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Music

Subject leader and contact

Geoff Page

gpage@cambournevc.org

Qualification

A Level Music

Edexcel

Entry Requirements

6 in GCSE Music, Grade 5+ on at least one instrument / voice

Why study Music?

If you enjoy musical performance as either an instrumentalist or singer, and you are committed to developing your technique and confidence as a performer, then Music A level is a great course to consider. Alongside performance, studying Music will also help you to develop other practical skills such as composition and arrangement, and it will enable you to broaden your knowledge of different musical genres helping you to analyse and contextualise the music that you listen to. This course will help you to become a creative and well-rounded musician, and would enable you to pursue music at either university or conservatoire.

Where can it lead?

With Music A-Level, students can go onto study the subject at university or a conservatoire. As well as following this path with a view to becoming a musical performer or composer, there are a whole host of career pathways in the music industry and related fields where an A-Level in Music would be a huge advantage. Music A-Level is also a subject which enables students to develop a lot of transferable skills: performance, creativity, analysis and broader historical and cultural understanding.

Music Extras

Students will also be encouraged to take part in concerts within Cambourne Village College and Cambridge, and to attend a series of interesting concerts and cultural events in Cambridge, London and beyond.

Course Content

A-Level Music consists of three components:

Component 1: Performing (30%)
Component 2: Composing (30%)
Component 3: Listening and Appraising (40%)

Component 1: Performing
You will perform a recital lasting 8 minutes of solo and / or ensemble music on your chosen instrument, or as a singer. This performance can be in any style of genre of music, and marks are awarded in relation to accuracy, technical control, musical expression and difficulty.

Component 2: Composing
You will produce a portfolio of compositions lasting at least 6 minutes. Some of these compositions will be in response to a chosen brief. Compositions can be in a wide range of different styles and genres, and you can choose which instruments / voices you write for, and how you employ music technology.

Component 3: Appraising
You will study a whole range of different musical genres, and a number of set works representing this range. The music you study will include:

  • Vocal Music
  • Instrumental Music
  • Music for Film
  • Popular Music & Jazz
  • Fusions
  • New Directions