What will students study in Music this year? Students follow the Eduqas A-level in Music. The course is divided into three strands: Performance, Composition and Listening. Students can choose to specialise in Performance or Composition according to their interests. All elements of the course are taught throughout Years 12 and 13. Performance (25% or 35% depending on specialism) Students will perform live in front of a visiting examiner in the spring term of Year 13. The performance will be 8-12 minutes long depending on the student’s specialism. The expected standard for A-level performance is Grade 6 by the time of the Year 13 exam. Students will do regular mock recitals in class throughout Year 12 and 13 to prepare them for this. Composition (25% or 35% depending on specialism) Students will write two or three pieces of music lasting between 6-10 minutes depending on their specialism. One of these compositions will be completed in Year 13 to a brief set by the exam board. These compositions will be notated on Musescore and one of them must be in a Western Classical style. Students will receive regular composition lessons and guidance throughout the course. Listening and Appraising (40%) Students will sit one exam in the summer of Year 13. The exam content will be taught over the two-year course and covers the following topics: AoS A – The Development of the Symphony - students will study the symphony from 1750-1900, including one set work, Haydn’s Symphony No.104. AoS C – Musical Theatre - students will study a range of musicals focusing on the development of the genre and the works of six key composers. AoS E – Into the Twentieth Century - students will study music from the years 1900-1930, including one set work, Poulenc’s Trio for Piano, Oboe and Bassoon. What do we expect of A-level Music students? It is expected that students will be regularly practicing their instruments outside of lessons. Students should be proactive and take up opportunities to perform in ensembles and individually. Students need to be strong notation readers for Music A Level and are encouraged to make use of music department theory resources to build on their skills. Across the course students will gain a critical understanding of music throughout a variety of genres and time periods and will find a love for music and styles which they may not have come across before. They are expected to read and listen around their subject. A range of trips and events will be organised by the Music department and it is highly recommended that students participate in these. What are the major assessments this year? Students will sit a listening exam each term in line with school examination timetables testing their appraising skills on music they have studied that term. Students will submit termly compositions and performances and receive regular feedback on how to improve these. Whom should I contact for further advice or information? Lead Teacher of Music, Miss Gravenor: egravenor@carshaltongirls.org.uk