Academic
Departments
Music
Head of Department: Mr T Rhodes
Why study GCSE Music?
Music provides social, historical, and analytical skills, as well as enabling performances to enhance their interaction with audiences. Music GCSE also affords considerable IT skills training, and encompasses music from medieval antiphons to Lady GaGa.
A-Level Music
We follow the AQA GCE Music course (2270). The course is split between the performance (35%), compositional techniques (30%) and academic historical study (35%). The AS course features music from the Baroque and Classical periods, and the A2 course studies music from the Romantic and Modern periods. Candidates will study how to use complex harmony and textures, and analyse music both from score and audio recording, which include the use of various software packages including Sibelius. You will also join the Choir, the College’s largest performing group, along with our other music students and scholars.
Examination Board: AQA
Why study Music?
Music provides social, historical, and analytical skills, as well as enabling performances to enhance their interaction with audiences. Music GCSE also affords considerable IT skills training, and encompasses music from medieval antiphons to Lady GaGa.
Unit 1: Listening to and Appraising Music
Written Paper - 1 hour - 20%
Candidates will explore five Areas of Study (AoS) through three Strands of Learning. Candidates will develop an understanding of the organisation of sounds. AoS for the whole specification are based on the Musical Elements:
- AoS1 Rhythm and Metre
- AoS2 Harmony and Tonality
- AoS3 Texture and Melody
- AoS4 Timbre and Dynamics
- AoS5 Structure and Form
These will be explored through three strands:
- The Western Classical Tradition
Baroque orchestral music, The Concerto, Music for voices, Chamber music, and The Sonata
- Popular Music of the 20th and 21st centuries
Blues, Popular music of the 60s, Rock music, R ‘n’ B, Hip hop, Music Theatre, and Film music
- World Music
Music of the Caribbean, Music of India, and Music of Africa
Unit 2: Composing and Appraising Music
Externally assessed - 20%
Candidates are required to compose (10%) one piece of music and must choose two or more of the five Areas of Study. There must be a link to one of the three Strands, which will be announced annually by AQA. Candidates have up to 20 hours of Supervised Time in which to complete the composition.
Candidates appraise (10%) their work, the process and the outcome of the composition. This appraisal of their work takes place in 2 hours of Controlled Time (supervised exam).
Unit 3: Performing Music
Controlled Internal Assessment - 40%
Each candidate should perform two different pieces of ABRSM Grade 4 Dist. Standard:
- one for ‘Individual Performance’ lasting no more than five minutes.
- one for ‘Group Performance’, lasting no more than five minutes.
The group performance must consist of two or more live players including the candidate.
Unit 4: Composing Music
Controlled Internal Assessment - 20%
Candidates are required to compose one piece of music which explores two or more of the Areas of Study. This may be in any style or genre of the candidate’s choosing. Candidates have up to 25 hours of Controlled Assessment in which to complete the composition.
Examination Board: AQA
What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?
It is usual for candidates to have successfully completed a GCSE Music course, securing a B grade. Additionally candidates will need to play an instrument or sing to a pass at ABRSM Grade 5, and have secured ABRSM Grade 5 Theory.
What will I learn on the course?
We follow the AQA GCE Music course (2270). The course is split between the performance (35%), compositional techniques (30%) and academic historical study (35%). The AS course features music from the Baroque and Classical periods, and the A2 course studies music from the Romantic and Modern periods. Candidates will study how to use complex harmony and textures, and analyse music both from score and audio recording, which include the use of various software packages including Sibelius. You will also join the Choir, the College’s largest performing group, along with our other music students and scholars.
What kind of student is this course suitable for?
This course is suitable for students who:
- are able to rehearse, compose, practice and study of their own accord on a daily basis
- have a desire to perform and communicate with their audience
- will spend time with Music Department ensembles
- have a natural interest between the balance of performing from a score, and knowing the detail of the composer and context of its creation
What could I go on to do at the end of my course?
Studying Music at A level can provide a harmonic balance with other subjects from Sciences, Languages, and Humanities, displaying a candidate’s abilities to work outside of the classroom, in group work, and also in independent study. The course has been chosen specifically to allow candidates who score well to progress to study Music at top level universities, and also performance-based courses at a music Conservatoire. Recent candidates have gone on to study at the Royal College of Music, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Trinity College of Music (London), Bath Spa Commercial Music Course, Leeds, Cardiff, Glasgow and Kingston Universities.
Year 12 AS Course
Unit 1: Influences on Music (30% of AS, 15% of A level)
This unit is split into three sections:
- a general listening test, similar to those taken at GCSE level, expecting candidates to aurally identify key features of unknown extracts.
- Area of Study 1: The Western Classical Tradition. This section currently asks students to study and prepare a score of Beethoven’s Symphony No.1 in C, answering a 35-minute essay question from a choice of two relating to the organisation of sounds (form, harmony, instrumentation and timbre, melody, rhythm and metre, texture and tonality), the context of music (composer, performer and audience, occasion, time and place), and musical styles and genres. Students use an exam copy of the score for the Summer Term exam.
- Area of Study 2: Baroque Choral Music. In this section students study the cantata, oratorio, anthems and masses of the Baroque period, including music by J S Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, and Purcell, answering a 35-minute essay question from a choice of two. No scores or notes are taken to the examination; students instead rely on their accrued knowledge of recitative, aria and chorus.
Unit 2: Creating Musical Ideas (30% of AS, 15% of A level)
Students follow one of three briefs set by the exam board. Students begin by following the same teaching course to learn the particular cadences, chords and nuances of the styles required. The compositional brief is then completed within 20 hours of Controlled Assessment in either i) the harmonisation of a 16 bar diatonic melody, and creating melody and texture in a 24 bar piece, ii) free composition set in a pastiche style (set by the exam board), or iii) arranging a piece of music set by the exam board.
