A level Music explores how music is constructed by studying various styles throughout history. The curriculum covers music from the Western Classical Tradition through to recordings by popular artists such as Beyonce and Daft Punk. The course covers the development of popular music and how music technology has influenced it, the evolution of Jazz in the 20th Century, as well as works of significant composers from different eras of music such as Mozart, Vivaldi, Chopin and others. Students of A level Music will be supported to develop their skills to attain high standards in performance, composition, musical analysis and the recognition of features in listening tasks.
Qualification – A Level
Examination Board - AQA
Specification – View on the AQA Website
Subject Lead: Mr Birch
Not only will all areas of a students’ musical abilities be enhanced but skills including research, written and visual communication, analytical essay writing, performance and creativity, historical insight, IT and problem-solving skills will also be developed. These skills are highly valued by universities, whether students go on to study a Music degree or any other humanities or creative subjects.
The course is aimed at those who have previously attained some knowledge in music or aspects relating to it, either through a GCSE qualification or equivalent. Students may have also acquired suitable experience through less formal means as a performer or as an attentive listener.
Students must complete all three components.
Component 1: Appraising Music
Exam paper with listening and written questions using excerpts of music (40% of A Level)
Component 2: Performance
Solo and/or ensemble performing as an instrumentalist, or vocalist and/or music production via technology (35% of A Level)
Component 3: Composition
A minimum of four and a half minutes of music in total is required (25% of A Level)
Academy Entry Requirements: A minimum of five GCSE grades 9 – 4.
Students must also attain a grade 5 or above in GCSE Music
“The course covers different eras of music and helps you connect features from a range of different styles”
How to apply
You can find full details on how to apply to our sixth form on the Admissions page
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