Music – Wickersley Sixth Form

MUSIC

QUALIFICATION

A Level

EXAM BOARD

Eduqas

SUBJECT TEACHERS

Mr S Bocock

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of a grade 5 in English Language or Literature and Mathematics. GCSE music / ABRSM Grade 5 Theory. Must be able to read standard musical notation. * The ability to perform at least at grade 4 standard on an instrument or voice is desirable. Must be prepared to take regular voice / instrumental lessons.

COURSE LEADER

Mr S Bocock

WHY STUDY THIS COURSE?

A-level music is a rigorous academic subject which sets students up well for university study, and universities are aware of this.

A number of studies have shown that music benefits learning by activating all areas of the brain: auditory (sound processing); motor (rhythm processing); limbic (emotions)

Research has shown that music can improve mood and prompt creative flow, which helps with anxiety and self- doubt. It can also help young people to regulate their emotions

A-level music involves written, analytical, practical and social/personal skills such as:

independent learning: having to be disciplined about practise
team working: particularly if they’re involved in weekly groups or ensembles, concerts and performances
performance and presentation skills: which are useful for any job/career
listening: these are highly developed in musicians and it is an important part of the course
analytical and essay-writing skills
confidence and self-esteem: which has a knock-on effect in all areas of life and learning
creativity and self-expression: helping young people to think differently and harness the power of their imagination.

WHAT DOES THIS QUALIFICATION COVER?

The Eduqas A level in Music offers a broad and coherent course of study which encourages learners to:

Engage actively in the process of music study
Develop performing skills to demonstrate an understanding of musical elements, style, sense of continuity, interpretation, and expression

Develop composing skills to demonstrate the manipulation of musical ideas and the use of musical devices and conventions

Recognise the interdependence of musical knowledge, understanding and skills, and make links between the integrated activities of performing, composing and appraising underpinned by attentive listening.

Broaden musical experience and interests, develop imagination and foster creativity

Develop and extend the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to communicate effectively as musicians.

Develop knowledge and understanding of a variety of instruments and styles, and of relevant approaches to both performing and composing

Develop awareness of music technologies and their use in the creation and presentation of music

Appraise contrasting genres, styles and traditions of music, and develop understanding of musical contexts and a coherent awareness of musical chronology

Develop as effective, independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds

Reflect critically and make personal judgements on their own and others’ music
Engage with, and extend appreciation of, the diverse heritage of music to promote personal, social, intellectual, and cultural development.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

The Eduqas A level music course specification is designed to allow learners to pursue their own musical interests whilst developing their skills in the three distinct but related disciplines of performing, composing and appraising. The specification is designed to encompass a broad range of genres within the classical and popular styles with opportunity to study in depth specific works.

All learners will study the development of the symphony, engaging with landmark orchestral repertoire, which is important in developing knowledge and understanding of musical elements and language in context. Learners will use the musical language of this period to compose one piece of music to a brief. Learners will also choose one area of study from Pop and Rock, Musical Theatre and Jazz and one further area of study exploring the musical language and styles from either the early twentieth century or the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

The course is structured into three components;

Component 1 – Performance

Component 2 – Composition

Component 3 – Appraising

Learners have the opportunity to specialise in either performance or composition with a higher percentage of assessment (35%) going to their chosen discipline. All learners will engage with component 3 – appraising, which is worth 40% of the total assessment.

WHERE CAN IT LEAD?

The A-level provides a sound basis for students wishing to proceed to Higher Education courses in Music or Performing Arts. It can lead to careers in teaching, performing, composition and music therapy as well as related areas in publishing and media. A-level Music is highly regarded by universities as it requires a high level of academic and also creative skill. It is on the list of subjects favourably looked upon by Oxford and Cambridge.

*Theory group is currently an enrichment offer at WSS to help students meet the minimum requirements should they have not studied music at GCSE level or completed Grade 5 theory.

COURSE MATERIALS

SUBJECTS