Music

Overview
This is made up of 3 units: 1) Performing, 2) Composing, 3) Developing Musical Understanding. Students will perform practical work regularly, and these performances will be recorded and contribute to the final mark. For Unit 2 composing work is carried out in class during the year using computer software Sibelius and/or Cubase .

Course Outline
AS Level
Unit 1: Performing – consisting of playing/singing to a maximum duration of 5-6 minutes. Although the whole performance must be recorded at the same time it can be recorded at any time during the course, is marked by the Centre and submitted to Edexcel for moderation.
Unit 2: Composing – This is organised in two parts: Section A is a three-minute composition in response to a stimulus provided by Edexcel in the September prior to examination; Section B is a response to three questions about the composition in order to evaluate the completed work.
Unit 3: Listening and Anthology – a two-hour examination in three sections based on the Anthology: Section A) Listening; Section B) Investigating musical styles; Section C) Understanding chords and lines (harmony)

A2 Level
Unit 4: Extended Performance – consisting of a recital on instrument or voice – either as a soloist or as a member of a group, lasting 12 - 15 minutes.
Unit 5: Composition and Technical Study – consisting of one or two three-minute compositions responding to stimuli set by Edexcel. Students can, as an alternative, attempt two technical exercises (in examination conditions) in Baroque counterpoint, chorale harmonisation or popular song, which are available to centres during the year at stipulated times.
Unit 6: Musical Understanding – consisting of a two-hour examination paper divided into three sections: Section A) aural analysis; Section B) music in context; and Section C) continuity and change in instrumental music. The examination will involve questions set from the prescribed anthology.

Assessment
Coursework (30%) – completed during the year and sent off to be moderated by Edexcel in May. Examination (70%) marked by an external examiner. Examining Board – Edexcel.

Special Entry Requirements
Grade C or above in GCSE Music, if taken. Playing an instrument to Grade 5 standard is essential: a certificate confirming achievement of at least Grade 5 must be brought to interview. Students who believe they are at this standard but have not yet passed the exam can audition. An interest in all sorts of music generally, as well as an ability to compose and write about music (to GCSE standard) would help .

Prohibited Options
None.

Career and Progression Opportunities
Studying Music in HE, Performing, Teaching, Music Therapy, Music Technology, Librarianship, Media work – especially broadcasting.

Coursework
These elements are present in both the Performing and Composing units. In Performing, students have to record samples of their practical work throughout the year – the best being submitted as coursework – for 50% of the total unit marks. In Composing, students have to submit one composition – composed during the year and complete TWO compositional tasks – e.g. Bach cadences and/or serialism.
 
Teaching Methods
These involve much use of the technology available within the department. Sibelius and Cubase programmes are used to assist all students in their composing work and these are available in sufficient quantity to allow one computer workstation for each student in each class.
Much of the historical and aural work is taught in class, but students are also provided with recordings of the set pieces and typical aural tests to encourage them to work in their own time at home. Time is set aside to encourage pupils to meet individually with their accompanist and assessor to allow improvement in practical work. Much of the learning will involve students working alone, in groups and in class, to encourage optimum performance in all areas of the subjec.

Course Activities
There are a variety of practical activities which encourage students to perform as often as possible. There are a series of concerts throughout the year, both inside and outside College, and students often organise other performing opportunities .

Cost Implications
The College’s team of instrumental teachers provides excellent tuition for a large number of instrumentalists. The College supports this work by financing lessons for ONE instrument (for a fixed number of lessons) for the duration of the course.

Complementary Subjects or Enrichment Courses
There is a wide variety of Enrichment courses on offer and Music students are expected to become fully involved in the musical life of the College.

Other Information
Students will be expected to read music fluently for the examination and will be at a distinct disadvantage if they have not learned to do so during the two-year course .

This information is correct for September 2012 entry.