Course information
Music
Birkdale School - Sheffield
01142668408
Oakholme Road, Sheffield, S10 3DH
Course summary

If you enjoyed GCSE Music, most definitely! Some knowledge of notation will be helpful, but if you play confidently by ear, or you can improvise well, then you will enjoy the course. You will also be stretched, and you will learn to do some things you never thought possible. The successful A Level Musician is enthusiastic, has initiative and imagination, and enjoys a challenge. However, the most important quality is that he or she loves music. A Level of Music can be studied with almost any other combination of subjects. The qualification is highly regarded by university admissions tutors as it demonstrates the student possesses a wide variety of skills, both academic and practical. The A-level Music course is designed to be co-teachable with the AS Music course, so it will be possible for pupils to take an AS qualification at the end of the first year of the A-level course, should they choose to do so.

Entry requirements

Entry into the Sixth Form is conditional upon achievement of a minimum of five passes (grades 9-5) at GCSE, with at least four of these at grade 6 or higher including any subjects studied at GCSE which are to be studied at A level.

How you'll be assessed

Music A-Level builds firmly on the three areas of discipline studied at GCSE: Performing On the A-level course, candidates perform a short recital of pieces (minimum of 8 minutes) which can be in any style and for any instrument or voice. Pieces performed can be either notated or improvised, and candidates can play as part of an ensemble if they prefer. The standard required is approximately Grade 6, although performance grades will be scaled up for more difficult pieces 30% of A level Composition Candidates must complete two original compositions on the course. One of these compositions can be either chosen from a list of briefs related to the areas of study, or a free composition. The other will be a composition which assesses compositional technique in a given style (to a brief set by Edexcel) and can be either a four-part chorale, two-part counterpoint, arrangement or remix. There will be the opportunity to compose in a variety of different styles, depending on the preferences of the candidate. The total minimum composition time must be at least 6 minutes. 30% of A level Listening, History and Analysis Students on the A-level course explore set works across a range of Areas of Study: • Vocal Music • Instrumental Music • Music for Film • Popular Music and Jazz • Fusions • New Directions A-level students study three set works per Area of Study. Listening skills are also tested in an exam in a variety of ways including recognition of styles and structures, and analysing short melodies and chord progressions by ear. Candidates are encouraged to listen to a wide range of unfamiliar music to help them in an exam. 40% of A level

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionYorkshire and the Humber
Local AuthoritySheffield
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeCo-Educational
ISI ReportView Report
Boarding FeeUnknown
Sixth Form Fee£10,653 - £14,985
AddressOakholme Road, Sheffield, S10 3DH