Music

While some students will choose this course because they intend to study music at university or college, it is equally appealing to those who enjoy music or are looking for a subsidiary subject. The skills it develops complement other subjects very well.

While some students will choose this course because they intend to study music at university or college, it is equally appealing to those who enjoy music or are looking for a subsidiary subject. The skills it develops complement other subjects very well.

This course is divided into three areas, the practical components – performing and composing, and the more theoretical listening and appraising. Students can follow different pathways according to their particular musical strengths.

Students will study pieces of music from four different areas of study: The Classical Concerto, Developments of Popular Music, Programme Music 1820-1900 and Innovations in 20th Century Music. Students will build up their theoretical, aural and analytical skills by studying set works and through wider listening.

Studying A Level music can be a leap into music specific careers including: performer, teacher, administrator, songwriter, conductor, composer, recording engineer, manager, promoter, or music publisher. Music also complements a range of commonly studied A Level subjects like Maths, Physics, English and Biology in order to keep higher education options open.

OCR

Grade 5, or entry test if not studied at GCSE.

Performing (30%) - Coursework: Students will perform a 6-minute recital on an instrument of their choice. Students can offer singing as an option.

Composition (30%) - Coursework: Students present 2 pieces of composition – 1 completely free choice and 1 on a brief provided by OCR.

Listening and Appraising (40%) - Exam: Students sit an exam based on familiar and unfamiliar music studied throughout the course.

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