Music

WHY SHOULD I STUDY A LEVEL MUSIC?

This course will equip you with a wide range of musical skills focusing on performing, composing and appraising. You will broaden your understanding and analysis of musical genres, improve your skills as a performer both as a soloist and ensemble musician and develop your creativity and compositional skills.

WHAT WILL I LEARN ABOUT?

This practical course provides you with the opportunity to develop as a musician in three specific areas:

In Component 1:

You will perform three pieces, one of which must be as a soloist. The other pieces may be either as a soloist of as part of an ensemble. They must reflect the musical characteristics of the areas of study.

In Component 2:

You will create two compositions, one of which must reflect the musical techniques and conventions with the Western Classical Tradition and be in response to a set brief, ther other a free composition of your choosing.

In Component 3:

You will explore, analyse and appraise a variety of different musical genres, including:

Western Classical Tradition (development of the symphony 1750-1900)
Rock and pop
Musical theatre and jazz
21st century music from Poulenc, Debussy, Adès and Beamish.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

You will be undertaking the WJEC Eduqas A Level in Music.

The course is divided into three components:

Component 1: Performance. 10-12min recital with visiting examiner, worth 35% of the A Level.
Component 2: Composition (NEA). Two compositions of total duration 4-6 minutes, worth 25% of the A Level.
Component 3: Appraising. Written examination worth 40% of the A Level. Questions include set work analysis with score, extended responses on wider context, unprepared extracts of music with and without a score and comparison questions.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?

You will develop your skills in:

Performance
Composition
Appraising different styles and genres
Critical reflection
Communication
Social, intellectual and cultural musical developments.

WHERE COULD THIS SUBJECT TAKE ME IN FUTURE?

Many students choose to study Music at university. This course will also provide students not wishing to study Music in higher education with a solid platform to develop key skills for industry and the workplace, including freelance composing, performing, research and analysis.

Exam Board: Eduqas | Course Code: 601/8146/1