Music

Course summary

A-Level music builds on the knowledge and skills attained at GCSE. The AQA syllabus naturally progresses from GCSE to A-level and is similar in many respects. Students explore their knowledge and understanding of music through Appraising, Composing and Performing. UNIT 1: PERFORMING 30% • A public performance of one or more pieces, performed as a recital of 10 minutes. • Performers can perform a solo, ensemble, improvisation or a realisation of music using music technology. UNIT 2: COMPOSING 30% • Two compositions, one set to a brief by the exam board, the other to a brief set by school. • The compositions in total must be 4.5 minutes in duration. UNIT 3: APPRAISING 40% • Knowledge and understanding of musical elements, contexts and language. Application of knowledge though the study of three areas of study, and six set works. • Areas of study include: Western Classical Music, Jazz, Musical Theatre, World, Film Music, Contemporary traditional music.