The syllabus offers a wide range of set works separated into six areas of study. There is also a unit for performance as a soloist or ensemble player and finally a composition and techniques unit examined as controlled coursework and a terminal task. A Level Music is regarded highly by universities, regardless of the subject studied. Courses ranging from Medicine to Maths, Languages to History can be studied with Music as one of a portfolio of A Levels. If Music is the chosen course, there are two options for study: Music College or a University degree. Dauntsey’s pupils gain places regularly at the best Music Colleges and Universities to study performance and academic music. After graduation, musicians can explore performance studies or academic research. Alternatively, using the degree as an academic award, music graduates can be found training for accountancy, finance, law and many other professions. Pupils also go on to perform in orchestras, sing in shows and choirs, and play in bands to earn their living.
Minimum I/GCSE Grade 7 on the 9-1 scale (or an alternative as specified below). At least Grade 6 performance. GCSE Music Grade 7 or above (or equivalent). Grade 5 Theory. The minimum standard for a high pass in the final A Level performance is Grade 7/8. We offer theory training up to Grade 8 alongside the A Level and recommend pupils follow this course to assist with the technical aspects of harmony.
Component 1: Performing (30%). A total of eight minutes of solo or ensemble performance, recorded in school and moderated by external examiners. A total of 60 marks is available with 12 of these allocated to the difficulty of the piece. Component 2: Composing (30%). Two compositions/tasks. One is a composition of own choice or to a brief set by EDEXCEL in September of the second year on the course. The piece must last for at least five minutes. The second task assesses technique. There is a choice of task: either harmonising two hymn tunes in the style of Bach or creating an arrangement of a given melody (often a folk song). For the Bach option, the soprano line is given, and candidates are expected to add the Alto, Tenor and Bass line in the appropriate style. One tune is likely to be in a major key and the other in a minor key. The folk arrangement is normally for an ensemble of three or four instruments. A total of 60 marks is available, 40 for composing and 20 for the technique’s questions. Component 3: Appraising (40%) Terminal Exam. Pieces of music will be analysed from six Areas of Study: Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Music for Film, Popular Music and Jazz, Fusions, New Directions. The final exam lasts for 2 hours 10 minutes and has 100 marks available. The exam will include unseen music which needs to be compared with works studied during the course.
About Education Provider
| Region | South West |
| Local Authority | Wiltshire |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Day £23,730; Boarding £39,270 |
| Sixth Form Fee | Unknown |
| Address | West Lavington, Devizes, SN10 4HE |
The syllabus offers a wide range of set works separated into six areas of study. There is also a unit for performance as a soloist or ensemble player and finally a composition and techniques unit examined as controlled coursework and a terminal task. A Level Music is regarded highly by universities, regardless of the subject studied. Courses ranging from Medicine to Maths, Languages to History can be studied with Music as one of a portfolio of A Levels. If Music is the chosen course, there are two options for study: Music College or a University degree. Dauntsey’s pupils gain places regularly at the best Music Colleges and Universities to study performance and academic music. After graduation, musicians can explore performance studies or academic research. Alternatively, using the degree as an academic award, music graduates can be found training for accountancy, finance, law and many other professions. Pupils also go on to perform in orchestras, sing in shows and choirs, and play in bands to earn their living.
Minimum I/GCSE Grade 7 on the 9-1 scale (or an alternative as specified below). At least Grade 6 performance. GCSE Music Grade 7 or above (or equivalent). Grade 5 Theory. The minimum standard for a high pass in the final A Level performance is Grade 7/8. We offer theory training up to Grade 8 alongside the A Level and recommend pupils follow this course to assist with the technical aspects of harmony.
Component 1: Performing (30%). A total of eight minutes of solo or ensemble performance, recorded in school and moderated by external examiners. A total of 60 marks is available with 12 of these allocated to the difficulty of the piece. Component 2: Composing (30%). Two compositions/tasks. One is a composition of own choice or to a brief set by EDEXCEL in September of the second year on the course. The piece must last for at least five minutes. The second task assesses technique. There is a choice of task: either harmonising two hymn tunes in the style of Bach or creating an arrangement of a given melody (often a folk song). For the Bach option, the soprano line is given, and candidates are expected to add the Alto, Tenor and Bass line in the appropriate style. One tune is likely to be in a major key and the other in a minor key. The folk arrangement is normally for an ensemble of three or four instruments. A total of 60 marks is available, 40 for composing and 20 for the technique’s questions. Component 3: Appraising (40%) Terminal Exam. Pieces of music will be analysed from six Areas of Study: Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Music for Film, Popular Music and Jazz, Fusions, New Directions. The final exam lasts for 2 hours 10 minutes and has 100 marks available. The exam will include unseen music which needs to be compared with works studied during the course.