Pupils opt to study Music for a variety of reasons. For some it is a prelude to the study of Music at university or music college, whilst others pursue it as a passion, knowing that music will be a part of their life whatever path they decide to take. Whatever your reason for taking Music, the course offered at Mill Hill develops a wide range of musical disciplines and complements scientific, linguistic and humanist A-level combinations. Because of the wide range of skills it requires, A-level Music is considered a highly demanding and valuable course and is therefore looked upon favourably by the most competitive universities. Lessons aim to build and develop a wide variety of skills including aural recognition, composing in a Classical vein, free composition, score reading, musical analysis, independent research, presenting, essay writing, performing, appraising, identifying differences between performances of the same piece, learning about historical, musical and social contexts and the provenance of pieces.
Sixth Form candidates are encouraged to apply in the Autumn Term of the year preceding entry and are generally required to have a minimum of two 7 and three 6 grades at GCSE, and a minimum of grade 5 in Mathematics and English, with some subject-specific requirements, as listed in our Sixth Form Curriculum Guide. In addition to the ‘traditional’ A Level offer, in September 2023, the School introduced BTEC in Sport. This pathway was open to elite performers who are linked with our Saracens Partnership. Grade 6 in GCSE Music plus Grade 5 performance standard (you do not have to have taken the exam) in at least one instrument. ABRSM Grade 5 Theory is a significant advantage. The Director of Academic Music will consider applications from those who have the relevant musical experience, but have not studied GCSE Music, on an individual basis.
Performance (30%) The course offers a wealth of performing opportunities in and out of School as a soloist and ensemble musician. A-level Music pupils prepare for an extended recital with regular coaching, workshops and performance opportunities. Composition and Compositional Techniques (30%) A-level musicians develop free compositional skills as well as hone the techniques of various historical and contemporary styles, such as song, string quartet, chorales and jazz styles. In free composition, A-level pupils are free to set their briefs and develop their compositional language. Listening and Appraising (40%) At A-level, pupils study a variety of topics from the 16th Century to the present day. The topics and works studied are chosen with the interests of the particular pupils in mind. These are assessed with a written exam featuring aural questions on unfamiliar pieces and essay writing. Possible topics include: • Instrumental Music of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven • Popular Song: Blues, Jazz, Swing and Big Band • Developments in Instrumental Jazz from 1910 to the present day • Religious Music of the Baroque Period • Programme Music 1820–1910 • Innovations in Music from 1900 to the present day • Music for Stage and Screen in the Twentieth Century
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Barnet |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | £36,795 - £43,590 |
| Sixth Form Fee | £25,800 |
| Address | The Ridgeway, Mill Hill Village, London, NW7 1QS |
Pupils opt to study Music for a variety of reasons. For some it is a prelude to the study of Music at university or music college, whilst others pursue it as a passion, knowing that music will be a part of their life whatever path they decide to take. Whatever your reason for taking Music, the course offered at Mill Hill develops a wide range of musical disciplines and complements scientific, linguistic and humanist A-level combinations. Because of the wide range of skills it requires, A-level Music is considered a highly demanding and valuable course and is therefore looked upon favourably by the most competitive universities. Lessons aim to build and develop a wide variety of skills including aural recognition, composing in a Classical vein, free composition, score reading, musical analysis, independent research, presenting, essay writing, performing, appraising, identifying differences between performances of the same piece, learning about historical, musical and social contexts and the provenance of pieces.
Sixth Form candidates are encouraged to apply in the Autumn Term of the year preceding entry and are generally required to have a minimum of two 7 and three 6 grades at GCSE, and a minimum of grade 5 in Mathematics and English, with some subject-specific requirements, as listed in our Sixth Form Curriculum Guide. In addition to the ‘traditional’ A Level offer, in September 2023, the School introduced BTEC in Sport. This pathway was open to elite performers who are linked with our Saracens Partnership. Grade 6 in GCSE Music plus Grade 5 performance standard (you do not have to have taken the exam) in at least one instrument. ABRSM Grade 5 Theory is a significant advantage. The Director of Academic Music will consider applications from those who have the relevant musical experience, but have not studied GCSE Music, on an individual basis.
Performance (30%) The course offers a wealth of performing opportunities in and out of School as a soloist and ensemble musician. A-level Music pupils prepare for an extended recital with regular coaching, workshops and performance opportunities. Composition and Compositional Techniques (30%) A-level musicians develop free compositional skills as well as hone the techniques of various historical and contemporary styles, such as song, string quartet, chorales and jazz styles. In free composition, A-level pupils are free to set their briefs and develop their compositional language. Listening and Appraising (40%) At A-level, pupils study a variety of topics from the 16th Century to the present day. The topics and works studied are chosen with the interests of the particular pupils in mind. These are assessed with a written exam featuring aural questions on unfamiliar pieces and essay writing. Possible topics include: • Instrumental Music of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven • Popular Song: Blues, Jazz, Swing and Big Band • Developments in Instrumental Jazz from 1910 to the present day • Religious Music of the Baroque Period • Programme Music 1820–1910 • Innovations in Music from 1900 to the present day • Music for Stage and Screen in the Twentieth Century