Course information
Music
Queen Elizabeth's Hospital - Bristol, City of
01179303040
Berkeley Place, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1JX
Course summary

You may love singing or playing an instrument. You may dream of becoming a composer or conductor. Or you may simply want to study something creative alongside your other A-level choices. Whatever your reasons for choosing Music, this is a highly fulfilling and enjoyable A-level that will greatly enhance your ability to appreciate music and also play your chosen instrument. You’ll have the chance to study a wide range of composers and musical genres, discovering music that could make a lifelong impression. Your studies will fall into three areas: appraising music, performance and composition. In appraising music, you’ll focus on the Western classical tradition from 1650 to 1910. You’ll also pick two of the following topics: pop music; music for media; music for theatre; jazz; contemporary traditional music; and art music since 1910. In performance, you’ll develop your technical and expressive control and learn how to demonstrate an understanding of context, including the chosen style or genre of music that you perform and the composer’s purpose and intention. In composition, you’ll learn how to develop musical ideas, use appropriate musical elements and compose music that is musically convincing as a whole. Where Music Can Take You Music can take you into a wide range of careers including performance, composition, arts management, music editing, broadcasting/ journalism, music therapy, and teaching – depending on where your strengths and passions lie. It can also lead to degree courses and careers that don’t necessarily involve music. Universities and employers value the transferable skills you’ll have gained, particularly on the creative, analytical and technological side.

Entry requirements

If you're an existing student, entry to the Sixth Form is conditional on you achieving a minimum of six GCSEs at grade 6. You don't have to complete an application form. You’ll need at least a grade 5 or above on your first choice instrument together with our general entry requirements.

How you'll be assessed

How you’ll be assessed You’ll take three exams: Appraising music. This consists of 40% of your final marks. It’s a written exam that will test your listening, analytical skills and contextual understanding. You’ll also write an essay. Performance. This consists of 35% of your final marks. You’ll perform as an instrumentalist or vocalist – solo and/or ensemble – for at least ten minutes. Composition. This consists of 25% of your final marks. You’ll compose two pieces of music of at least four and a half minutes. One of these will meet a specific brief.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionSouth West
Local AuthorityBristol, City of
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeCo-Educational
ISI ReportView Report
Boarding FeeUnknown
Sixth Form Fee£17,085
AddressBerkeley Place, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1JX