Music A level provides an excellent all-round education in the varied aspects of music-making. Skill areas cover performing and composing as well as aural and historical analysis. It is a creative subject which provides opportunities to work in your own preferred styles, whilst retaining a focus on traditional western classical music.

 

Entry with:

GCSE grade B in Music and grade five in an instrument and basic keyboard skills. Strong musicians without GCSE Music will be considered. 

• • The course has a large coursework element which enables students to work at length and in detail on their coursework submissions.
• • Practical music-making is integral to the course, both solo and ensemble playing required.
• • Excellent extra-curricular programme with regular concerts, both formal and informal, including many different styles of music.
• • Regular extension events designed both to stretch the most able students and also to broaden the cultural and musical experience of all students

 

Awarding body: Edexcel

AS Level Units

The course includes the following:
• Performing – students will be assessed in solo or ensemble performance in both AS and A2 years (coursework: 30%).
• Composing – students will be assessed in composition (either stylistic or free) in both AS and A2 years (coursework: 30%).
• Analysing – students’ understanding of harmony, theory, history and aural will be assessed in both AS and A2 years (exam: 40%).
• Music students will receive weekly lessons in the different skill areas of the course: aural, history, harmony and composition.

There will also be coursework performance assessments. Each skill area is likely to have a weekly homework assignment set, although in composition this will become a longer coursework project.

 

Advanced (A2) Level Units

Overview: see above
 

 

 

• • The Music Department is situated in impressive purpose built accommodation with a recital/rehearsal room, teaching room, resource area, two recording studios, a suite of practice rooms
• • Access to computers with music software including Sibelius, Cubase, Naxos, Auralia, Logic (one student per computer)

 

“The Music A level course is more challenging than at GCSE, but much more enjoyable. The lessons are split between the different aspects of the course so it's very varied. There are also so many ensembles and opportunities for all sorts of performance and these are a really good way to meet people and get involved in college life.”
Emily Shercliff
“If someone had told me in September that I would have actually stood up and sang, even as part of a big choir, in ANY venue, let alone Kings College, I would have laughed them out of the room! But the atmosphere of the Music department has been so inclusive and fostering that I felt comfortable just trying my best and getting involved. Mozart's Requiem has been more than a singing experience for me and I'm very grateful for the Music team’s huge efforts to involve people and include them in a brilliant yet competitive department.”
James Bloor