MUSIC
What does the course involve?
The GCE music course is designed to provide students with a stimulating and wide range of knowledge
and skills to suit every diverse interest they may have. It is an engaging course for both the student and
the teacher, allowing students to be creative and also share an understanding of music through a wide
selection of set works.
1.
PERFORMING MUSIC:
30% AS
15% A2
Music is chosen by the candidate and can be as either a soloist or an ensemble.
2.
COMPOSING:
30% AS
15% A2
Composition chosen from one of four ‘briefs’ given by the exam board as a choice.
3.
DEVELOPING MUSICAL UNDERSTANDING
40% AS
Listening to a variety of familiar music and understanding how it works
4
EXTENDED PERFORMANCE
15% A2
Students perform as a soloist or ensemble for 12-15 minutes with music of their choice
5
COMPOSITION AND TECHNICAL STUDY
15% A2
Students complete two tasks. Either they can compose one composition and one technical study
OR two compositions OR two technical studies.
6
FURTHER MUSICAL UNDERSTANDING
20% A2
Looking at the set works in context and how they have evolved, covering a wide range of styles.
20% A2
What qualifications do I need?
The ability to want to learn and be open to the understanding of music! An ability to perform on an
instrument to a reasonable level is required. Students who focus on this subject will understand they
will need to enhance their performance skills no matter what their starting base. The wish to work and
develop ideas through a developed listening regime and the ability to work with other students is
required. Students will be using different means of composing including computer technology and hard
disk recording techniques.
Equipment
None required.
Assessment
Unit 3 for AS is assessed in May. Units 1 & 4 are assessed when the performance dates are organised
and the remaining AS and A2 units are assessed in June.
General Comments
The courses are designed to allow flexibility and the development of students own areas of interest.
The ability to want to learn and develop a variety of skills is essential. Obviously the more performing
experience you have or knowledge of theory is going to give you a better start and enhanced
understanding.
Future Prospects
We use Music Technology more and more. This is a great tool to enable us to realise our work as an
individual but should not detract from our aim of performing our works or interacting with others; which
is the key aim of all communication, including music.