Music

Why study Music?

Music A Level is both a creative and academic course giving students the opportunity to develop a deep understanding and appreciation of music in all of its forms. It gives a fascinating insight into how music is created and performed across a wide range of styles and periods.

Through their study, students develop highly developed performing and composing skills alongside critical analysis, listening and appraising of music.

Highly respected by universities, Music A Level shows a student is both an academic individual as well as being well-rounded and creative.

In order to assist with the cost of instrumental / vocal lessons, Aylesbury High School offers to fund a course of 30 lessons, up to a maximum of £540, for students taking A Level music.

Destinations for AHS students who studied this subject are on display outside the subject classrooms

AHS students can use Unifrog to explore how this subject might be used in life after A Levels 

Entry Requirements

Grade 6 in GCSE Music is desirable, but not essential, with a good understanding of Grade 5 theory requirements. Students should have the potential to be Grade 6 standard on your instrument / voice by the end of the course. What is important is an enthusiasm for performing and / or composition and a genuine interest in exploring all styles of music.

Special features of the course

The course is split into three areas: performance, composition and listening/appraising. There are six areas of study: Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Music for Film, Popular Music and Jazz, Fusions, New Directions. Students study set works and further musical examples from each of these areas.

We have also just fitted out one of our main teaching rooms with new iMac computers allowing the use of software such as Logic Pro and Sibelius with associated peripherals for A Level compositions.

Costs

A Level Music (Edexcel) Revision Guide £9.95

The book below is available to borrow from the school library, or students can buy it if they prefer:

Edexcel AS/A Level Anthology of Music £46.50

Cost of ongoing private instrumental/ theory tuition

Please note: In recognition of the cost of taking the Advanced Level Music course, AHS will support your daughter by paying for instrumental lessons on one instrument, which may include voice or general musicianship/theory up to the sum of £510 per annum.

How is the course organised and assessed?

Performance

• One recital performance that is recorded and sent to an external examiner

• This can be a solo, ensemble or improvised performance

Composition

• Two compositions are submitted

• One ‘free’ or in response to a brief composition set by the board

• One composition technique (ie chorale, counterpoint, arrangement or remix)

Listening & Appraising

• One examination at the end of the course

• Study of set works and related music throughout the course

• This includes listening, aural, dictation, analysis and extended writing tasks