Performing (30%) both as an individual and as an ensemble. Composing (30%) and Listening exam (40%). This covers a wide variety of musical styles and genres focusing particularly on the Development of Western Classical Music, Music for Voice, Music for Stage and Screen and Fusion Music.
Students will extend their theoretical knowledge gained in year 7 – 9.
Performing: Students have to perform a solo of their choice and an ensemble (group) piece. These can be recorded at any time during year 11. Composing: Students must complete two compositions under controlled conditions. 1 will be a totally free choice of style whilst the other will be a response to a brief set by the exam board. We use a variety of Music Technology programmes to help with this process and aid those who are less confident in standard notation. Listening exam: Students study 8 set works and must answer questions related to them.
More detail on the A level curriculum
Performing: Students must prepare a programme of music in their chosen genre of a minimum of 11 Minutes. This can be performed as many times as they wish during year 13.
Composing: Students will have the opportunity to develop their compositional skills and learn how to explain their creative choices to accompany their work. This will culminate in 2 composition exercises, one of which will be a composition in a genre of their choice. The other will be chosen by the students from a selection of tasks provided by the exam board.
Listening exam: Student's study 3 compulsory areas of study which have 2 set works each from different musical periods. They then can choose 2 extra areas of study from 7 study areas allowing them to specialise in areas that interest them. These include Film Music, Jazz, Pop Songs and 20th Century Art Music .They will learn how to be analytical and how to write informed essays on the pieces and associated listening. This concludes in a written paper in the summer of year 13.
Music A level revision resources
