Music

Assessment

There are three essential components of performing, composing and appraising (by listening and writing) which build on GCSE elements. As with GCSE Music, we follow the Edexcel syllabus for A Level. The three elements of Performing, Composing and Appraising are assessed as follows: Performance (30%): one performance of a minimum of 8 minutes Performances can be solo or ensemble or a mixture. A single piece or many pieces can be performed. Recording takes place between March and May in the Upper Sixth. A Programme of Grade 7 level music can yield full marks. This coursework is externally marked. Composition (30%): two separate compositions totalling at least 6 minutes Composition 1 (40 marks out of 60) A piece that responds to one of 6 briefs set by Edexcel in the Upper Sixth, or a brief set by the candidate – this composition is usually completed in the Lower Sixth. Composition 2 (20 marks out of 60) A composition showing certain techniques based on briefs set by Edexcel. This composition can only be undertaken between 1st April and 10th May in the Upper Sixth and must be completed in 6 hours of composition time under controlled conditions. Pupils choose one of four briefs. The composition tasks vary in length but pupils will receive instruction from the start of the Upper Sixth which will enable them to complete the task with confidence and fluency. This coursework is externally marked. Listening (40%): a two-hour and ten-minute listening/written paper Students study 6 areas of musical history and style: – Vocal music (J.S Bach and Vaughan Williams) – Instrumental music (Clara Schumann and Berlioz) – Music for the film (Batman Returns and Psycho) – Popular music and Jazz (Courtney Pine, Kate Bush, The Beatles) – Fusions (Debussy and Anoushka Shankar) – New directions (Stravinsky and Saariaho) Each area of study has 3 broad-ranging set works from Bach to the Beatles The written paper has two sections: Section A Three listening questions based on the set works and one question of dictation of a melody (50 marks). Section B Two essays – one on an unfamiliar piece related to an area of study (30 marks); the second is one from a choice of three essays based on the areas of study (30 marks). This paper is sat in May/June of the Upper Sixth. Externally assessed.