Music
General course information
The music course offers candidates the opportunity to build upon the skills, knowledge and understanding established at Key Stage 4. The course concentrates on developing the three musical elements of ,performing ,composing and analysing/listening. Students also develop through their composing the ability to use music technology with the latest specialist composition programmes. Students take a leading role in the department’s extra curricular activities and benefit from a wide range of instrumental tuition provided by specialist teachers.
Course Content
Unit
Content
Assessment
AS
Unit 1
A performance consisting of a minimum of two pieces either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble or a combination of both.
Performance exam - Externally marked by visiting examiner – March/April
AS
Unit 2
Two compositions to be created during the year; one free composition and another to a set brief.
Coursework - Externally marked
AS
Unit 3
Study Religious Choral
Study Musical Theatre
Written Exam 1hrs 30mins - June
A2 / A Level
Unit 4
A performance consisting of a minimum of three pieces. At least one of these pieces must be as a soloist. The other pieces may be either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble or a combination of both
Performance exam - Externally marked by visiting examiner – March/April
A2 / A Level
Unit 5
Two compositions to be created during the year; one free composition and another to a set brief that displays the Western Classical techniques.
Coursework - Externally marked
A2 / A Level
Unit 6
Study Religious Choral
Study American Musical Theatre
Written Exam 1hrs 30mins - June
Career Prospects
Professional performer or singer, music therapist, dance and movement therapist, musical director/producer, Primary/secondary teacher, peripatetic music teacher, higher education lecturer, sound technician, recording technician. Many former pupils have gone on to study law, accountancy and health profession.
Ideal Entry requirements
Ideally a grade 5 standard performance at AS and grade 6 standard for A level however this is not essential. Also pupils will need to be able to read staff notation, and have reasonable music theory knowledge.
Examinations Body
Subject Leader
Mrs L Anderson