Music A-Level

The A-Level music course may be seen as a continuation of G.C.S.E. Music in that it is based on three key components: listening/appraising, performing and composing.

COMPONENT 1: APPRAISING (listening, analysis and understanding) 40% of total A-Level marks

An exam paper in three sections (A: Listening, B: Analysis and C: Essay) based on three Areas of Study:

The Western Classical Tradition 1650-1910

Including the Baroque solo concerto, Mozart’s operas and the piano music of the Romantic period

Music for Theatre or Media

Including music by Stephen Sondheim, Claude-Michel Schonberg and Jason Robert Brown or Bernard Herrman and Hans Zimmer.

Popular Music

Including Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Muse, Beyonce, Daft Punk and Labrinth

COMPONENT 2: PERFORMANCE 35% of total A-Level marks

Solo and/or ensemble performance as an instrumentalist or vocalist.

Pieces selected by the candidate. Free lessons with a specialist tutor are available to support learning. Performances are recorded and submitted to AQA for external assessment.

A minimum of ten minutes’ performance is required. This may constitute several short pieces.

COMPONENT 3: COMPOSITION 25% of total A-Level marks

Candidates submit two compositions;

· Composition to a brief set by AQA

· Free composition (in a style of the candidate’s choosing)

A minimum of four and a half minutes’ music in total is required. Compositions are recorded/created using music ICT and submitted to AQA for external assessment.

The department encourages active involvement in all forms of music-making, both individual and communal and students should take advantage of the many and varied opportunities available to develop their practical, aural and technical skills.

As well as studying Music at Higher Education level, Gateacre students have gone on to careers as session musicians, sound engineers, teachers, music therapists and peripatetic tutors. The department is well-connected with regard to the worlds of higher education (Liverpool Hope University, LIPA) and industry (PA company Adlib Audio who have had engineers touring with Bob Dylan and The Kaiser Chiefs amongst many others).

We welcome all enthusiastic, committed and hard-working musicians.

If you’re interested in further information, please speak to any member of the Music Department staff