MUSIC AT ADVANCED LEVEL

The Music Department offers an A Level course in Music and an A/S qualification in Music Technology. The qualification in Music Technology will usually be taken at the end of Year 13. Candidates must be aware that there is considerable duplication between A/S Music Technology and A Level Music. Candidates are advised against taking both.
Pupils are encouraged to build on skills they have acquired at Key Stages Three and Four. The fundamental skills of listening, composing and performing will be developed to an advanced level. Pupils are expected to have a sound knowledge of theory and be able to read staff notation fluently. They are also expected to have good practical skills; pupils should be working at Grade Six Level in Year 13.
Aims
The courses seek to:
Extend the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to communicate through music and to take part in music-making.
Engage in, and extend, their appreciation of the diverse and dynamic heritage of music, promoting, spiritual and cultural development.
Develop particular strengths and interests encouraging life-long learning and providing access to music-related careers such as performing, composing, teaching, sound engineering, arts administration and music-journalism.
A Level Music Course Content
Syllabus: NICCEA
The course consists of two units, one to be taken in each year of the course. Both units promote the central aim of making and responding to music with understanding. Module 1 can be awarded as an AS level qualification. Students may go to convert this to A Level in year 14.
Module 1
Free Composition 10%
MIDI sequencing 6%
Solo performing 10%
Ensemble performing 6%
Aural Perception Test 10%
Written exam on two musical topics (The Concerto and the Rise of Jazz) 8%
(Total 50%)
Module 2
Free Composition 12%
Sequencing 4%
Solo performance 8%
Sight-reading 4%
Ensemble Music 4%
Test of Aural Perception 10%
Written exam on one set work and one area of study 8%
(Total: 50%)

A/S LEVEL IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

Syllabus: Edexcel (London)
Course Content: Pupils study three areas:
The Development of Music Technology
Classical Music
Popular Music and Jazz

It is expected that pupils will implement knowledge of these areas in the following assessment tasks:
Practical work:
Midi sequencing using computer sequencing software on PC.
Live sound-recording using digital multi-track records and microphones.
Written work
A two hour listening paper based on pop music and the music technology used in its production.
Assessment
Sequencing 40%
Pupils will present for assessment two contrasting sequenced pieces, one Classical and one Popular or Jazz.
They will also complete a commentary of their work under timed exam conditions.
Arranging and Improvising Using Sound Recording 30%
Pupils will arrange a piece for between four and six instruments in a Classical style, will sequence it using notation software and will produce a printed score. They will also produce a recording of the arrangement using the computer.
Pupils will also arrange a popular piece and record it in studio conditions using a portastudio and microphones. It will be accompanied by a written commentary.
Listening 30%
Pupils will complete a 90 minute listening paper focusing on popular music and jazz and how music technology is used in the recording process.
Key Skills
Throughout the courses the following key skills will be developed and assessed:
Communication
Improving Own Learning and Performance
Working with others
Information Technology
Problem Solving