Music

 

​There is plenty of scope for a variety of different musicians to undertake this course: you certainly do not have to be classically orientated. A willingness to learn about different musical styles combined with reasonable performance skills are all that is required.

 

What will I study?

 

AS: There are three units of study: Influences on Music, Creating Musical Ideas and Interpreting Musical Ideas

 

Unit 1: LISTENING: Influences on Music

This unit focuses on listening questions and essay questions on Beethoven and Popular Music.

Unit 2: COMPOSING: Creating Musical Ideas

This unit encourages you to develop composition skills. You will choose one composition from a number of given briefs.

Unit 3: PERFORMING: Interpreting Musical Ideas

This unit gives the opportunities to perform as soloists and/or as part of an ensemble. The music can be in any style. Any instruments/voices are acceptable as part of a 10-16 minute assessed performance.

 

A2: There are three units of study: Music in Context, Developing Musical Ideas and A Musical Performance

 

Unit 4: LISTENING: Music In Context

This unit focuses on listening to music, familiar and unfamiliar, and understanding how it works. There are two compulsory areas of study and set works.

Unit 5: COMPOSING: Developing Musical Ideas

The composition develops skills and leads to the creation of a final three minute piece in response to a chosen brief.

Unit 6: PERFORMING: A Musical Performance

This unit provides opportunities to extend performance skills and produce a 10 – 15 minute balanced programme of music either as a soloist and/or as part of an ensemble.

 

How will I be assessed?

 

AS:

 

Unit 1: Externally marked through a written paper lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes 30% of AS, 15% of A2

Unit 2: One composition which is externally assessed 30% of AS, 15% of A2

Unit 3: Programme of 10 - 16 minutes of music: solo performance, ensemble performance, technology based performance which is internally assessed and externally moderated 40% of AS, 20% of A2

 

A2:

Unit 4: A two hour and 15 minute written examination paper set and marked externally 20% of A2

Unit 5: Composition done under controlled conditions and is externally assessed 15% of A2

Unit 6: A 10-15 minute recital which is externally assessed 15% of A2

 

Entry Requirements

 

Route 1 – Grade B (and grade 6 standard in at least one instrument/voice)

Route 2 – Grade B (and grade 6 standard in at least one instrument/voice)

Route 3 – Not available

Route 4 – Not available

 

Career Opportunities

 

Studying music can lead to a number of career areas such as Teaching, Composing, Performing, Music Therapy, Music Journalism, Music publishing, Broadcasting and TV, Recording Companies.



 

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