A level Music

What do I need to know or to be able to do before following this course?

The study of GCSE Music is not essential, but certainly provides a valuable foundation. All candidates will need to be practising musicians, ideally with Grade 5 theory and performance already under their belt. Students who sing/play in a variety of ensemble tend to perform extremely well in the Listening and Performing units, and so A-level candidates are strongly encouraged to take part in the rich and varied extra-curricular opportunities available at the school.

The AS and A2 Examinations will each consist of 3 units: AS - Units 1, 2 and 3 / A2: Units 4, 5 and 6.

What will I learn on the AS-level course?

Unit 1: Listening and Appraising - There are two areas of study; [i] Baroque instrumental music [1650-1750]. Candidates will take a written paper answering questions on four musical extracts; this will include some musical dictation. [ii] An introduction to musical styles. Candidates will submit an essay of about 2000 words giving an outline of the development of a musical style, e.g. opera, ballet music or the American musical. This is internally assessed, subject to moderation.

Unit 2: Composing - This is externally assessed coursework. Candidates will submit to the Board two compositions, lasting for about 6 minutes in total, at least one of which is stimulated by music studied in Unit 1.

Unit 3: Performing - This consists of an 8 minute recital in which the candidate can play as a soloist, a member of an ensemble or a combination of the two disciplines. One piece must be either a realisation of a composition submitted in Unit 2 or reflect a style of music studied in Unit 1, e.g. a baroque piece. A visiting examiner will assess this unit.

What will I learn on the A2-level course?

Unit 4: Listening and Appraising - There is one area of study; Music in the 20th century. A written paper at the end of the second year 6th will examine the following:

Part 1 - Aural and Stylistic Perception - Structured questions based on up to five excerpts of recorded music will include dictation and recognition of keys, chords and cadences.

Part 2 - Historical and Analytical Study - 2 questions will be answered on ONE set work and the historical background to the set work.

Unit 5: Composing -  There are two options: [a] A two-hour paper of 2 pastiche questions, selected from Bach chorale, Baroque trio sonata, Classical string quartet or piano accompaniment to a song or [b] Two commissioned compositions with a total playing time of 8 minutes, selected from the following: [i] Incidental music to a play [ii] A piece demonstrating aspects of imitation [iii] Setting of given words [iv] A piece based on a musical interval, e.g. minor 3rd [v] A movement in a conventional form, e.g. binary or ternary [vi] A movement in a chosen contemporary style, e.g. serial or jazz. This unit will be externally assessed. 

Unit 6: Performing - Candidates will perform a solo recital of approximately 12 minutes on any instrument or voice. The recital can be on more than one instrument or voice, but must include at least one composition from the 20th century. All pieces will be chosen by the candidate, and assessed by a visiting examiner, who will conduct a short viva-voce on the 20th century piece.

Where might this subject take me?

Candidates may study Music at university, a conservatoire, or as part of a teacher training course. The resulting careers can involve Performance, Composing/Arranging, the Performing Arts, Teaching or used as a general arts degree for entrance into other professions. They may also use the study of Music as a general cultural background to their studies in another discipline; this can often be very useful when applying for an over-subscribed course - many medics, for example, are practising musicians.