GCE A Level Music

Course summary

Music A Level at Sydney Russell is split into three sections: Performing, Composing, and Appraising. Performing forms 30% of the qualification and consists of a public performance of one or more pieces, performed as a recital. Performance can be playing or singing solo, in an ensemble, improvising, or realising music using music technology. Composing also forms 30% of the qualification. This section consists of two compositions, one to a brief set by the exam board, and the other is a free composition. The brief composition will be linked to one of the areas of study in the appraising section. The total time across both submissions must be a minimum of six minutes. The third and final section of the Music A Level is Appraising. This is worth 40% of the qualification, examined in the form of one exam. During this section you will gain knowledge and understanding of musical elements, contexts and language. You will then apply this knowledge through the context of six areas of study, each with three set works. The areas of study are: Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Music for Film, Popular Music and Jazz, Fusions, New Directions.