Music A Level
Board: EDUQAS
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
1st Year
Performing 35 or 25% of A Level Assessed by a visiting examiner in March of the second year.
A solo performance lasting 6 to 8 minutes (25%) or 10 to 12 minutes (35%) on your main instrument
Composing 35 or 25% of A Level– Externally assessed coursework
Produce Two compositions (25%) based on the Western Classical tradition and a free composition or three compositions (35%) based on the Western Classical tradition, a free composition and related to an additional area of study.
Appraising 40% of A Level – June – 2hour 15 minute written exam based on three areas of study: (A) The development of the symphony from 1750-1900, (D) Jazz and (E) Into the 20th Century. You will study two symphonies (one in detail and general knowledge of another) and the development of the genre through history, and three 20th Century styles and two set works, one by Debussy and the other by Poulenc.
Entry requirements
4 in English Language + Grade 5 Instrument or voice + Grade 5 Theory standard. GCSE music not required