Unit 3: Interpreting Musical Ideas (40% of AS, 20% of A level)
Candidates offer two performances chosen from the list below, on instruments being currently studied. For top marks, candidates must display a standard of performance of above ABRSM Grade 5 Distinction.
- a solo performance on an instrument
- a solo performance on voice
- a solo performance on a second instruments
- an ensemble performance (three or more performers where the parts are of roughly equal difficulty)
Year 13 A2 Course
Unit 4: Music in Context (20% of A level)
This unit is split into three sections:
- A general listening test, similar to that taken at AS level, with a more complex list of keywords and ideas to prepare.
- Area of Study 1: The Western Classical Tradition. This section currently asks students to study and prepare a score of Elgar’s Symphony 1 answering a 45-minute essay question from a choice of two relating to the organisation of sounds (form, harmony, instrumentation and timbre, melody, rhythm and metre, texture and tonality), the context of music (composer, performer and audience, occasion, time and place), and musical styles and genres. Students use an exam copy of the score for the Summer Term exam.
- Area of Study 3: Chamber Music from Mendelssohn to Debussy. In this section students study trios, quartets, quintets and the like of the Romantic Era. Students answer a 45-minute essay question from a choice of two relating to timbre and texture, structure, melody and harmony. No scores or notes are taken to the examination.
Unit 5: Developing Musical Ideas (15% of A level)
As at AS level, candidates study general techniques relating to the unit together, before undertaking one of three briefs. The compositional brief is then completed within 20 hours of Controlled Assessment in either i) the harmonisation of a Bach chorale melody, and the completion of a Classical String Quartet movement, ii) free composition in three movements lasting 5 - 8 minutes, or iii) arranging a 'classical' piece of music set by the exam board into pop, rock or jazz style, lasting 5 - 8 minutes.
Unit 6: A Musical Performance (15% of A level)
Candidates offer two or more contrasting pieces for a recital lasting between 10 - 15 minutes. The pieces are chosen to show a variety of style, technique, period and approach. For top marks, candidates must display a standard of performance of above ABRSM Grade 7 Distinction; the ideal programme would be an ABRSM exam selection.
Examination Board: Edexcel
What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?
You will need to have an interest:
- in how music works
- the processes in recording, manipulating and producing tracks
- in being creative with music
You will need to have a keen ear, be committed to individual study, and be prepared for hard work and precise use of time in order to produce work of the highest quality. You will need to be organized in order to keep the logbook, which is a fundamental part of your assessment, and your progression as a Music Technology student.
Those who have taken GCSE Music will have a good grounding for the course: knowledge of instruments, timbre, texture, melody, rhythm, structure, harmony, and tonality will all be assessed during the course. As with Music, ABRSM Grade 5 Theory is a benefit to studying this course.
What skills will I gain?
You will have opportunities to:
- sequence MIDI (Musical)
- sequence audio
- record live instruments
- produce CDs
- compose using music technology
You will learn how to make the correct choice of appropriate equipment for practical tasks by understanding the theory that underpins the practice; investigate the development of music technology and its use in popular music across time. Through these techniques you will build an understanding of the technical process and principles of music technology, being able to use music technology effectively, and comment on that use in writing. Other skills you will develop include application of number, communication, information and communication technology, improving own learning and performance, problem solving, and working with others.
How does this course improve my university/career options?
Music Technology careers include sound engineering, record producing, and teaching. It can be invaluable to anyone seeking to work in the music industry, both as artist and producer.
The course is designed to:
- encourage students to extend the knowledge, skills and understanding of music technology needed to communicate their creative ideas through composing, performing and listening
- encourage students to engage in, and extend their appreciation of, the diverse and dynamic heritage of music, promoting spiritual and cultural development
- encourage students to develop particular strengths and interests, encouraging lifelong learning and providing access to music related careers
- provide a stimulating, challenging, comprehensive course of study that broadens experience, develops imagination, fosters creativity and promotes personal and social development.
Course length:
This course is based on the same number of lessons as any other A level.
Year 12 AS Course - assessment taken in the summer.
Unit 1: Portfolio 1 (70% of AS, 35% of A level)
This Unit is coursework based, and consists of three equally weighted tasks, each of which is allotted 20 hours of controlled assessment time:
- 1A: Sequenced Realised Performance
- 1B: Multi-track recording
- 1C: Creative sequenced arrangement
These are submitted alongside a logbook, which details the resources used, and allows you to answer assessed questions on task 1C. You will produce an audio CD for this portfolio, containing three tracks (one for each task).
Unit 2: Listening and Analysing (30% of AS, 15% of A level)
This Unit is externally assessed, and consists of a 1 hour 45 minute listening paper, which consists of two equally weighted sections.
Year 13 A2 Course - assessment taken in Year 13.
Unit 3: Portfolio 2 (60% of A2, 30% of A level)
This Unit is coursework based, and consists of three equally weighted tasks, each of which is allotted 20 hours of controlled assessment time:
- 3A: Sequenced Integrated Performance
- 3B: Multi-track recording
- 3C: Creative using Music Technology
These are submitted alongside a logbook, which details the resources used. The stimulus for these tasks is released in November. You will produce an audio CD for this portfolio, containing three tracks (3A, 3B, and 3C).
Unit 4: Listening and Analysing (30% of AS, 15% of A level)
This Unit is examined externally, and consists of a 2 hour paper.
