A level Music

Course summary

Students choose A level Music in order to develop their practical musicianship, their knowledge of musical cultures and historical context, their skills as a composer or arranger as well as their analytical skills. Students develop their performing skills in solo and ensemble situations, learn how harmony is used in certain specified genres, compose their own music in response to a brief and refine analytical skills through listening and written tasks. Course content Students will study core content including organisation of pitch, harmony and tonality, musical structures, timbres and instrumentation, tempo, metre and rhythm and use of dynamics and expression. In addition to this, they will develop an understanding of musical context and the influence and impact of changing social and cultural contexts. Students will also make in-depth studies into the following areas: Instrumental Music of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven Popular Song: Blues, Jazz, Swing and Big Band Developments in Instrumental Jazz 1910 to the Present Day Religious Music of the Baroque Period Programme Music 1820 - 1910 Innovations in Music 1900 to the Present Day Performance Opportunities The ability to perform to an audience is an essential skill in many professions. It is a key aspect of leadership and those skills are nurtured and developed through music performance.