Music

Download Course Online

Entry Requirements

You should have at least grade C in music at GCSE level. However, if you have not studied music at GCSE level, grade V practical and/or theory exams also provide suitable preparation for the course. You should be able to read treble and bass clef. BSFC entry criteria to advanced course also applies. 

About the Subject

The course is for students who enjoy playing and listening to a wide variety of music, particularly classical music. The three fundamental areas of music – listening, performing and composing are the focus of the course and throughout the year there will be opportunities to integrate activities in composing, performing, listening, appraising and analysis.

AS Year

Assessment
Unit		 Name Type of
Assessment		 Date of
Exam		 Weighting
in AS		 Weighting in
A2
Unit 1 Influences on Music Listening & written
exam		 May 30% 15%
Unit 2 Composing Externally
assessed
coursework		 May 30% 15%
Unit 3 Performing Practical exam
internally assessed		 May 40% 20%

A2 Year

Assessment
Unit		 Name Type of
Assessment		 Date of
Exam		 Weighting in
A2
Unit 4 Music in Context Listening & written
exam		 June 20%
Unit 5 Composing Coursework
externally
assessed		 May 15%
Unit 6 Performing Practical exam
externally
assessed		 May 15%

General Information

AS level

Influences on Music

You will study set works from the classical repertoire from a range of musical periods. A listening and written exam will assess your knowledge of how the pieces have been put together and the techniques used within them.

Composing

You will compose for any combination of instruments or singers, and in whatever style you wish. There will be a choice from 3 starting points.

Performing

For AS level, you perform as a soloist and/or as part of an ensemble. You can choose to play any piece(s) you wish and your erformance should last between 5 and 10 minutes.

A2 level

Students aiming to achieve a complete A level will take forward the skills learned in AS level and use them in more depth. Listening, composing and performing are the main components of the course. 

What Next?

The course is an excellent grounding for students wishing to study music at HE level. There are a wide variety of courses available to suit individual interests and strengths. Past students have gone on to study at the leading conservatoires including the Royal Northern College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music whilst music degrees at University are also a very popular option.

Music combines well with related arts subjects, foreign languages whereas science and music can lead to sound engineering courses.

Even if you do not wish to study music at higher level, advanced level study will extend your understanding of the essential role music plays in the lives of people. The multi – faceted A/A2 level will equip you with a range of transferrable skills for study in any subject and for future employment.