Music

Course summary

Music at A level is a hugely varied course that follows on naturally from the IGCSE course. It continues to focus on the elements of Performing, Composing, Listening and the History of Music, but in greater detail and taking the associated skills to a higher level. The skills and content of the A level Music course provide excellent preparation for studying Music at undergraduate level either at universities or conservatoires. The broad range of skills developed through the course – practical, aural, creative, analytical and historical – provide excellent preparation for a wide range of other humanities and language subjects at university. Many pupils choose A level Music alongside Maths and Sciences and this combination works extremely well. The course is designed to develop your skills as a performer, undertaking and learning from regular recorded performances as a soloist and/or ensemble player. It is expected that you will play a full role in the extra-curricular life of the department to further enhance your performing experience and enable you to access the highest marks. You will learn how to develop your own compositional skills finally producing a free choice composition. You will also study four-part harmony in the style of J S Bach. Finally, through the study of a variety of set works from across the history of Western Classical music, world and popular music you will gain a deep understanding of how styles and genres have evolved, and you will develop your aural perception skills through listening exercises.