Music A Level
Introduction
Most students who decide to study music at A level will have been considerably involved in music for several years. Many will be proficient instrumentalists who have been learning for a few years and have reached a higher grade, perhaps grades six, seven or eight. They will probably play in an orchestra or wind band in, and sometimes out of, school and they will be used to the demands of practising and performing. They will probably have good sight reading and aural skills. Some will have found their voice and be well on the way to becoming good singers. Some others will have played guitar or drum kit and been involved in bands and groups and are frequently good musicians with a sensitive “ear” and have the ability to memorise most of the music they perform, indeed much of it made up or composed by themselves. Many would-be A level students will have also studied GCSE Music (although this is not essential) and be familiar with the requirements of coursework and deadlines for composing and performing. What then does A level music have to offer? Why choose this course and where will it lead? What will you get from it?
The Musician
First and foremost is the opportunity to become a better musician. Forget the exams for a minute – education is not just about passing examinations to get a grubby bit of paper – it is actually about studying something that really interests you and helps you to develop your talents to prepare you for the future. If you aspire to be a good musician you will, in many cases, wish to be as good a performer as possible. There is so much to be enjoyed in the world of music and the opportunities to develop a love and delight in making music and listening and experiencing music are well worth taking. The more one explores and discovers a subject the more interesting and stimulating it becomes.
The Career
You may not necessarily want to take up music as a career. To become a concert pianist or a player in a top orchestra requires the very highest standards of performance. If you are that good – go for it! Several of our top musicians who have left AGS in the last few years are now reading Music at universities and music colleges and will hopefully go into the profession when they graduate. But there are many other jobs that may require a good working knowledge of music: in broadcasting for example or the recording industry or journalism or concert and artist management or arts organisations or music teaching. The list is long and very interesting.
The A level Course (AS and A2) - The course is AQA (2270) GCE Music A level
This is a new syllabus which we started teaching from September 2008. Please look at the AQA website: http://www.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/music_new.php if you want to find further information.
AS outline
At AS, this specification will enable candidates to develop an understanding of the organisation of sounds, the context of music, and musical styles and genres. Candidates will create musical ideas with technical control and expressive understanding, making creative use of musical devices, conventions and resources. Candidates offer two performances which may be solo, ensemble and/or technology-based. Each performance may be one longer piece or several shorter ones. Candidates may perform their own composition(s).
The AS specification has 3 units:
Unit 1: Influences on Music
Topic list
- The Western Classical Tradition (compulsory) plus one of the following:
- Choral Music in the Baroque Period
- Music Theatre: a study of the musical from 1940-1980
- British Popular Music from 1960-the present day.
Assessment Written Paper: | 1 hour 45 minutes (80 marks) |
Weighting: | 30% of total AS/ 15% of total A Level marks |
Candidates are given structured listening questions using a CD of musical excerpts.
Candidates then answer two essay questions, one question from a choice of two based on the compulsory Areas of Study and one question from a choice of two based on a second Area of Study.
Unit 2: Composing: Creating Musical Ideas
Topic list
- Compositional techniques i.e. 4-part harmony & counterpoint
- Free composition or pastiche in response to a given brief
- Arranging.
Assessment Composing coursework: | Externally assessed (60 marks) |
Weighting: | 30% of total AS / 15% of total A Level marks |
Candidates respond to one brief from a choice of three. Briefs will be released to candidates on 1 November in the examination year.
Unit 3: Performing: Interpreting Musical Ideas
Topic list
- Solo and/or ensemble performances
- Technology-based performances.
Assessment Performing coursework: | 10-16 minutes Internally assessed (80 marks) |
Weighting: | 40% of total AS / 20% of total A Level marks |
Candidates offer two performances (each 5-8 minutes) from a choice of six, including opportunities for using music technology.
AQA's assessment structure has been designed to achieve a balance between rigour, reliability and demands on candidates.
A2 outline
At A2, the specification enables candidates to acquire, explore and apply musical language and context. Candidates will create and develop musical ideas with greater technical control and expressive understanding making increased use of musical devices, conventions and resources. Candidates will offer two (or more) contrasting pieces to form a short programme for either acoustic performance and/or performance via music technology.
The A2 specification has 3 units:
Unit 4: Music in Context
Topic list
- The Western Classical Tradition (compulsory) plus one of the following:
- English Choral Music in the 20th Century
- Chamber Music from Mendelssohn to Debussy
- Four Decades of Jazz and Blues (1910-1950).
Assessment Written Paper: | 2 hours 15 minutes (100 marks) |
Weighting: | 20% of total A Level marks |
Candidates are given structured listening questions using a CD of excerpts. Candidates then answer two essay questions, one question from a choice of two based on the compulsory Areas of Study and one question from a choice of two based on a new Area of Study.
Unit 5: Composing: Creating Musical Ideas
Topic list
- Compositional techniques i.e. 4-part harmony (Bach Chorale) & String Quartet
- Free composition or pastiche in response to a chosen brief
- Arranging.
Assessment Composing coursework: | Externally assessed (60 marks) |
Weighting: | 15% of total A Level marks |
Candidates respond to one brief from a choice of three. Briefs will be released to candidates on 1 November in the examination year.
Unit 6: Performing: A Musical Performance
Topic list
- A choice of solo, acoustic and/or technology-based performances.
Assessment Performing: |
15 minutes Externally assessed (60 marks) |
Weighting: | 15% of total A Level marks |
Candidates will offer two contrasting performances, as a soloist or using music technology or a combination of these.
The Music Department at Adams’ Grammar School
It may be useful at this point to mention a word or two about the Music Department at Adams’ Grammar School. Those of you who are familiar with the school will know that the main building of the department was demolished over four years ago and we are still waiting for the funding to enable the rebuilding. The plans are already drawn up and are very exciting and eventually we should see some super new facilities.
The standard of music making in the school has improved dramatically over the last five years with a Choir of over forty members of all ages (including some staff), a Junior Choir, a Chamber Choir, an Orchestra playing challenging music with some fine players, a Wind Band, CCF Band, Brass Ensembles, String Groups, Clarinet Group, Saxophone Group and various other musical ensembles. There are numerous performing opportunities with formal and informal concerts and we constantly strive to improve our standards and level of performance. In summer 2006 we put on a production of the musical Oliver and in 2008 we produced West Side Story both of which proved to be fabulous and memorable shows. We have a hugely popular House Music Competition in November (with a visiting adjudicator) and we look to members of the Sixth Form to be proactive and take a lead in the many musical activities.
Conclusion
To conclude this brief look at Advanced level music I would just stress again one or two important considerations. If you are a committed musician you will know you are because music is in you and you can’t easily escape from its delightful clutches. You are fired by an enthusiasm that requires you to practise your pieces ceaselessly or spend hours trying to compose a piece of music that really satisfies you or leads you to go to concerts or play in orchestras or bands or listen to wonderful recordings by brilliant performers. Some of you will perhaps consider continuing your studies at a Music College or good university department becoming ever more specialised in your chosen area. None of this may bring you great monetary riches but the rewards will be far more precious than any financial gain. The A level course will set you further on the road to increase your knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of music. Go for it!
There will, of course, be an expectation that you will become involved in many of the musical activities in school like the orchestra and the choir and other ensembles and lead the way by setting an example and high standard for those younger members of the school to aspire to. Four members of the Upper Sixth are appointed Music Captains and they have responsibility for leading and encouraging much of the music in school.
Please contact the Director of Music for further information and advice or an informal interview.