Music (AS and A2)

The study of music at AS and A Level promotes students’ spiritual and cultural development, broadens their learning experiences, develops their creativity and imagination and promotes their personal and social development.

The course offers students the opportunity to develop their skills and abilities in the areas of performance and composition while broadening their knowledge and understanding through analysis and historical contextual study. Each level comprises of three units of work.

To undertake this course, a passing of GCSE Music is a pre-requisite.

AS

Unit 1 (G351): Performing (exam)

Section A: Solo performance Recital
The performance of two to three contrasting pieces lasting no more than 8 minutes.
Section B: Discussion (Viva voce)
After you have played or sung, the examiner will discuss your performance with you. This will take no longer than 5 minutes
Section C: Extended performing. You have a choice from the following:
Performing on a second instrument or voice:
Ensemble/ duet/ accompanying
Performing own composition

Unit 2 (G352): Composing Folio (Coursework)

Section A: the language of western tonal harmony
A set of seven exercises: a melody will be given in which you must add bass and harmony at an appropriate style.
Section B: instrumental techniques
A composition or arrangement is required, written for between four and ten instruments, and with a maximum length of 3 minutes

Unit 3 (G353): Introduction to Historical and Analytical studies

Section A: Aural extracts
You will be asked several short aural questions based on 2 or 3 recorded passages from varying musical genres.
Section B: Prescribed works
In this section you will be required to answer questions based around the prescribed works that you will have studied throughout the year from both the classical and jazz genres
Section C: Contextual study