A Level Music12/11/2008 - Mark Horton |
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Advanced Level Music allows students to study music as a practical, intellectual and creative subject. It recognises that we live in an age of cultural diversity and its Areas of Study cover a wide range of music: classical, world, popular and jazz. It also recognises the importance of current and forthcoming music technology which can be incorporated into the students’ study. What will I learn? Each module incorporates all or most of the following: Practical skills, Interpretative skills, Creative skills, Aural skills and Knowledge and Understanding. The modules are: AS • Solo performance and performing during the course including one of the student’s own compositions; • Composition techniques and a substantial composition; • A listening exam paper incorporating skills acquired in aural and historical awareness PLUS study of two specific Areas of Musical Study. A2 • Either composing or performing; • Advanced compositional techniques and performing during the course (solo and ensemble); • A listening exam paper incorporating advanced skills acquired in aural and historical awareness PLUS advanced study of one of the areas of Musical Study from AS and one new area of Musical Study. Lessons are held in a more relaxed manner than at GCSE, yet place high demands on students’ concentration, dedication and participation, thus reflecting the maturity of our students. A typical week’s lessons might include: • Practising your performing skills for regular concert performances, including the discussion of good and bad performance practice • Singing music of varying difficulties and styles in order to develop general musicianship and aural and stylistic awareness • Listening to, analysing (aurally and theoretically) and discussing recorded music • Developing an understanding of, and practising, the compositional techniques of the old and recent masters through listening, performing relevant music and completing individual composition tasks on students’ own instruments and/or keyboard • Analysing set works by researching, posing and answering questions and essay-writing • Composing your own music. What are the entry requirements? 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, which should include Music, Maths and English and may include 2 level 2 ALAN tests as one GCSE. |
