Music

This course is for individuals who play an instrument or sing to a high standard. You will need to be creative, reflective and energetic and willing to solve problems. You will enjoy practical music making and have an interest in a wide variety of music. You will have ideally taken GCSE music, but it is not a pre-requisite (or to have done any grades on an instrument or voice), but you will need to be able to demonstrate that your practical and theoretical knowledge is of the required standard.

What will you study and learn?

The Eduqas AS-level in Music requires learners to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of musical elements, musical contexts and musical language, and allow students to apply these, where appropriate, to their own work when performing and composing. We study in depth some cornerstones of Western Music, as well as popular music styles from a variety of traditions and genres.

Areas of Study

1: Western Classical Tradition—a study of symphonies written between 1750 and 1900 with particular focus on the set work: Haydn’s 104th “London” Symphony.

2: Either Popular Music or Musical Theatre or Jazz—an in-depth study of the development of music in a popular style, this component is selected and studied by all the students in a given cohort. There are no set works for this Area of Study, but instead focusses on a great deal of wider listening and how the chosen genre developed over time.

3: Into the 20th-Century—a study of three main musical genres from the 20th-century: Impressionism, Expressionism and Neo-Classical. This Area of Study includes some Wider Listening as well as a focus on two short set works: “Nuages” by Debussy and “Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano” (2nd movement).

Course content and examinations

The Eduqas Specification is followed. The A-level Specification allows for room to specialise as either a performer or a composer. You will study EITHER Pathway A or Pathway B, according to your strengths as a musician, and a listening exam (which is always the same) worth 40% based on the areas of study from the course.

Pathway A

Performing A (25%)

Recital (8 minutes)

A recital of up to 8 minutes performed to a visiting examiner. Learners will make use of musical elements, techniques and resources to interpret and communicate musical ideas with technical and expressive control and an understanding of style and context. This will be achieved through playing or singing solo or in an ensemble.

Composing A (35%)

Composition of three separate pieces of music

• One to a brief set by Eduqas in the Western Classical Tradition
• One to a brief written by the learner relating to one of the other Areas of Study
• A free choice composition.

Pathway B

Performing B (35%)

Recital (12 Minutes)

A recital of up to 12 minutes performed to a visiting examiner. Learners will make use of musical elements, techniques and resources to interpret and communicate musical ideas with technical and expressive control and an understanding of style and context. This will be achieved through playing or singing solo or in an ensemble.

Composing B (25%)

Composition of two separate pieces of music

• One to a brief set by Eduqas in the Western Classical Tradition
• A free choice composition.

Listening and Appraising (40%)

Written exam responding to extracts on a CD and contextual study of set works and Areas of Study

• Aural recognition and context
• Unheard/unfamiliar music
• Analysing and evaluating both familiar set works and unfamiliar music relating to the Areas of Study

Where could the subject take you?

Many subjects go well with music from a wide range of humanities and languages as well as mathematics and science. With a qualification in music you could go on to higher education and job possibilities include work in the music industry, teaching, and other related areas. However, past students have also gone on to study subjects as diverse as medicine, English Literature, philosophy and psychology. Many universities value music as an A-level because it teaches such a huge range of skills.