Music

Course summary

The course involves musicological analysis, free and stylistic composition, and performance on the student’s principal instrument. The course is based around three Areas of Study: 1. The Western Classical Tradition 2. A choice of one from: Rock and Pop, Musical Theatre, or Jazz 3. A choice of one from: Into the Twentieth Century, or Into the Twenty-first Century. There are different pathways to follow depending on individual strengths, which allows a degree of flexibility in the Programme of Study for this course. Assessment consists of: Performing (25% OR 35%): Option A (35%): A recital of 10 to 12 minutes, consisting of a minimum of three pieces, one of which must be a solo. One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of an Area of Study, and another piece must reflect a different Area of Study. Option B (25%): A recital of 6 to 8 minutes, consisting of a minimum of two pieces, either as a soloist or in an ensemble, or a combination. One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of an Area of Study. Composing (25% or 35%): Option A (25%): Two compositions, one of which must be in response to a brief, and reflect the musical techniques and conventions associated with the Western Classical Tradition. The second composition is a free composition. Option B: (35%) Three compositions, one of which must be in response to a brief, and reflect the musical techniques and conventions associated with the Western Classical Tradition. The second composition must reflect the musical characteristics of one different area of study, while the third composition is a free composition. Appraising (40%): This is an examination based on the three Areas of Study. It will include analysis of Set Works, extended responses on context, questions on unprepared extracts of music, and comparison questions.