A level Music Years 12 & 13

Specification

Edexcel - The specification and assessment structure can be found at the link: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/music-2016.html#tab-0

This course is designed to inspire the next generation of students in forming personal and meaningful relationships with music through the development of musical knowledge, understanding and skills. Students will be encouraged to engage critically and creatively with a wide range of music and musical contexts.

The course allows students to study music as a practical, intellectual and creative subject. It recognises that we live in an age of cultural diversity and the Areas of Study cover a wide range of music: classical, world, popular, film and jazz. Each area is seen within a broader cultural and historical context.

Key Features

• A flexible course that encourages diverse approaches to the teaching of music.
• A broad range of Areas of Study.
• An holistic approach to the teaching and assessment of music at A Level.
• Encourages the use of music technology as a compositional tool.
• A Level Music is excellent preparation for all higher education courses.

Studying Music at A Level provides an excellent pathway to University with admissions tutors looking for well-rounded students with cultural and creative awareness. Universities regard A Level Music as one of the strong academic qualifications relevant to any degree course because of the wide ranging high level skills required. In fact, music is the only subject to provide all seven skills identified by the Confederate of British Industry that define employability: self-management, team work, business and customer awareness, problem solving, numeracy and ICT. The music and entertainment industry is big business in the UK providing over 6% GDP and A Level Music could pave the way to any career within the industry. These might include artist management, accountancy, copyright law, events management, journalism, performer, publisher, sound engineer, teacher, tv/ radio presenter. Perhaps most importantly Music is a skill for life and provides opportunity for enjoyment, leisure, participation and social interaction.

Our course also provides many opportunities to perform in a wide variety of musical styles with many ensembles. There are also opportunities to work and meet with industry professionals and attend workshops and concerts to deepen awareness and understanding.

Units of work

There are three units in A Level music and it is 100% externally assessed. The qualification consists of one written paper and two non-examined assessments as follows:

The set works are:

Vocal Music

J. S. Bach - Cantata, Ein feste Burg, BWV 80: Movements 1, 2, 8.

Vaughan Williams - On Wenlock Edge: Nos. 1, 3 and 5 (On Wenlock Edge, Is my team ploughing?, Bredon Hill).

Instrumental Music

C Schumann - Piano Trio in G Minor: Movement 1.

Berlioz - Symphonie Fantastique: Movement 1.

Music for Film

Bernard Herrmann - Psycho: Prelude, The City, Marion, The Murder (Shower Scene), The Toys, The Cellar, Discovery, Finale.

Danny Elfman - Batman Returns: Main theme (Birth of a Penguin Part II), Birth of a Penguin Part I, Rise and fall from grace, Batman vs the Circus.

Popular music and Jazz

Beatles – Revolver Album: Eleanor Rigby, I’m only sleeping, Here, there and everywhere, I want to tell you, Tomorrow never knows.

Kate Bush – Hounds of Love Album: Cloudbusting, And Dream of Sheep, Under Ice.

Fusions

Debussy -‘Estampes: Nos. 1 and 2 (‘Pagodes’ and ‘La soiree dans Grenade’).

Anoushka Shankar – Breathing Under Water Album: Burn, Breathing Under Water, Easy.

New Directions

Saariaho -  Petals for Cello Solo and Optional Electronics.

Stravinsky - The Rite of Spring; Introduction, The Augurs of Spring, Ritual of Abduction.