Music combines practical application with intellectual study and gives you an insight into the world’s greatest art form. You will be studying music from a broad spectrum of culture and tradition, learning about techniques of composition, musical analysis and styles of performance. Students relish the fact that the working pattern and coursework deadlines offer a contrast from their other subjects, and simply that a love of listening to music can be applied in an academic context. Music sits well alongside any combination of subjects and is excellent preparation for any degree. The world’s top universities have long recognised that it requires self-discipline, imagination and intellectual rigour. If you want to take Music to degree level or on to a musical career, this A Level specification establishes a platform for performing, composing, academia or the wider music industry.
A good pass at GCSE would be a good indication of suitability for A Level Music. However, an able performer (Grade 7 standard or higher) with a keen interest in music may well be suitable for A Level without having done GCSE. Consistent work across the three components creates a platform for success, but underpinning the whole process should be an aim for full marks in Component 1. Component 2 requires a boldness to try new ideas as well as respond imaginatively to a set task. Finally, for Component 3, students need to listen to and read about unfamiliar music as well as closely analysing the set works.
Component 1: Performing (9MU0 / 01) Non-examined – marked externally: 30% of the qualification 60 marks ■ Performance of one or more pieces – solo, in an ensemble, improvising or realising music through musical technology ■ Total performance time of 8 minutes minimum, recorded between 1 March and 1 May Component 2: Composing (9MU0 / 02) Non-examined – marked externally: 30% of the qualification 60 marks ■ Total of two compositions, one to a brief set by the Board, and either one free composition or a further one to a brief. Total time must be a minimum of 6 minutes ■ One composition must be from either a list of set briefs related to the areas of study, or a free composition. This composition must be at least 4 minutes long, and it carries 40 marks ■ One composition must be from a brief assessing composing techniques, carrying 20 marks Component 3: Appraising (9MU0 / 03) Written examination: 2 hours 40% of the qualification 100 marks Content overview ■ Knowledge and understanding of musical elements, contexts and language ■ Application of knowledge through six areas of study, each with three set works ■ (vocal music, instrumental music, film music, pop and jazz, musical fusions, new directions) ■ Application of knowledge to unfamiliar works Assessment overview ■ One written paper of 2 hours, with a total of 100 marks ■ One audio CD with extracts to accompany exam questions issued to each student ■ Section A: three questions related to set works; one short dictation exercise ■ Section B: two essay questions. Essay one (20 marks) asks students to draw links from their study of the set works to music heard as an unfamiliar extract. Essay two (30 marks) gives a choice of three questions from different areas of study that ask students to evaluate the musical elements, context and language of one set work.
About Education Provider
| Region | South East |
| Local Authority | Kent |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Girls |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Day Boarding £35,582; Boarding £47,400 |
| Sixth Form Fee | Unknown |
| Address | Cranbrook Road, Benenden, Cranbrook, TN17 4AA |
Music combines practical application with intellectual study and gives you an insight into the world’s greatest art form. You will be studying music from a broad spectrum of culture and tradition, learning about techniques of composition, musical analysis and styles of performance. Students relish the fact that the working pattern and coursework deadlines offer a contrast from their other subjects, and simply that a love of listening to music can be applied in an academic context. Music sits well alongside any combination of subjects and is excellent preparation for any degree. The world’s top universities have long recognised that it requires self-discipline, imagination and intellectual rigour. If you want to take Music to degree level or on to a musical career, this A Level specification establishes a platform for performing, composing, academia or the wider music industry.
A good pass at GCSE would be a good indication of suitability for A Level Music. However, an able performer (Grade 7 standard or higher) with a keen interest in music may well be suitable for A Level without having done GCSE. Consistent work across the three components creates a platform for success, but underpinning the whole process should be an aim for full marks in Component 1. Component 2 requires a boldness to try new ideas as well as respond imaginatively to a set task. Finally, for Component 3, students need to listen to and read about unfamiliar music as well as closely analysing the set works.
Component 1: Performing (9MU0 / 01) Non-examined – marked externally: 30% of the qualification 60 marks ■ Performance of one or more pieces – solo, in an ensemble, improvising or realising music through musical technology ■ Total performance time of 8 minutes minimum, recorded between 1 March and 1 May Component 2: Composing (9MU0 / 02) Non-examined – marked externally: 30% of the qualification 60 marks ■ Total of two compositions, one to a brief set by the Board, and either one free composition or a further one to a brief. Total time must be a minimum of 6 minutes ■ One composition must be from either a list of set briefs related to the areas of study, or a free composition. This composition must be at least 4 minutes long, and it carries 40 marks ■ One composition must be from a brief assessing composing techniques, carrying 20 marks Component 3: Appraising (9MU0 / 03) Written examination: 2 hours 40% of the qualification 100 marks Content overview ■ Knowledge and understanding of musical elements, contexts and language ■ Application of knowledge through six areas of study, each with three set works ■ (vocal music, instrumental music, film music, pop and jazz, musical fusions, new directions) ■ Application of knowledge to unfamiliar works Assessment overview ■ One written paper of 2 hours, with a total of 100 marks ■ One audio CD with extracts to accompany exam questions issued to each student ■ Section A: three questions related to set works; one short dictation exercise ■ Section B: two essay questions. Essay one (20 marks) asks students to draw links from their study of the set works to music heard as an unfamiliar extract. Essay two (30 marks) gives a choice of three questions from different areas of study that ask students to evaluate the musical elements, context and language of one set work.