A highly regarded, exciting and rewarding A level, music is a varied and interesting course, combining both academic study and creativity, based around learning and developing three key skills: performing, composing and listening, and appraising. Building upon knowledge of musical theory, students will obtain a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of performance, refine practical skills, study and practice composition and the expand their knowledge of music history through listening and appraisal. The course offers the development of a plethora of music skills, from performance, composition, harmony and aural, to analytical skills and essay writing techniques. Appealing to naturally creative students that enjoy a variety of activities and disciplines, the subject is taught holistically with several disciplines being exercised within one lesson to ensure development of the whole musician; the course encourages high-end thinking, making connections between learning. Students taking A level music will be given the opportunity to develop the use of musical devices. However, while there is a good level of practical activity in the course, through performance and composition, students will also learn to analyse the music and gain a deeper insight into the social and historical context of its creation as well as the mechanics behind the harmony. This in turn will deepen overall understanding and enhancement of performance and creative skills.
Most students wishing to study A level music will have successfully followed the GCSE course although gifted performers or composers, after consultation with staff, could be accepted without GCSE music.
There are three components of the course. » Performing » Composing » Appraising Performance and composition are assessed via coursework throughout the two-year course. A solo and ensemble performance are assessed in terms of ambition of choice of piece, technical and expressive control, ability to interpret music and the overall quality of the performance. The composition element requires students to respond to briefs set; either by themselves or the examination board. Pieces are assessed on the basis of originality, fluency and consistency as well as the quality of accompanying written score alongside musical elements included. Appraising is assessed through examination at the end of the two-year course. Students have to respond to aural pieces, analysing and evaluating familiar and unfamiliar pieces of music. Through that appraisal students are expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of musical elements and languages across multiple styles and genres.
About Education Provider
| Region | East of England |
| Local Authority | Suffolk |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | £29,514 - £38,490 |
| Sixth Form Fee | Day £18,975 - £20,538 |
| Address | Burkitt Road, Woodbridge, IP12 4JH |
A highly regarded, exciting and rewarding A level, music is a varied and interesting course, combining both academic study and creativity, based around learning and developing three key skills: performing, composing and listening, and appraising. Building upon knowledge of musical theory, students will obtain a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of performance, refine practical skills, study and practice composition and the expand their knowledge of music history through listening and appraisal. The course offers the development of a plethora of music skills, from performance, composition, harmony and aural, to analytical skills and essay writing techniques. Appealing to naturally creative students that enjoy a variety of activities and disciplines, the subject is taught holistically with several disciplines being exercised within one lesson to ensure development of the whole musician; the course encourages high-end thinking, making connections between learning. Students taking A level music will be given the opportunity to develop the use of musical devices. However, while there is a good level of practical activity in the course, through performance and composition, students will also learn to analyse the music and gain a deeper insight into the social and historical context of its creation as well as the mechanics behind the harmony. This in turn will deepen overall understanding and enhancement of performance and creative skills.
Most students wishing to study A level music will have successfully followed the GCSE course although gifted performers or composers, after consultation with staff, could be accepted without GCSE music.
There are three components of the course. » Performing » Composing » Appraising Performance and composition are assessed via coursework throughout the two-year course. A solo and ensemble performance are assessed in terms of ambition of choice of piece, technical and expressive control, ability to interpret music and the overall quality of the performance. The composition element requires students to respond to briefs set; either by themselves or the examination board. Pieces are assessed on the basis of originality, fluency and consistency as well as the quality of accompanying written score alongside musical elements included. Appraising is assessed through examination at the end of the two-year course. Students have to respond to aural pieces, analysing and evaluating familiar and unfamiliar pieces of music. Through that appraisal students are expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of musical elements and languages across multiple styles and genres.