Music

Course summary

A-Level Music leads not only to traditional careers in teaching, composing and performing, but also working in what is now the second biggest visible industry in the country. The course covers a wide range of musical genres and periods whilst developing your skills in composing, performing and analysis to the highest level. What will I learn on this course? COMPONENT 1 (PERFORMING) – An 8 minute public recital on an instrument of your choice or voice. Approximate difficulty standard of grade 7. This is recorded in the Spring Term of Year 13. COMPONENT 2 (COMPOSING) – one 4-minute composition, either to a brief set by Edexcel or a free choice (90%) and one 2- minute Technical Study (10%). Total time across both submissions must be a minimum of 6 minutes. COMPONENT 3 (APPRAISING) – You will study thirteen set works across 6 different areas of study: Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Music for Film, Popular Music & Jazz, Fusions and New Directions. Assessment is through a 2 hour 10 minute examination in the summer of Year 13, testing knowledge of the set works, aural dictation skills and the ability to compare and contrast familiar and unfamiliar pieces.