Music

Assessment

Before you start this course, you should have studied Music to GCSE level and it is helpful to have passed the ABRSM Grade 5 Theory examination. The performance level of the examination is equivalent to ABRSM Grade 8. There are three A-level components studied over two years and reflect the three discrete musical areas explored by this qualification: Component 1 Performance (60 marks) 30% of the total mark This component allows pupils to develop their performance skills as soloists and/or as part of an ensemble. Pupils can choose music in any style. Any instrument(s) and/or voice(s) are acceptable as part of an 8-minute performance (minimum) of a balanced programme of music. Component 2 Composing (60 marks) 30% of the total mark This component has two sections: 1 free or free choice brief and 1 brief assessing technique. The composition component seeks to develop pupils’ compositional skills, leading to the creation of one four-minute piece (minimum) of free composition (40 marks) and one one-minute technical study (minimum) in response to a chosen brief (20 marks). The two compositions must together total a minimum of six minutes in performance. Component 3 Appraising (100 marks) Written examination paper (2 hours 10 mins) 40% of the total mark This component focuses on listening to music, familiar and unfamiliar and understanding how it works. Candidates will examine 6 Areas of Study: Vocal Music; Instrumental Music; Music for Film; Popular Music and Jazz; Fusions; and New Directions. Candidates will also examine a wide range of supporting musical examples related to the areas of study. They will learn how to compare and contrast excerpts, contextualise music and identify harmonic and tonal features.