Music A Level
Board: Edexcel
About the subject
An exciting and challenging course in which students to develop performance and composition skills and to further develop knowledge of a variety of music including classical, film, jazz and popular music. It is a creative subject which provides opportunities to work in your own preferred styles, whilst retaining a focus on traditional Western classical music. Studying A level music gives you the power to engage with and appreciate music more deeply and will greatly develop your skills as a musician.
The course is aimed at those who have previously attained some knowledge in music or aspects relating to it, either through a GCSE qualification or equivalent. Students may have also acquired suitable experience through less formal means as a performer or as an attentive listener.
Learning styles
You will be involved in many different activities including group work, individual study, tutorials, discussion, practical work to develop the different skills in the course: aural, history, harmony and composition.
Students on the course are encouraged to join the music ensembles available at the College as an extension to what they learn in the classroom; appraising, composing and performing.
A Level Music students must be having regular lessons in the instrument in which they will be assessed. If you would like more information or would like recommended teacher please email brd@collyers.ac.uk for more details.
Subject Combinations and Progression
Music combines well and contrasts with mathematics and science (particularly physics), modern foreign languages, media studies and other arts subjects.
Music A level provides an excellent foundation for further study of music (either at a conservatoire or university). Music is a highly regarded academic subject by both universities and employers, with students going onto study Medicine, Physics, Languages and many other disciplines.
Subject Modules and Assessment
A-level Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing 2 hours and 30 minutes exam, including listening and reading comprehension, translation into English and translation into French 50% of A-level
A-level Paper 2: Written exam 2 hours. One question on a set book and one question on a set film. 20% of A-level
A-level Paper 3: 21-23 minutes oral exam (including 5 minutes preparation time) 30% of A-level. Discussion of a sub-theme with the discussion based on a stimulus card.
Presentation and discussion of individual research project
Entry requirements
4 in English Language. Grade 5 Instrument or voice + Grade 5 Theory standard preferred. Applicants without Grade 5 standard on an instrument may be considered subject to an audition. GCSE music not required