A Level Music at Ousedale School
| Qualification | AS and A2 Level |
| Examining Board | AQA |
| Head Of Department | Mr M Couldrick |
| Entry Requirements | A good GCSE Music pass, (instrumental ability of at least the equivalent of ABRSM Grade 5 and a commitment to school music making). |
Click here for AS Music Technology course
Aims
The A level music syllabus provides opportunity for students to
Study and practise critical listening skills.
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Develop an understanding of compositional techniques and creative music writing.
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Achieve confident, advanced performance skills.
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Acquire skills of study and research through written and listening papers.
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Develop a lifelong interest and enjoyment in listening to, and music making.
In the first year (AS) you will cover three study topics: ‘Influences on music’ (the written part), ‘Creating musical ideas’ (the composing part), and ‘Interpreting musical ideas’ (the performance part). You will study a Mozart Symphony for ‘The Western Classical Tradition’ unit, and also, in contrast, a collection of pieces from ‘British Popular Music’. You willl also study how to harmonise a melody and develop your melodic writing skills. Finally you will prepare a 5-8 minute solo perfromance and a 5-8 minute ensemble or second instrument performance.
The second year follows the same format. The written part continues with ‘The Western Classical tradition’ and you will study the development of Jazz. The coursework focuses on ‘Developing musical ideas’ and covers compositional techniques in more detail. The final unit of the course culminates in a 15 minute performance to an external examiner.
Students will need to be organised, able to meet deadlines and have an excellent attendance record. Desirable skills include being an analytical listener, confident performer and good essay writing skills.
Assessment
| Unit 1 | Influences on Music | 30% of AS Level (Exam) 15% of A2 Level |
Unit 2 |
Creating Musical Ideas | 30% of AS Level (Coursework) 15% of A Level |
| Unit 3 | Interpreting Musical Ideas | 40% of AS Level (Exam) 20% of A Level |
| Unit 4 | Music in Context | 20% of A Level (Exam) |
| Unit 5 | Developing Musical Ideas | 15% of A Level (Coursework) |
| Unit 6 | Musical Performance | 15% of A Level (Recital) |