Music

Curriculum Intent

As a very varied discipline, Music A-Level is recognised as a rigorous academic subject and as excellent preparation for many courses at Higher Education. The A-level course allows pupils to study Music as a practical, intellectual and creative subject, covering a wide range of styles of music, including classical, jazz, musical theatre and pop. We live in an age of cultural diversity and the course aims to enable musicians from all backgrounds to develop as performers and composers.

This course will build on the skills, knowledge and understanding set out in the whole GCSE subject content for music.

From studying the course, students should be able to demonstrate their overarching knowledge and skills associated with the course content by:

o Interpreting musical ideas through performing, with technical and expressive control and an understanding of style and context (Performing)
o Creating and developing musical ideas with technical and expressive control and coherence (Composing)
o Demonstrating and applying musical knowledge (Appraising)
o Using analytical and appraising skills to make evaluative and critical judgements about music (Appraising)

The Music course will encourage our students to:

o Actively engage in the process of music study
o Develop performing skills to demonstrate an understanding of musical elements, style, sense of continuity, interpretation and expression
o Develop composing skills to demonstrate the manipulation of musical ideas and the use of musical devices and conventions
o Recognise the interdependence of musical knowledge, understanding and skills, and make links between the integrated activities of performing, composing and appraising underpinned by attentive listening
o Broaden musical experience and interests, develop imagination and foster creativity
o Develop and extend the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to communicate effectively as musicians
o Develop knowledge and understanding of a variety of instruments and styles, and of relevant approaches to both performing and composing
o Develop awareness of music technologies and their use in the creation and presentation of music
o Appraise contrasting genres, styles and traditions of music, and develop understanding of musical contexts and a coherent awareness of musical chronology
o Develop as effective, independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds
o Reflect critically and make personal judgements on their own and others’ music
o Engage with, and extend appreciation of, the diverse heritage of music in order to promote personal, social, intellectual and cultural development.

A Level Music (Exam Board: WJEC/Eduqas

Component 1: Performing

Option A:
Total duration of performances: 10-12 minutes
Option A: 35% of qualification

Option B:
Total duration of performances: 6-8 minutes
Option B: 25% of qualification

Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner

Option A: Performing (35%)

A performance consisting of a minimum of three pieces. At least one of these pieces must be as a soloist. The other pieces may be either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble or a combination of both. One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one area of study. At least one other piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one other, different area of study.

Option B: Performing (25%)

A performance consisting of a minimum of two pieces either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble or a combination of both. One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one area of study.

Component 2: Composing

Option A:
Total duration of compositions: 4-6 minutes
Option A: 25% of qualification

Option B:
Total duration of compositions: 8-10 minutes
Option B: 35% of qualification

Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by WJEC

Option A: Composing (25%)

Two compositions, one of which must reflect the musical techniques and conventions associated with the Western Classical Tradition and be in response to a brief set by WJEC. Learners will have a choice of four set briefs, released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken. The second composition is a free composition.

Option B: Composing (35%)

Three compositions, one of which must reflect the musical techniques and conventions associated with the Western Classical Tradition and be in response to a brief set by WJEC. Learners will have a choice of four set briefs, released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken. The second composition must reflect the musical characteristics of one different area of study (i.e. not the Western Classical Tradition) while the third composition is a free composition.

Component 3: Appraising

Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes (approximately)
40% of qualification

Three Areas of Study:

Area of Study A: The Western Classical Tradition (The Development of the Symphony 1750-1900) which includes two set works. Choose one set work for detailed analysis and the other for general study.

Symphony No. 104 in D major, 'London': Haydn
Symphony No. 4 in A major, 'Italian': Mendelssohn

A choice of one area of study from:

Area of Study B: Rock and Pop
Area of Study C: Musical Theatre
Area of Study D: Jazz

A choice of one area of study from:

Area of Study E: Into the Twentieth Century including two set works:

Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano, Movement II: Poulenc
Three Nocturnes, Number 1, Nuages: Debussy

Area of Study F: Into the Twenty-first Century including two set works:

Asyla, Movement 3, Ecstasio: Thomas Adès
String Quartet No. 2 (Opus California) Movements 1 (Boardwalk) and 4 (Natural Bridges): Sally Beamish

For more information, visit: https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/music-as-a-level/#tab_keydocuments