Music A Level

MUSIC (Edexcel 9MU0)

Music A-Level builds firmly on the three areas of discipline studied at GCSE:

Performing

On the A Level course candidates perform a short recital of pieces (minimum of 8 minutes) which can be in any style and for any instrument or voice. Pieces performed can be either notated or improvised, and candidates can play as part of an ensemble if they prefer. The standard required is approximately Grade 6, although performance grades will be scaled up for more difficult pieces

30% of A Level

Composition

Candidates must complete two original compositions on the course. One of these compositions can be either chosen from a list of briefs related to the areas of study, or a free composition. The other will be a composition which assesses compositional technique in a given style (to a brief set by Edexcel) and can be either a four part chorale, two-part counterpoint, arrangement or remix.

There will be the opportunity to compose in a variety of different styles, depending on the preferences of the candidate. The total minimum composition time must be at least 6 minutes.

30% of A Level

Listening, History and Analysis

Students on the A Level course explore set works across a range of Areas of Study:

• Vocal Music

• Instrumental Music

• Music for Film

• Popular Music and Jazz

• Fusions

• New Directions

A Level students study three set works per Area of Study. Listening skills are also tested in an exam in a variety of ways including recognition of styles and structures, and analysing short melodies and chord progressions by ear. Candidates are encouraged to listen to a wide range of unfamiliar music in order to help them in an exam.

40% of A Level

Is A Level Music for me?

If you enjoyed GCSE Music, most definitely! Some knowledge of notation will be helpful, but if you play confidently by ear, or you can improvise well, then you will enjoy the course. You will also be stretched, and you will learn to do some things you never thought possible. The successful A Level Musician is enthusiastic, has initiative and imagination, and enjoys a challenge. However, the most important quality is that he or she loves music.

A Level Music can be studied with almost any other combination of subjects. The qualification is highly regarded by university admissions tutors as it demonstrates the student possesses a wide variety of skills, both academic and practical. The A-Level Music course is designed to be co-teachable with the AS Music course, so it will be possible for pupils to take an AS qualification at the end of the first year of the A-Level course, should they choose to do so.

Academically, it is expected that students entering Birkdale’s Sixth Form will have achieved a minimum of 5 passes (9 to 5) at GCSE, with at least 4 at grade 6 or higher; we would expect 6 or higher GCSE grades in those subjects being studied to A level. A grade 6 is required to study A Level English and Mathematics, although a grade 7 is preferred in Mathematics. Prospective Further Mathematicians should achieve a grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics although a grade 8 is preferred. In addition at Birkdale we look beyond the academic and would wish applicants to become fully involved in the life of the school, offering their skills and abilities in one or more of a number of areas (e.g. drama, sport, music, clubs and societies, etc).