offered in collaboration with Ermysted’s Grammar School.   

Entry Requirements

Prospective candidates must have a minimum of either:

1. GCSE Music Grade 6 or
2. Grade 5 in a Practical Examination of the Associated Board (or similar body).

Knowledge of treble and bass clef and the ability to read conventional staff notation is essential. 
If you are unsure if you have the appropriate level of practical experience for this course, please discuss this with subject staff who will be happy to help you.

Is this course for me?

The most important thing for anyone wanting to take this course is a passion for, and a commitment to music. You need to be open-minded to a range of musical styles and be ready to overcome new challenges. You will also need an ability to work independently and to a deadline.

Music helps to develop the following skills:

• Performance Skills
• Understanding traditional Western Harmony
• Aural Skills
• Analytical Skills
• Essay Writing
• Score Reading
• Ability to work independently

Opportunities

There are many career options following the study of Music A level. These include session player, teacher, composer, studio engineer, producer, journalist, artist representation, music therapist and many many more.

Qualification Structure

Component 1: Performing

Option A: Performing can be worth 35% and composing is worth 25%
You will be required to perform a minimum of three pieces for 10-12 minutes at Grade 6 standard or above. One of thee pieces must be a solo. You may perform the other pieces as a soloist or as a member of an ensemble. Two of the pieces must link with two different areas of study: The Western Classical Tradition (Baroque, Classical & Romantic), Rock & Pop, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Into the 20th Century and Into the 21st Century.

Option B: Performing can be worth 25% and composing worth 35%
You will be required to perform a minimum of two pieces, for 6-8 minutes at Grade 6 standard or above. You may perform as a soloist or as a member of an ensemble or a combination of both. One piece must link with an area of study: The Western Classical Tradition (Baroque, Classical & Romantic), Rock & Pop, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Into the 20th Century and Into the 21st Century.

Component 2: Composing

Option A: Composing can be worth 25% and Performing 35%
You will be required to write two composition of 4 to 6 minutes in duration. One from the Western Classical Tradition which Eduqas will set a brief and one Free Composition which the student will set a brief. 

Option B: Composing can be worth 35% and Performing 25%
You will be required to write three compositions of 8 to 10 minutes in duration. One from the Western Classical Tradition, one from another area of study (Rock & Pop, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Into the 20th Century and Into the 21st Century) and one Free Compostion.

Component 3: Appraising

The Listening exam is worth 40% of total A level.

The exam is 2 hours and 15 minutes in duration. This Component requires you to develop listening, analytical, aural and essay writing skills. You will study music from a variety of styles to enable you to answer examination questions and write analytically about the music. You will study The Western Classical Tradition which focus' on the development of the symphony through the Classical and Romantic eras (1750-1900). ou will study one Symphony in detail and then a secondary Symphony in general. You will also study the areas of study Jazz and Into the 20th Century.