A Level Music

Course summary

Music A level allows students with a passion for the subject to develop a greater understanding of how music has evolved and how it works, whilst also gaining higher level compositional and performance skills. Students will study two set works from The Western Classical Tradition (WCT) alongside broader studies of Twentieth Century music and Rock and Pop music. The majority of the course involves practical coursework as a composer and performer with lesson time dedicated to refining performances and developing compositional skills using music technology. The combination of lessons allows students to put the theory of music, developed through appraisal of existing compositions, into practice in compositional lessons. They must compose a piece in the WCT and also in a style of their choice. Students involved with the course will participate in as much extra-curricular music-making as possible allowing them to become stronger musicians with a working knowledge of a range of styles. They will have priority access to the Music Department’s impressive facilities during the school day and beyond. Career Pathways – Musician – Composer: Film and TV, Advertising, Sound Designer, Website and Games – Teaching: Peripatetic Instrumental Specialist, Music Teacher/ Lecturer – Other: Music Therapist, County and National Music Service Provision, Music Journalism, Music Retail, Publishing and Production