Course Summary
Why study Music?
Music A-Level is about building skills in performance and composition and gaining a broad musical knowledge through the study of set works. Students should choose to study Music if they are a proficient instrumentalist or singer and/or have a strong interest in composing their own music. The A-Level Music course is a valuable qualification in its own right as it not only demonstrates academic, practical and creative skills but also highlights the qualities of self-discipline and commitment.
Course Details
What will I study?
A-Level Music consists of three components:
* Component 1: Performing (30%)
* Component 2: Composing (30%)
* Component 3: Listening and Appraising (40%)
Component 1: Performing
You will perform a recital lasting 8 minutes of solo and / or ensemble music on your chosen instrument, or as a singer. This performance can be in any style of genre of music, and marks are awarded in relation to accuracy, technical control, musical expression and difficulty.
Component 2: Composing
You will produce a portfolio of compositions lasting at least 6 minutes. Some of these compositions will be in response to a chosen brief. Compositions can be in a wide range of different styles and genres, and you can choose which instruments / voices you write for, and how you employ music technology.
Component 3: Appraising
You will study a whole range of different musical genres, and a number of set works representing this range. The music you study will include:
- Vocal Music
- Instrumental Music
- Music for Film
- Popular Music & Jazz
- Fusions
- New Directions
Entry requirements
Minimum Entry Requirements:
5 x 5s
4 in English and Maths
Subject Entry Requirements:
6 in Music at GCSE
Grade 5+ on at least one instrument or voice
* Please note that Level 2 vocational courses are the equivalent of 1 GCSE and only 1 will be counted towards the A-Level pathway entry requirements
Your next steps...
What can Music lead to?
With Music A-Level, students can go onto study the subject at university or a conservatoire. As well as following this path with a view to becoming a musical performer or composer, there are a whole host of career pathways in the music industry and related fields where an A-Level in Music would be a huge advantage. Music A-Level is also a subject which enables students to develop a lot of transferable skills: performance, creativity, analysis and broader historical and cultural understanding.
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