The AS Music course seeks to develop skills in performing, composing and listening to a high standard and is ideally suitable for musicians who are already involved in regular music making and have some understanding of theory. You can expect to study all types of music and you will encounter a wide variety of styles from the western classical tradition, jazz, pop and film music to folk music from around the world.
On the practical side, you will need to be able to perform to a minimum standard of Grade 5 as both a soloist and a member of an ensemble (all of our regular school groups such as the orchestra, string orchestra, concert band, jazz band, chapel choir, rock band, sax quartet etc qualify as suitable ensembles). Your ensemble playing during the year will be assessed as part of your coursework
Unit 1: Performing (15% of A-level)
You must perform one or two solo pieces, with or without accompaniment, which should last between 5 and 6 minutes. You will also be expected to perform one of your own compositions, either as a solo or as part of an ensemble or group. A recording of your solo pieces will be sent to an external examiner and your involvement in ensemble work during the course will be assessed internally.
Unit 2: Developing Musical Ideas (15% of A-level)
You will be required to submit one original composition and complete two traditional exercises which will be set by Edexcel. There is a wide range of styles to choose from for composition including film and television music and popular song. Most students use computers to organize and create their compositions and the department has suitable machines and music software which is fun to use and extremely versatile.
Unit 3: Listening and Understanding (20% of A-level)
Throughout the course, you will be expected to develop and improve your listening skills so that you can recognise different styles, changing textures and performances. The final exam is in two parts. In Part 1, questions are asked about a range of music examples heard on a CD. Part 2 consists of questions based on the two specific Areas of Study from the following: Keyboard music, Music for large ensemble, Music for film and television, Popular music and jazz, 20th century art music, Sacred vocal music, Secular vocal music, World music.
A2 Course
Unit 4: Specialist Options (15% of A-level)
For this unit you will either complete a composition portfolio or perform a recital. A composition portfolio will contain two compositions in a style chosen from the following list of topics: Variations, Romantic miniatures, Neo-classicism, Post modernism, Popular song, Club dance and hip-hop, Fusions, Film and TV, Music theatre.
The Solo Recital lasting 20 minutes is a popular option and is usually given at the end of the Lent term. It is recorded internally and assessed by an external examiner. There is a free choice of music and more than one instrument may be used. You will be expected to present a balanced, coherent programme of pieces, provide programme notes and perform to a high standard. The minimum standard is equivalent to Grade 6, but most candidates aim to gain additional marks by playing pieces of Grade 7/8 standard or above.
Unit 5: Performing and composing (15% of A-level)
You will be expected to take part in a range of solo and ensemble performances throughout the year and keep a log of these performances. The four best occasions will be submitted to the examiner for assessment. You will also extend the compositional techniques acquired in Unit 2 by completing a harmony exercise in the style of a chorale by J S Bach.
Unit 6: Analysing Music (20% of A-level)
This unit tests all the knowledge, understanding, and skills developed across the whole course by means of a listening test with written answers to questions. In Part 1, questions are asked about music from a range of styles heard on a CD during a one hour examination. Part 2 consists of questions based on three specific Areas of Study (see above).