Music
Specification: Edexcel
Qualification type: A Level
Entry criteria (GCSE grades): 5 in Music and performance grade level 5.
Subject description: The course is based around the elements Performance, Composition and Appraising. For students who have studied and enjoyed GCSE Music then this is a natural progression to develop musicianship skills further. Students who opt for A Level would be expected to be involved in the extra-curricular life of the department. The course combines well with Music Technology.
Units studied: Performing - Students have to perform (either solo and/or ensemble) for a minimum of eight minutes.
Composing - Students must compose two pieces one in response to the free choice brief/free composition and one in response to a brief assessing technique. The two pieces must have a combined duration of at least six minutes at A Level.
Appraising - The content of musical contexts and musical language is taught through the context of six areas of study.
How the course is assessed: Performing will be marked as a continuous recital and the compositions marked according to the mark scheme. There will be a two-hour listening exam at the end of the course.
Post-18 opportunities: There are increasing opportunities for musicians – as a professional or session musician, composing in various genres e.g. film, popular or classical, sound engineering, sound design or teaching/lecturing. There are a variety of courses available looking at various aspects and specialisms within music.
Teacher responsible: Ms G Martino.
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