Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel
Aims
The aims of the course are as follows:
- Further develop technical and musical skills in order to become an even more accomplished musician.
- Undertake composing projects to become a competent writer/arranger.
- Expand students’ knowledge of music theory.
- Learn musical history in terms of composer, genres, and style and develop an ability to critically analyse different works in detail.
Entry Requirements
Students should have Grade 4 or higher in GCSE English and Music, or the equivalent grade/mark in their national system of secondary education. Instrument or voice to the equivalent of Grade 5 exams (e.g., ABRSM and Trinity) and some keyboard or piano skills are desirable. It is also preferable that students have passed Grade 5 theory.
Course Structure
Year 1
- Performing – Solo performance
- Composition – Free composition
- Appraising – Schumann, The Beatles, Bach, Vaughan Williams
Year 2
- Performing – Ensemble performance
- Composition – Brief composition
- Appraisal – Batman Returns, Shankar, Debussy, Saariaho, Stravinsky
Assessment
- Performance — 30 % of the total mark.
- Composition — 30 % of the total mark.
- Appraisal Paper — 40 % of the total mark.
Core Text
Pearson Edexcel – A Level Music.
Careers and Opportunities
Students may study Music in higher education as a performer, composer, and/or musicologist. There are also vocational courses available such as the BTEC National Music and Music Technology. Students can also find employment opportunities in a related sector as a performer, composer, arranger sound engineer and/or music producer.
