Music

  • Board: Edexcel
  • Syllabus: AS – 8MU01; A2 – 9MU01
Modules
  1. AS Performing Music – This unit gives students the opportunities to perform as soloists and/or as a member of an ensemble as part of a five to six minute assessed performance, which can be in any style. Notated or improvised performances may be submitted.
  2. Composing – This unit encourages students to develop their composition skills leading to the creation of a three minute piece in response to a chosen brief.
  3. Developing Musical Understanding – This involves listening to familiar music and understanding how it works.
  4. A2 Extended Performance – Students will extend their performance skills as soloists and/or as part of an ensemble. Students will perform a 12 to 15 minute assessed performance of a balanced programme of music, which can be on any instrument and/or voice and be in any style.
  5. Composition and Technical Study – The composition section further develops students’ composition skills, leading to the creation of a final three minute piece in response to a chosen brief.
  6. Further Musical Understanding – This unit focuses on listening to music, familiar and unfamiliar, and understanding how it works.
Method of Assessment

AS 1 exam of 2 hours (20%) 1 assessed performance of 5-6 mins (15%) 1 externally assessed composition (15%)

A2 1 exam of 2 hours (20%) 1 assessed performance of 12-15 mins (15%) 2 composition/technical studies (15%)

Further Information

If you wish to take Music at AS or A2 level, it is essential, firstly, that you have studied music at GCSE and, secondly, that you have practical skills on an instrument/voice to approximately grade 6 level. It is also advantageous to have studied music theory to at least grade 5. Students who wish to undertake the A Level should be willing to take part in a number of extra-curricular activities that will support their studies (such as choir and ensembles) and be prepared to do the necessary practice on their instrument/voice to prepare for the performances.

A Level Music enables students to extend the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to communicate through music and take part in music making. They can engage in, and extend, the appreciation of the diverse and dynamic heritage of music and can develop particular strengths and interests. The A Level allows students to recognize the inter-dependence of musical skills, knowledge and understanding, and the links between the activities of performing, composing and appraising.

The course provides a sound foundation for courses in Music in higher education and employment possibilities which include the music industry, teaching and other related careers.