Music

Course summary

This course enables students to extend their knowledge and understanding of music, to create and develop their own musical ideas and to demonstrate technical, interpretative and communication skills through performing music. This three-unit course helps students to develop aural, theoretical and analytical skills and enables them to explore a number of set works and two area of study selected to suit their preferences. They can choose to study compositional techniques, to create music which draws on their own experience and enthusiasm or to arrange a given piece of music. In their performances, students can present solo and ensemble pieces and can work with music technology. A-level Music builds on the knowledge and skills gained from GCSE Music as well as musical experience gained outside the classroom. It recognises the interdependence of different aspects of musical activity. This specification provides a sound preparation for the study of music in higher education, as well as providing opportunities to develop strengths and interests leading to music-related and other careers. It encourages students to develop a wide range of transferable skills such as critical thinking, research, communication and team-work.