AQA Level 3 Advanced GCE in Music

Our music qualification will motivate and stretch students of all abilities, equipping them with the skills and experience to succeed and go on to further study.

Music technology is fully integrated, and many areas of study have artists or composers who have written works in this format. Students can perform and compose using technology.

1 - APPRAISING (examination June of Year 13 - 40%)

Students will develop their listening skills, analytical skills, contextual understanding and essay writing through the following areas of study:

WESTERN CLASSICAL TRADITION 1650–1910

Baroque: solo concerti by Purcell, Vivaldi and Bach

Classical: opera by Mozart

Romantic: piano repertoire by Chopin, Brahms and Grieg

MUSIC FOR THEATRE

Numbers from Musicals including Oklahoma and Miss Saigon

ART MUSIC SINCE 1910

Works by Shostakovich, Messiaen, Steve Reich and James MacMillan

The exam paper involves listening to excerpts linked to the areas of study. Listening, analysing and contextual understanding are examined, using a range of short and medium answer questions, as well as extended essays.

2 - PERFORMING (recorded in March of Year 13 - 35%)

Progress in performance is monitored and guided regularly as students work towards mastery of a recital programme. Final recitals with be recorded in March of the examination year before being sent to the external examiner.

Any instrument and/or voice

Solo and/or ensemble pieces

Mastery and quality of musical outcome is more important than the ‘grade’ of pieces

3 - COMPOSING (course work completed during Year 13 – 25%)

Students will develop their understanding of musical elements, especially harmony, in order to compose two substantial pieces of music which must total a combined minimum of at least four and a half minutes.

Composition 1 - to a brief set by the exam board (a Chorale in the style of JS Bach)

Composition 2 – pastiche or free composition

See course content

• GCSE Music grade 6

• Grade 5 Instrumental/voice (or equivalent standard)

• Grade 5 Theory (or equivalent standard)

Composing and/or Arranging ~ Choral and/or Orchestral Conducting ~Arts Administration ~ Publishing ~ Editing ~ Orchestral Playing ~ Freelance Playing/Singing ~ Recording ~ Production ~ Media ~ Retail ~ Instrument Technology ~ Music Therapy ~ Teaching (primary, secondary, college or university) ~ Peripatetic Instrumental Teaching ~ Area Music Hub