Music

Course summary

A Level Music builds on the three essential components which are studied throughout the Secondary curriculum: Performing, Composing and Listening and Appraising. The course is designed to build on what students have learnt at GCSE and it is an excellent opportunity for students to put their musical skills to use in an academic and practical way. Throughout the course, students study music from different eras including the vocal music of Bach and Mozart, instrumental music from Berlioz and Vivaldi, music for Film, popular music, including jazz, and music of the avant-garde 20th century. Students also study compositional techniques in set styles and will be expected to perform a range of repertoire in front of a live audience. Unit 1: Performing 30% Students perform one or more pieces in a concert lasting a minimum of 8 minutes. Unit 2: Composing 30%This is organized in two parts:A composition either to a brief or a free composition (40 marks) A technical study based on an arrangement of a melody or a chorale in the style of J S Bach (20 marks)Both parts must last in total at least 6 minutes. Unit 3: Appraising 40%