Music

Course summary

Music is a thriving part of Ripley St Thomas, with musical performances permeating many aspects of school life. Studying Music in the VI form will give you the opportunity to become part of this vibrant community. The new Edexcel A level Music course is stimulating and enriching, taking a multidisciplinary approach to enhance musical understanding. As with GCSE, pupils will cover the three key areas of performance, composition and appraisal. 60% of this course is examined through assessed practical work, the remaining 40% is a written exam. A level Music is excellent preparation for HE courses in music, but is equally valuable for non-specialists as a second or third area of study. For those wishing to develop their skills further, it can lead to a wide range of careers in performance, composition, primary and secondary teaching, music therapy, publishing, promotion and marketing, journalism, and many other areas associated with the music industry. We have significant experience in supporting pupils through university and conservatoire applications, with pupils in recent years going to study music in some of the country’s most prestigious institutions. Structure: Performance You will work towards giving an eight minute solo performance, in any style of music, on any instrument or voice. Composition You will write two pieces of music in response to chosen briefs; this will be recorded and notated using computer software. You will also have the opportunity to write about your composition to explain your influences. Developing Musical Understanding You will listen to set works set by the exam board and develop an understanding of how the music works. In the written exam you will be asked aurally to identify key musical features of music which you have studied. A level In the second year of the course students will further develop their performance skills in preparation for a longer recital on their instrument or voice. Composition skills will continue to be developed alongside further advancement in the technical skills of music writing. Listening skills are focused on through the study of familiar and unfamiliar music, and understanding how it works. Please access the Ripley St Thomas Sixth Form courses section for more information https://ripleystthomas.com/sixth-form/courses/