Music
Entry requirements: GCSE grade 5 in Music
Music A Level is designed to allow learners to pursue their own musical interests. Learners develop skills in the three distinct but related disciplines of performing, composing and appraising, whilst having flexibility to specialise in either performing or composing. Learners may choose to apportion 10% of their assessment to either performing or composing as an in-depth study. The WJEC Eduqas Music A Level offers contrast and breadth as well as depth of study. Learners will engage with both classical and popular music. Areas of study will be The Western Classical Tradition through The Development of the Symphony (1750-1900), Musical Theatre and 20th Century Music Art Music. Component 1: Performing (Learners will choose either Option A or B). Component 2: Composition (Learners will choose either Option A or B). Component 3: Appraising Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes (40%). This examination will focus of the three areas of study including some set works. There are many courses available at universities and conservatoires, from which music graduates enter a diverse range of professions, both in and out of the world of music and the creative arts. Although A Level Music involves a lot of creative work, the theoretical study of music history and theory is sufficiently rigorous that it is accepted as a serious academic subject for entry to most university courses.Assessment
A performance consisting of a minimum of three pieces with a total duration of 10-12 minutes. At least one of these pieces must be as a soloist. The other pieces may be either a soloist or as part of an ensemble or a combination of both. One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one area of study. At least one other piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one other, different area of study.
A performance consisting of a minimum of two pieces either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble or a combination of both with a total duration of 6-8 minutes. One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one area of study.
Two compositions, one of which must reflect the musical techniques and conventions associated with the Western Classical Tradition and be in response to a brief set by the board. Learners will have a choice of four set briefs, released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken. The second composition is a free composition. The compositions must be a total duration of 4-6 minutes.
Three compositions, one of which must reflect the musical techniques and conventions associated with the Western Classical Tradition and be in response to a brief set by the board. Learners will have a choice of four set briefs, released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken. The second composition must reflect the musical characteristics of one different area of study (i.e. not the Western Classical Tradition) while the third composition is a free composition. The compositions must be a total length of 8-10 minutes.Career Opportunities
