| Contact : Mr M McKenna |
Exam Board & Code : Edexcel – 8MU01 (AS) and 9MU01 (A2) |
| Course : 2 Years to full A level |
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What is Music A level about?
The new EDEXCEL Music A level course is intended to be stimulating and enriching. Students will study a wide range of Music from Western Art Music through to popular and world music. The A level is split into three main components, analysis and listening, composing and performing, and aims to provide a broad and balanced musical education.
Is this course for me?
The successful music student will have a real passion for music and be a confident and able performer. They must be self-motivated and have a good knowledge of music theory.
What else do I need to know?
If you are not already, you will be expected to become involved in the extra-curricular life of the department. Attendance at Senior Vocal Group and Orchestra (if you play an orchestral instrument) is expected by all students following the AS/A2 courses.
What do other students say?
“When I began the Music course in Year 12 it was very much a fourth AS. I now find myself about to go and study it at Uni! I’ve had to work hard but have enjoyed the two years a huge amount.”
“Taking Music as an AS in Year 12 looked really impressive on my UCAS application. As one University lecturer commented at my Maths interview, it showed I had another string to my bow!”
Where could it lead?
The Advanced GCE in Music is excellent preparation for higher education courses in music, but is equally valuable for non-specialists as a fourth or fifth option. The AS units alone can offer a broad and satisfying experience for those who want to conclude their musical studies at this point.
How is this course structured?
| Unit Content |
Unit Assessment |
| AS Unit 1: Performing Music – gives students the opportunity to perform as soloists and/or as part of an ensemble. |
30% - AS/15% - A2: Students will perform for 5 – 6 minutes on their chosen instrument to a minimum of Grade V standard. |
| AS Unit 2: Composing – encourages students to develop their compositional skills. |
30% - AS/15% - A2: Students will select a brief and create a 3-minute composition upon it. |
| AS Unit 3: Developing Musical Understanding – through studying set works, students will become familiar with the compositional techniques and contexts of the pieces. |
40% - AS/20% - A2: Students will sit a 2-hour examination in which they will be questioned on the style and context of the set works studied. |
| A2 Unit 4: Extended Performance – students will further develop their performance skills. |
15% - A2: Students will perform for 12 - 15 minutes to a minimum of Grade VI standard. |
| A2 Unit 5: Compositional and Technical Study – students will develop their compositional skills further. |
15% - A2: Students will either complete two 3-minute compositions or study two pastiche styles and then complete two exercises. |
| A2 Unit 6: Further Musical Understanding – through studying further set works students will understand how music has developed. |
20% - A2: Students will sit a 2-hour exam in which they will be questioned on the continuity and change in music and aural analysis. |