Music in the sixth form Having taken GCSE music, students will be prepared to build upon their skills and understanding at A Level. Continuing around the themes of performance, composition and appraisal students will now be working at greater depth and adding new themes. For example, students will study world music heritage and to explore music as a practical, intellectual and creative subject with specialist pathways. Specific additional areas of study would include: keyboard music, music for the large ensemble, music for the small ensemble, music for film and television, popular music, jazz, 20th Century art music, sacred vocal music, and various forms of ethnic, or world, music. A Level music is a busy and exciting course.
Overall there are six units of study, three for AS level and three for A2 level. Unit 1 is based around performance and requires students to perform one or more solo pieces as well as performing during the course. Unit 2 works on the development of musical ideas, students will work on composition technique exercises and produce a composition of their own. Unit 3 deals with listening and understanding and will involve written examination.
Unit 4 offers students a choice of specialist options where they choose to create a composition portfolio or work on a recital. Unit 5 returns to performance and composition, where students explore further composition techniques and undertake further performances. Unit 6 consists of two written papers relating to a student’s ability to analyse music.
This thorough and interesting course will give students who want music to be part of their future career an essential foundation in their craft.
Assessment Work will be assessed via coursework and examination. Coursework continues throughout the course, the AS examination takes place in year 12, the A2 examination in year 13. A pass at AS level is essential for those wishing to follow the course at A2 level.
Enrichment activities Students will have the opportunity to perform within, and outside of, the school via various performance groups and activities. Where possible we will arrange visits to appropriate events and facilities.
Beyond the sixth form Qualifications in music are essential to those considering studying music in higher education and going on to degree courses. There are many employment opportunities within the £600 million music industry, from classical to rock and pop performance, through composition and writing to support work such as instrument maintenance and repair and sound engineering, the world of music has a lot to offer.
