A Level Music

The course is designed to prepare you for high levels of musicianship and performance skills. The course enables you to explore and develop your creativity, personalise learning and study a rich variety of music. Our recommended instrumental performance standard for A Level music is equivalent to grade 6 in Year 12 and grade 7 for A Level.

You study Western Classical music as a compulsory option (baroque solo concerto, or Mozart Operas) and then choose one option (AS) or two options for A Level from below. There are given artists to study within the chosen area of study. Pop music Music for media Music for theatre Jazz Contemporary traditional music Art music since 1910.

You will develop your knowledge and understanding through a combination of theory based and practical sessions in our specialist performing arts studio.

Performance

You perform music using one or both of the following ways: Instrumental/vocal: as a soloist, and/or as part of an ensemble Production: via music technology You must perform for a minimum of six minutes for AS and ten minutes for A Level

Composition

You learn how to develop musical ideas, including extending and manipulating musical ideas, and compose music that is musically convincing through two compositions. One must be in response to an externally set brief (Composition 1) and the other a free composition (Composition 2). At A Level, the combined duration of the compositions must be a minimum of four and a half minutes. Compositions must demonstrate technical control in the use of appropriate musical elements and how they are combined to make sense as a whole.

To study A Level courses you'll need: 5 GCSEs at 9-5 plus Grade 5 in all subjects you wish to study at A Level.