Music

Students study music in an integrated way where the skills of performing, composing and appraising reinforce knowledge and understanding of musical elements, contexts and language. The course builds upon the skills developed in GCSE Music. Students focus on three areas of study: The Western Classical Tradition (The Development of the Symphony); choose one from Rock and Pop, Musical Theatre or Jazz; and choose one from Into the Twentieth Century or Into the Twenty-first Century.

apply now

Course Information

Course Name:	Music
Course Type:	A Level
Examination/Coursework:	Either: 35% Performing / 25% Composing / 40% Appraising Examination or 25% Performing / 35% Composing / 40% Appraising Examination
Exam Board:	Eduqas
Entrance Criteria:	Grade 6 in GCSE Music and approximately Grade 5 in a suitable performance instrument.
Topics & Areas Covered:	Areas of study include the Development of the Symphony; a choice of Rock and Pop Music, Jazz, or Musical Theatre; and either Into the Twentieth Century or Into the Twenty-First Century. The Area of Study “Into the Twenty-First Century” includes works by living male and female composers giving an insight into the current music industry. There is a Symphony to study as a set work, and two short twentieth or twenty-first century pieces, but beyond this the choice of classroom repertoire is left to the teacher who will select music which is relevant to their teaching points and which will be interesting and accessible to the learners in their class. Performing is assessed by a visiting examiner, giving a much more realistic scenario than a recording, allowing students to demonstrate their communication of the music to the listener, and giving a real sense of occasion. Composition is assessed through two pieces: one written in a Western Classical Style in response to a chosen brief, and one free piece which can be in any style, allowing candidates to demonstrate and develop their personal specialisms.
Career Pathways:	The possibilities are endless. Music will enable you to demonstrate many skills which employers, colleges and universities will be looking for. It can also give you opportunities to travel, meet people and get the most out of life. This course can lead to further study in Music at under-graduate level in Performance, Composition or Analysis. It can further lead to a job as Music Therapist, Musician, Private Music Teacher, Secondary/Primary School Teacher, Sound Technician, Broadcaster/film/video, Arts Administrator Broadcast Engineer, Community Arts Worker, Event Organiser, Radio Broadcast Assistant, Radio Producer or Theatre Stage Manager and many more non-musical careers.
Additional Information:	The Music department offers a variety of extra-curricular opportunities, including: Choirs and musical groups Christmas Concert and productions at The Playhouse Theatre
AS/A-Level:	This course can be studied as a one year qualification at AS Level.