A-level music is a vibrant, thoroughly enjoyable and a stealthily rigorous academic subject which sets students up well for university study, and universities are aware of this. It is accepted by Russell Group Universities, and can contribute to scholarship opportunities (regardless of subject) at Oxbridge. A Level, students experience all three musical disciplines of performing, composing and listening & understanding. Students will develop performance skills, compose music and build up their aural and analytical skills through studying the music of composers and genres. Students are free to be creative, especially in composition where briefs are optional and composers are free to explore any style / concept. A level music will broaden musical experience and interests, develop imagination and foster creativity.
A minimum of five full GCSEs or equivalent at grades 9–5, which would include both English (Language or Literature) and Mathematics, with three of the passes at grade 6 or above. It is advisable to have taken GCSE Music and it would be an advantage An ability to play an instrument, or to sing, is essential. Students should be on course to perform 2 pieces at a Grade 6 Standard by the end of Year 13. They do not need to have sat external music exams. It is expected that students will have instrumental/vocal lessons. It is advisable that students take part in House Music and/or a weekly school ensemble.
Component 1: Performing (30%) This unit gives students the opportunities to perform as soloists. Students can choose music from any style/genre. The students will perform a recital with a total time of 8 minutes. Performance can be solo and/or ensemble. The expected standard is Grade 6, but more credit (12 marks) will be available for playing pieces of Grade 7 and Grade 8 level. Component 2: Composing (30%) Students complete 2 compositions totalling a time of at least 6 minutes. 4 minutes: A free choice composition or the option to respond to an exam set brief. 2 minutes: A timed arrangement task, which takes place at the end of Year 13. Students complete this work in school only, with access to an iMac and notation software. Component 3: Appraising (40%) There is an engaging range of set works to nurture in-depth musical understanding. These will be examined in a two-hour written exam at the end of Year 13. The purpose of this component is for students to develop their listening and appraising skills through the study of music across a variety of styles and genres. The content is grouped into six areas of study, each of which contains two set works, with the exception of Popular Music and Jazz, which has three set works. This component gives students the opportunity to reflect on, analyse and evaluate music in aural and/or written form. Students will learn the content of musical elements, context and language through six compulsory areas of study: Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Film Music, Popular & Jazz, Fusion and New Directions
About Education Provider
| Region | East of England |
| Local Authority | Hertfordshire |
| Ofsted Rating | Outstanding |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| Address | Sun Lane, Harpenden, AL5 4TD |
A-level music is a vibrant, thoroughly enjoyable and a stealthily rigorous academic subject which sets students up well for university study, and universities are aware of this. It is accepted by Russell Group Universities, and can contribute to scholarship opportunities (regardless of subject) at Oxbridge. A Level, students experience all three musical disciplines of performing, composing and listening & understanding. Students will develop performance skills, compose music and build up their aural and analytical skills through studying the music of composers and genres. Students are free to be creative, especially in composition where briefs are optional and composers are free to explore any style / concept. A level music will broaden musical experience and interests, develop imagination and foster creativity.
A minimum of five full GCSEs or equivalent at grades 9–5, which would include both English (Language or Literature) and Mathematics, with three of the passes at grade 6 or above. It is advisable to have taken GCSE Music and it would be an advantage An ability to play an instrument, or to sing, is essential. Students should be on course to perform 2 pieces at a Grade 6 Standard by the end of Year 13. They do not need to have sat external music exams. It is expected that students will have instrumental/vocal lessons. It is advisable that students take part in House Music and/or a weekly school ensemble.
Component 1: Performing (30%) This unit gives students the opportunities to perform as soloists. Students can choose music from any style/genre. The students will perform a recital with a total time of 8 minutes. Performance can be solo and/or ensemble. The expected standard is Grade 6, but more credit (12 marks) will be available for playing pieces of Grade 7 and Grade 8 level. Component 2: Composing (30%) Students complete 2 compositions totalling a time of at least 6 minutes. 4 minutes: A free choice composition or the option to respond to an exam set brief. 2 minutes: A timed arrangement task, which takes place at the end of Year 13. Students complete this work in school only, with access to an iMac and notation software. Component 3: Appraising (40%) There is an engaging range of set works to nurture in-depth musical understanding. These will be examined in a two-hour written exam at the end of Year 13. The purpose of this component is for students to develop their listening and appraising skills through the study of music across a variety of styles and genres. The content is grouped into six areas of study, each of which contains two set works, with the exception of Popular Music and Jazz, which has three set works. This component gives students the opportunity to reflect on, analyse and evaluate music in aural and/or written form. Students will learn the content of musical elements, context and language through six compulsory areas of study: Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Film Music, Popular & Jazz, Fusion and New Directions