Have you ever thought about the music you listen to? Why do you like some music and not other? This course will let you study music from all eras, from classical music, through world, jazz, funk, Hip-hop, R & B to the dance music of today.
The course is ideal for pupils with good instrumental skills (30% of the course involves performance) and allows them to study music by combining performing, composing (30%) and listening (40%). There are opportunities to use music technology for composition. The syllabus encourages students to make music individually and in groups, and to develop a life-long love and understanding of music.
Area 1: Structure in Western Classical Music 1600 – 1899
Ground bass and variations, ternary form, rondo
Area 2: Changing directions in Western classical Music from 1900
Expressionism and serialism, minimalism, experimental and electronic music
Area 3: Popular music in context
Dance music 1985 – present day, songs from musicals, Britpop and its influences
Area 4: Music from around the world
Indian raga, African music, fusions
Each Area of Study provides opportunities not only for the study of repertoire but also the development of musical ideas through composing and performing activities. During the course pupils will:
- Develop the ability to hear with increasing attention to detail;
- Develop the ability to articulate clearly what is heard;
- Develop the ability to justify opinions in musical terms;
The final examination consists of the following papers:
Paper 1: Solo performing and performing during the course (30%) The minimum standard of performance is equivalent to Grade 4 of the practical examination boards.
Pupils will perform one solo piece (15%) and perform/direct one ensemble piece (15%)
Paper 2: Two compositions inspired by music from the Areas of Study (30%)
Pupils should have some previous knowledge of basic concepts of notation including scales, rhythm, meter and dynamics. Composition can be in any style and is most easily and frequently done using the computers in the music department. Each composition is written to a brief, and should be based on different areas of study.
Paper 3: Listening and Appraising (40%)
A written paper lasting 1 hour 30 minutes based on all four Areas of Study. A range of question types including multiple choice, grid completion, and free response to musical extracts.