Music AS and A Level

Examination Board: WJEC / Eduqas This course concentrates on performance and composition. This allows students to focus their studies according to their own preference while ensuring they develop skills in both performance and composition. Assessment: Learners must choose either Option A in both Performance and Composition or Option B in both Performance and Composition. Performance Option A: 35% of the A Level qualification: 10-12 minutes: Minimum of 3 pieces. Option B: 25% of the A Level qualification: 6-8 minutes: Minimum of 2 pieces. For both performance choices one of the pieces must reflect the musical characteristics of one of the areas of study seen in the Appraising: Areas of Study section of the course. (Students at AS Level complete a 6-8 minute performance worth 30% of the qualification). Composition Option A: 25% of the A Level qualification: Two compositions. Option B: 35% of the A Level qualification: Three compositions. For both composition choices one must reflect the techniques and conventions of Western Classical Music. The four briefs available for students to work from for this composition will be set by the exam board. The other compositions are the free choice of the student both in style and techniques used. (Students at AS Level complete two compositions worth 15% each). Appraising: Areas of Study Questions focus on the set works analysed with a score, extended responses on wider context, unprepared extracts of music with and without a score and comparison questions. These questions feature both listening and extended writing responses. The content is based on three Areas of Study. For each area of study we look at set works studied in detail, and a number of other works in that area that are used for context and comparison. Area of Study A: The Western Classical Tradition – The development of the symphony This area is compulsory. We will be studying:

Symphony No. 104 in D major ‘London’ by Haydn Symphony No. 4 in A major, ‘Italian’: Mendelssohn

Area of Study B: Rock, Pop, Soul and Funk. We will be studying a variety of music from The Beatles, Queen and Blur to Otis Reading, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson.

If students take on the full A Level they will also study one of the following areas of study:

Into the Twentieth century Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano, Movement II by Poulenc Three Nocturnes, Number 1, Nuages by Debussy

Into the Twenty-first Century Asyla, Movement 3, Ecstasio by Thomas Ades String Quartet No. 2 Opus California Movements 1 and 4 by Sally Beamish

Careers and Study Progression: As a subject, Music combines well with any number of courses, such as Physics, Mathematics, English and Biology. Students of music can go on to be performers, teachers, administrators, songwriters, conductors, composers, recording or sound engineers, managers, promoters, event managers, journalists and music publishers. Industries often aligned to music include digital marketing, PR, technology, law, ticketing and merchandising.