Music

Course summary

Unit 1 and 2: Option A: 35% Performance and 25 % Composition Students are required to give a performance consisting of a minimum of three pieces either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble or a combination of both. The duration of the performance will be between ten and twelve minutes and will be marked by a visiting examiner. Performances should be at Grade 6 instrumental level or higher. For this option students are required to produce two compositions, of 4.5-7 mins in length, with one being based on a brief set by the exam board. Plenty of opportunity is given during the course to practise these skills in both formal and informal settings. There is an expectation that students will be receiving tuition on their instrument or voice for the duration of the course. Option B: 25% Performance and 35% Composition For this option students are required to produce three compositions, of 8-10 mins in length, with one being based on a brief set by the exam board and one fulfilling the characteristics of one other area of study. Students are required to give a performance consisting of a minimum of two pieces either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble or a combination of both. The duration of the performance will be between six and eight minutes and will be marked by a visiting examiner. Performances should be at Grade 6 instrumental level or higher. Unit 3: Appraising This unit is assessed through a written exam which will assess knowledge and understanding of music through three areas of study: Western Classical Music, Musical Theatre and Music Into the Twentieth Century. This unit also includes an in-depth study of the development of the symphony from 1750-1900.