Music

Taught at Kenilworth School & Sixth Form

Exam Board: Eduqas (WJEC) 

Assessment Method: Students have the option to specialise in either Performance or Composition.  

• Component 1: Performing (25% or 35% of qualification) – A live recital of 2-3 pieces depending on specialism externally assessed by a visiting examiner. 

• Component 2: Composing (25% or 35% of qualification) – 2 – 3 original pieces of music, one of which must reflect the techniques and conventions associated with the Western Classical Tradition in response to a brief set by WJEC. Assessed externally by WJEC.  

• Component 3: Written examination (40% of qualification) with three Areas of Study. A: The Western Classical Tradition; a choice of B (Rock & Pop), C (Musical Theatre) or D (Jazz); a choice of D (Into the 20th Century) or E (Into the 21st Century). Questions include set work analysis with a score, extended responses on wider contexts, unprepared extracts of music with and without a score, comparison questions.  

Why Should I Follow This Course? 

In the future, Creativity is going to be one of the most important and in-demand skills (World Economic Forum). A-Level Music provides an opportunity to develop your existing interests in both performance and composition, building on skills acquired in GCSE Music. You will learn about a broad range of musical styles, both familiar and unfamiliar, and understand more about what makes the music you enjoy listening to work so well. Whilst highly academic in approach with the analysis and theory involved in the written examination and composing units, the course provides a creative outlet with 60% of the qualification awarded through practical work.  

What will I learn? 

Component 1: Performing – Develop performance skills on an instrument as a soloist or in a group, performing at approx Grade 7 level. You will learn how to consider how you communicate music to a listener through a live recital.  

Component 2: Composing – Develop compositional techniques and skills in a broad range of styles including the Western Classical Tradition, Jazz, Rock & Pop. Learn how to utilise a range of melodic, harmonic and textural devices in your own work with a final portfolio of 2-3 pieces completed across the course.  

Component 3: Written Exam – Learn about a broad range of musical styles and traditions including: the development of the Symphony across the Baroque, Classical & Romantic Eras; Jazz with subgenres Ragtime, Dixieland, Swing, Bebop & Cool; Rock & Pop; Musical Theatre and 20th Century Music. You will develop your music theory knowledge and score analysis through the study of a range of set works including Haydn Symphony 104, Mendelssohn Symphony 4, Debussy Nuages and Poulenc Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano.  

Where Will This Qualification Take Me? 

In the future, Creativity is going to be one of the most important and in-demand skills (World Economic Forum). The study of creative subjects, like Music, is becoming even more important and relevant to give you the chance to succeed – whatever your ambitions. The possibilities are endless, with music enabling you to demonstrate many skills which employers, colleges and universities will be looking for, often in fields other than music. Previous students have gone on to study Music at University, however many Music students also go on to study a broad range of other courses including: Acting, Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Classics, Computer Science, English & Drama, English Literature,  Maths, Medicine, Modern Languages, Journalism, Physics, Politics, Primary Education, Psychology and Veterinary Medicine.  

Future career options from a Music qualification can include: Musician, Composer, DJ, Music Producer, Sound Engineer/Designer, School Teacher, Instrumental Teacher, Music Therapist, Artist Management, Music Publisher, Marking, Music Journalist/Critic, Theatre Manager and many more.  

Entry Requirements: GCSE Music Grade 6 or above.