What do you need to know or be able to do before taking this course?
It is useful but not essential, to have taken Music at GCSE level. You should be able to play a musical instrument to ABRSM Grade 4 level or the equivalent and you should be reasonably conversant with standard music notation.
What will you learn on this Advanced GCE course?
The course demands performing, composing, listening and analytical skills in almost equal measure. You will improve your skills in performing and composing in a range of styles. You will listen to a wide variety of music and develop a more informed appreciation of how and why it was written and performed.
What kind of student is this course suitable for?
Anyone who has a keen interest in creating and listening to different styles of music and who wishes to broaden their experience and deepen their understanding of both live and recorded music. There are areas of study which include both the western classical tradition and popular music, jazz in particular, and there are opportunities for developing your composing skills in a genre which is of particular interest.
What examinations will you have to take in order to gain a qualification?
AS Level
The AS qualification consists of the following units.
Unit 1: Performing (33⅓% of the AS:16⅔% of the total A-level)
In this unit you will not only develop your skills as a musical performer, but you will extend your knowledge of the tonal characteristics of your instrument or voice and find how composers have exploited these. This will be examined in a Viva Voce during the recital. You will also offer a further performance either on a second instrument or performing with others and in this section of the module, you may perform your own composition.
Unit 2: Composing 1 Coursework (33⅓% of the AS:16⅔% of the total A-level)
You will complete at least six exercises in harmonising given melodies. These may be in a particular historical style, e.g. two part Baroque Keyboard Pieces or Classical String Quartets. The second part of the module will be the production of a composition for at least five instruments or a leadsheet arrangement in a more popular style. You will be expected to provide a short annotation to your composition.
Unit 3: Introduction to Historical Study (33⅓% of the AS:16⅔% of the total A-level)
This involves an in-depth study of six pieces of music, three from the orchestral repertoire and three from the world of jazz. There will also be a contextual study of music of a similar genre.
Advanced Level GCE – A2
Unit 4: Solo Recital (33⅓% of the A2:16⅔% of the total A-level)
Most candidates will continue the study of the principal instrument or voice which was the focus of their learning about a range of styles in Unit 1.
There will also be a study of recorded interpretations either of the music you present for performance, or showing some connection either in style or content.
Unit 5: Composing 2 Coursework (33⅓% of the A2:16⅔% of the total A-level)
This unit will consist of a commissioned vocal piece and either a folio of harmony exercises in stylistic techniques, a further development of Unit 2, or a further composition assignment. Music Technology may be used in this unit.
Unit 6: Historical and Analytical Studies (33⅓;% of the A2:16⅔% of the total A-level)
This will consist of a timed examination with three main sections: aural extracts, a prescribed historical topic (one from four) and a synoptic essay, one of a choice of five to assess your ability to make and support critical judgments which demonstrate an understanding of the connections between periods, genres and traditions studied in this and previous modules.
How can I develop my full range of skills by doing this course?
As well as covering Music at AS and A2 Level, the course will enable you to develop Key Skills which could be essential to you in whatever you go on to afterwards:
Communication
Through performance, presentation and critical discussion.
Improving own Learning and Performance
Planning rehearsal/practice schedules and setting
targets for achievement.
Information and Music Technology
Using the Internet as a research tool and developing
compositions and sequencers using MIDI.
Problem Solving
Practical interpretations and performance techniques in a score. Developing performance strategies with Music Technology.
Working with Others
Plan and take part in rehearsals and contribute towards group evaluation.
What can the course lead on to?
This AS/Advanced GCE in Music can lead to further study in music or performing arts in higher education at degree level and may lead to a career in the music industry.