Music

Course summary

COMPONENT 1: Performing Music Students are required to perform as soloists and/or as part of an ensemble. The repertoire can be chosen from any style and can be performed on any instrument. The expected standard of performance is around grade 7 and must be a minimum of eight minutes of material which will be recorded. Commitment to extra-curricular activities in school is essential. COMPONENT 2: Composing For the composition unit students are required to compose two pieces of music. One composition must be from either a list of briefs related to the areas of study, or a free composition. This composition carries 40 marks and must be at least four minutes in duration. The second composition must be from a list of briefs assessing compositional technique. It carries 20 marks and must be at least one minute in duration, unless the brief specifies a longer minimum duration. The total time across both submissions must be a minimum of six minutes. The briefs set by the exam board cover a spectrum of styles and cater for all tastes in music. The composition is to be completed in controlled, supervised conditions over the autumn and spring term and the technical study must be completed in April / early May. COMPONENT 3: Developing Musical Understanding This unit includes a written and a listening paper. It develops students understanding of how Music works through a study of 13 set works as well as unfamiliar pieces. This is the only end of unit exam in the A-level course and is two hours and 10 minutes long. There is a mixture of short answer questions, essay and musical dictation questions. Each candidate is given their own computer with own CD/access to digital download for the exam.