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Music

 

Course title:  Music A Level AQA 

Academic year:

2024/25

Course Venues:

Blessed William Howard

Course Type:

A Level

Course Code:

12BBwMU1

Duration:

2 years

Course Description:

The AQA music course will appeal to anyone who has a passion for music, enjoys performing and listening to music of different genres. The course will develop skills established at GCSE in performing, listening and composing. There will be an opportunity to study aspects of music history, analyse set works and increase your understanding of stylistic features. You will study compositional techniques and develop your skills as a soloist.

Course Content:

Component 1 : Appraising Music (40% of A level)

You will study music from 1650 – 1910, focusing on the Baroque solo concerto, Classical operas of Mozart and nineteenth century Romantic piano music. You will also study Art music since 1910 and Jazz music of the twentieth century.

Component 2 : Performance (35% of A level)

You will be required to perform for a minimum of ten minutes.

Component 3 : Composition (25% of A level)

You will be required to compose two pieces of music, lasting a combined minimum of 4 and a half minutes. One piece of free composition and one set to a brief.

Entry requirements:

The standard entry criteria to study in the sixth form are a 9-4 in at least seven different subjects, including English and mathematics, which would usually be at grade 4 or above.

Music A level is aimed at students who have practical musical ability equivalent to Associated Board Grade 5. You will also need to have a good understanding of music theory. To study music, you need to have achieved at least a level 6 at GCSE level in music.

Assessment: 

Component 1  : Examination paper with listening, analysis and essay questions on excerpts of music.

Component 2 : Performances are recorded and externally marked

Component 3 : Compositions are recorded and externally marked

Financial Information:

Students will be required to have peripatetic or private instrumental tuition on their chosen instrument.

Future opportunities:

Many students completing A level music choose to continue their studies at either Music Conservatoire or university and have gone on to careers as professional musicians, composers, sound engineers, or teachers. Others have gone on to careers in law, architecture, finance, general management, journalism and work in the health service as doctors.

Further information: Contact Mrs Helliker.