Music

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WHY SHOULD I STUDY A LEVEL MUSIC?

This is a course for anyone who is enthusiastic about improving their practical music skills, learning about music from different periods and expressing themselves through music. The course involves performance, composition and a listening examination. Students will be given the opportunity to participate in a range of ensemble practical work, and will benefit from instrumental or vocal tuition.

The course involves practical use of instruments and voices and students are given the opportunity to listen to a wide range of music. Students will also be able to choose a number of options to suit their strengths and full support is given to teach skills and develop a range of interests in music. Music Technology is used to assist in the learning process, especially in the compositional tasks, where students will learn how to use the software notation program: Sibelius.

The Music department also runs Theory of Music classes for Grades 1-5 and can support students pursuing grades 6-8 Theory of Music.

It is possible for a student to take Music Technology (A Level) alongside this course and this is a desirable combination for students with a strong commitment to future progression in the field of music.

Any music student at the College will be joining a large and vibrant musical culture, involving everything from orchestras to rock bands to record labels. For example, there are a range of ensembles at the College including a choir, an orchestra and band. These provide opportunities for students to complete coursework as well as the satisfaction and experience of performing in college concerts. The college has great facilities for music students, including five practice rooms, each containing a piano, and three recording studios. In terms of instruments, the music department possess two grand pianos, drum kits, acoustic and electric guitars, and a variety of amps. All music students receive free professional 1:1 tuition on their voice/instrument.

The Music Department organises trips to music events.

Music students can take the opportunity to pursue a related Extended Project or a Gold Arts Award.

A LEVEL COURSE CONTENT

Component 1: Performing 30%

Performing as a soloist and/or in ensembles; any instrument or voice is acceptable as part of an 8 - minute assessed performance.

Component 2: Composing 30%

Total of two compositions with a combined length of a minimum of 6 minutes. The compositions will be written either to a chosen brief or as a free composition, in addition to completing a Bach Chorale exercise.

Component 3: Appraising 40%

One written paper of 2 hours. One audio CD containing extracts to accompany questions on the paper will be provided per student.

EXAMPLE OF EXAM QUESTIONS

Evaluate the use of structure, harmony and texture in Berlioz’s “Symphonie Fantastique” Relate your discussion to other relevant works.

PROGRESSION ONTO YEAR 2

Progression to the second year of the A Level depends on satisfactory progress in the first year, including achieving at least an E grade in the Year One formal assessment and maintaining good attendance and commitment.

FINAL ASSESSMENT AT END OF YEAR 2

Performance coursework marked externally – 30% of A Level marks.

Composition coursework marked externally – 30% of A Level marks.

Examination marked externally – 40% of A Level marks.

MINIMUM ENTRY CRITERIA 

Standard College entry requirements (see page 16 of the prospectus) and a minimum of:

Previous study of music is not essential but students taking this course should be at least Grade 5 standard on an instrument or voice. Students who have not taken a graded exam will be able to perform to a college teacher to check suitability. Study of the Theory of Music is essential before starting this course. Students who do not have Grade 5 Theory of Music will be invited to a one-day workshop so that they can learn to read music before starting the course.

WHAT CAN I DO AFTER STUDYING A LEVEL MUSIC?

Music is considered an academic qualification and is therefore accepted for a very large number of courses at universities. It is considered vital for the further study of Music at university. Students who have taken this course are following careers as teachers, performers, composers, music therapists, music producers, lawyers and managers of artists.