AS Music

This subject may be offered at more than one Southern Consortium school site. The teaching of this subject may be at any one of the sites listed below.

The information on this webpage is a guide only. Topics, units and course content may vary from those listed below.

AS Music @ JRCS

Outline of the course

This course offers you the opportunity to further develop their performing, composing and listening and appraising skills. You will encounter a wide variety of music, particularly from the western classical tradition and jazz but, in your own performing and composing, you can choose the style that you want to work in.

Skills you will develop include:

  • Performing to a high standard
  • Composing using western tonal harmony and free styles
  • Understanding and analysing western classical music and popular music and jazz

Assessment

The coursework tasks are performing on your chosen instrument (30%), composing in given styles as well as your own style (30%) and listening, historical and analytical studies (40%)

AS level

Name

Details

Unit 1 (15%)

Performing

This module has two parts

  • Solo performing - one or more pieces lasting between 5 and 6 minutes of grade IV to VI standard
  • Performing during the course                      four more performances including a performance of one of the candidates own compositions and an ensemble piece

Unit 2 (15%)

Developing musical ideas

This module has two parts

  • Composition (7½%)                                       One composition from a list of topics                
  • Techniques exercises (7½%)  

One on Baroque two part counterpoint and one on popular song bass lines.                     

Unit 3 (20%)

Listening and Understanding

     This module has two parts

  • Listening paper (7½%)                                     A  paper that tests your knowledge of musical history, understanding of musical theory and your aural awareness
  •  Written Paper                                               Short and long questions based on pieces studied from the topics, ’Small Ensembles’ and ‘Popular Music and Jazz’                   

 

A2 level

Name

Details

Unit 4 (15%)

Specialist options

 

Either:

A Composition Portfolio

or

A Recital

Choose either of the following

  • Composition Portfolio                                  Two contrasting compositions from two different topics                   
  • Recital                                                                 A solo recital lasting 20 minutes at grade VI or above standard  

Unit 5 (15%)

Performing and Composing

This module has two parts

  • Musical techniques (7½%)                               A three hour exam where you complete a harmonic exercise with access to instruments or computers
  • Performing during the course                         Four performances at grade V standard or above

 

Unit 6 (20%)

Analysing Music

This module has two parts

  • Listening paper (7½%)                                        A  paper that tests your knowledge of musical history, understanding of musical theory and your aural awareness                             
  •  Written Paper (12½%)                                       A paper with long and short answer questions on works studied from chosen topics in the year                       

 

Careers and further study

A level music is important if you want to go on to academic study at degree level or if you want to enter a high level performance course at a music college.

It is also a highly valued qualification even if it does not relate directly to your chosen degree subject or future employment, as universities and employers respect the high levels of independent study and dedication necessary to do well in this subject.

*Please note that to get year 11s up to the standard of A level in keyboard skills and harmony we are offering extra sessions of one hour each week starting after Christmas. It will be essential for all students opting for A level music to take part in these extra sessions.