Courses
A/S and A Level Music
This course is for students who have some experience of playing and performing music who may well have taken GCSE music and who would like to further their knowledge and skills in Performance, composing and in Listening and Understanding music.
A/S Music
In composition we develop your skills to be able to write harmony and to compose a theme and variations as well as songs.
We would like students who start the course to be at least grade 5 level on their instrument or voice, and it is very helpful to have taken grade 5 theory. We study a range of music looking at specific works to extend knowedge of analysis skills and listening abilites. Performing is a very important part of the course and is integrated in both the composing and listening elements; students are asked to perform in the class and in lunchtime concerts. Opportunities to perform in evening concerts are also given. All students taking Music are expected to participate in one of the large college ensembles (choir, band or orchestra) as part of their course.
IB Music
Music can be taken at either standard or higher levels. These are both two year programmes as part of the International Baccalaureate course. The Higher course includes listening and analysis, composition and performance and is designed for a student wanting to go on to study music in Higher Education. The standard level course includes listening and analysis, and either composition or performance (as a soloist or as part of an ensemble).
A/S and A Level Music Technology
Students who take the A/S course should have good reading of music ability as part of the studies involves taking the study of a score and putting the score onto the computer using a variety of sequencing programs such as Cakewalk Sonar
7 and
Sibelius 6. We test this ability to read music before allowing students a place on the course. We offer a twilight class for students from local schools so that theory skills can be developed prior to arrival at the college. See Theory of Music below for more information.
Here study of different types of music is important, and the students taking this course study a range of
popular music. Student will be expected to play
music into the computer using a keyboard using a score and aural skills.
F.A.Q.
What is the difference between Music AS and Music Technology AS?
The study of Music includes performance on an instrument or voice, composition and aural analysis of a range of music. The study of Music Technology uses the technology (the computer) as the “instrument” in that performances are made using the computer and arrangement and recordings all using software on the computers.
Why do I have to be fluent in reading conventional notation? Why can’t I just use guitar tab or drum notation?
The study of Music and Music Technology requires rapid reading of scores and the ability to perform using notation. Tab and drum notation is useful but not for reading a conventional score! Most Universities who offer Music Technology degrees require music reading skills for example.
How do you know if students can read music before starting the course?
We give every student a very short test on their music reading abilities.
Can I take both Music and Music Technology AS levels?
Yes; in fact quite a few students do as they count as separate qualifications and have different skills.
What standard do I need to be on my instrument or voice to take Music AS or Music IB?
You should be at least grade five ABRSM at the start of the course; you do not need to have taken exams (some guitarists, for example, may not have been offered the opportunity to take exams) but you should be at that level.
Do I need to audition to take Music or Music Technology?
Generally the answer is no, we do not audition as such. There are, however, times when a student has not taken any grades and needs to show us that he or she is of the right standard to start the course.
Do I need to be able to play a keyboard to take Music Technology AS?
A basic level of keyboard ability is a very useful skill. Notes will have to be entered using a music keyboard to get a fluency of expression so this is required for the course.
Do I get instrumental or vocal lessons free of charge?
We provide individual half hour lessons for students who take Music at AS or IB without charge. Other students (including those who take Music technology) are welcome to apply for lessons and will receive subsidised lessons (the current charge is £145.00 for 12 half hour lessons).
If I play more than one instrument can I have lessons on two or more instruments?
Yes, but even if you take music you will have to pay the subsidised charges for the extra lessons.
Can I join the orchestra, band or choir without taking Music?
Yes, we welcome all students to join in these lunchtime activities.
If I take Music AS do I have to participate in one of the college ensembles?
Yes, it is very important to develop ensemble skills.
If I take Music can I still use the computers for musical composition etc?
Yes: we encourage all students to use the computing facilities including Sibelius.
If I take Music Technology AS how much of my time is spent recording and how much using the computers for sequencing?
About one third of the coursework time is spent on recording, the rest is spent on two different tasks using sequencing skills. The coursework is 70% of the whole qualification.
Theory of Music
This class is open to all students who would like to improve their theory of music and work towards exams in Theory. We recommend that students who take Music should also take grade 5 theory.
We also offer a twilight theory course for students in local schools who would like to improve their theory before joining the college. These are currently on a Monday at 4:15-5pm.
Meet the Team
Nigel Hildreth
Head of Music
Studied at Sheffield University and has taught in a number of comprehensive schools before starting the department in 1987. He has a particular interest in performance and in composition and has written three symphonies, two concertos as well as many smaller works and arrangements. He conducts the Colne Valley Youth Orchestra which rehearses at the College. He has experience as a principal examiner for A level music and teaches both Music and Music Technology.
Joanne Lander
Studied at Lancaster University and subsequently at Sussex University. She taught in another sixth form college before joining the department in 1996. She has a particular interest in jazz, African drumming and choral work and performs in a jazz duo. She is also Head of Performance Studies.
Frances East
Trained as a pharmacologist before changing direction and teaching music. She joined the department in 2002. Her interests include Early Music, particularly recorder teaching and ensemble performance skills.
Instrumental and Vocal Lessons
We offer instrumental and vocal lessons to the students at the College and we
have a range of tutors who teach individual half hour lessons. These are
arranged in the students free time or after college. The lessons allow students
to develop their skills and to take grades music exams. We expect students who
take these lessons to take part in the ensembles at the college and the College
then reduces the cost of these lessons. Students on particularly low incomes may
receive help with the funding of these lessons.
Visiting Instrumental and Vocal Staff
We arrange lessons for students at the start of the September term as soon as they have timetables (this ensures they do not miss other lessons as a result). If we do not have a suitable tutor for an instrument we do our best to find an appropriate tutor.
Music Facilities
We have a purpose built area including a main music area which hosts smaller recitals and rehearsals for the orchestra, band and choir. It includes a chamber harpsichord and Yamaha grand pianos as well as access to a drum kit and a variety of percussion instruments (including pedal timpani). In the music room there are dedicated music computers. Off this room there is a storage room where students can leave instruments during the day.
Evening Concerts are held in the drama studio next door and we are able to move a grand piano between these spaces.
There are a number of practice rooms which are also used for instrumental and vocal teaching. There are two recording studios with digital multi-track
facilities. Each recording room has monitor systems and mixing desks with access to compression and effects units
on the computer. We have a selection of professional standard microphones of both condenser and dynamic variety.
The Music technology area has a suite of computers for use by both music and music technology students, and we have access to a further suite of music computers in the college. Each of these computers is a machine with high specifications and access to high quality sound cards and sound modules. Keyboards that are used for inputting are touch sensitive. In total there are 34 computers for use by music and music technology students.
Ensembles (Orchestra, Band and Choir)
All students, whether they take music as a subject or not are able to participate in the College Ensembles such as ORCHESTRA, BAND, CHOIR, CLARINET ENSEMBLE AND RECORDER ENSEMBLE. These happen at lunchtimes and we perform regularly each term.
The various ensembles get a number of opportunities to perform: an Autumn Concert in November, a Christmas Carol Service, A Spring Concert as well as a number of other occasions such as the Schools Prom in Charter Hall.