Music

AS and A Level 

We focus on performance, composition and appraisal, incorporating your own musical preferences with specified areas of study.

You will perform pieces to an examiner at grade 6 or above, of 6-12 minutes long. There are opportunities in class and concerts for practising and receiving feedback on these. In composition you may write for any instruments and voices. One of your compositions will reflect the techniques and conventions of Western classical music; and one is your free choice of style. We will help you learn the composition techniques for your chosen styles. We look at set works in detail, using similar pieces for context and comparison; we analyse scores and provide extended writing and listening responses.

You’ll study the development of the symphony, including work by Haydn and Mendelssohn; musical theatre, including Wicked and West Side Story; and 20th Century compositions by Debussy and Poulenc, amongst others.

Careers and study progression
Music combines well with many courses, such as Physics, Mathematics, English and Languages. Careers are varied, from performers and teachers to songwriters, psychologists, event managers, journalists and music publishers. Industries aligned to music include digital marketing, PR, technology, law, therapists and merchandising.

Exam board
Eduqas

Entry criteria
Grade 7 in GCSE Music plus working towards grade 5 on at least one instrument (can include voice)

Assessment
AS Level: A mix of performance and composition (60%) plus an appraisal paper (40%) (Year 12)
A Level: A mix of performance and composition (60%) plus an appraisal paper (40%) (Year 13)