Music (AS and A2 Level)

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 choose between two musical directions. The one focuses on musical composition and the other on musical performance. Each level comprises of three units of work.

AS

Unit 1 (2550): Performing (Exam)

• Section A: Solo performing

     A minimum of two contrasting pieces lasting between 5 and 8 minutes.

• Section B: a choice of one of the following

Performing on a second instrument or voice:
Ensemble/ duet/ accompanying
Performing own composition

Unit 2 (2551): Composing Folio (Coursework)

• Section A: the language of western tonal harmony

A set of no less than six exercises: a melody will be given in which you must add bass and harmony at an appropriate style.

• Section B: the expressive use of instrumental techniques

An original composition of between four and ten instruments

Unit 3 (2552): Introduction to Historical Study (Exam)

• Section A: Aural extracts

• Section B: Prescribed works

The late 18th/ early 19th century orchestra.
Instrumental Jazz 1920- 1960

• Section C: Contextual study

A choice of one out of five essay questions on historical background and contextual understanding. The questions will relate to the areas studied in sections A and B above

A2

For the award of the A level qualification you will need to successfully complete the previously described Units 1, 2, and 3. In addition you will have to complete the following units:

Module 2553 Performing Interpretation

Section A: Performing
A performance recital that lasts between 12 and 15 minutes on one instrument or voice. The recital must have a focus: a specific genre, a specific musical work (e.g. a sonata) or a group of shorter, related pieces.

Section B: Performance investigation
A comparison of interpretations of one musical work for the instrument/ voice presented in Section A. The work should be submitted in essay format of 2500 words maximum.

Module 2554 Composing

You must submit two compositions one of which must be a Commissioned Assignment out of the following options:

1. Vocal Composition (Commissioned Assignment)
2. Film Storyboard (Commissioned Assignment)
3. Stylistic Techniques
4. Free Composition

The free composition should be different than the commissioned assignment choice.

Module 1555 Historical and Analytical Studies

Tonality, Words and Music: examination paper of 2 hours 30 minutes

Section A: Aural extracts

Section B: Prescribed Historical topics
Aspects of solo song: 1945 to the present day

Section C: Synoptic Essay
Five essay questions are set with the choice of one. Questions may refer to any of the areas of study undertaken in the two years of the course.

Course progression and University degrees

A level music is required for all music university degrees. It is above all however, a qualification highly respected by all Universities and higher education institutions which seek students with a wide range of talents and abilities. The study of music at such an advanced level will provide our young students with unique and invaluable knowledge and experiences for their future adult lives

Entry requirements

5 GCSE grades at A*-C, including GCSE English.  The study of music at GCSE level is not a requirement if you wish to study music at AS and A Levels. You should be able, however, to perform at a minimum of Grade 4 standard in your musical instrument or voice.  If you study music at GCSE you should achieve Grade A- C and a minimum of Grade 4 in your instrument or voice in order to progress further.  In all cases it is recommended that you consult the Head of Music Department, who will offer valuable advice regarding your choice.