Meet the Department

Dr Simon Fleming: Course Leader

I studied Music for a BA(Hons) and an MMus at Liverpool University before I did my PGCE(QTS) and PhD at Durham. I have been teaching at QE since 2014 and have previously taught at Durham University; I am currently a student mentor at Durham University's Ustinov College. AT QE I currently run the college's orchestra, classical choir and baroque ensemble. My main instrument is the organ, and I am the organist and a worship leader at St Nicholas' Church, Durham. Outside of work I am active as an author and have produced numerous academic articles on music history and analysis, and my first book was published in December 2021. I also teach piano. Other interests include Indian culture - I speak Hindi and love to cook Indian food. I also enjoy watching films.

Steve McGarvie

I completed my BA(Hons) in Jazz Studies at Leeds College of Music and PGCE in Post-16 Education at the University of Sunderland. I have been teaching at QE since 2005 and was the course leader of both Music and Music Technology before going part time. At QE I currently teach on the A-Level Music and BTEC Popular Music courses, with a specialism in performance, as well as running the college Big Band and Pop Choir. My main instrument is the saxophone and I play in the Durham Alumni Big Band, The Smokin' Spitfires soul band and guest with many jazz ensembles in the north east. I also teach clarinet, sax and piano privately and founded and direct two community choirs, in Darlington and Bishop Auckland.

Course Overview

Exam board – AQA, Specification code: 7272

Examination details:

Module 1: Appraising of Music Written Exam 40% of A-Level

Module 2: Performance Externally Assessed 35% of A-Level

Module 3: Composition Coursework 25% of A-Level

Topics studied

Year One:

The Baroque Concerto 1
Music Theatre 1
The first act of Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro
An introduction to harmony
Composition 1
Listening Skills 1

Year Two:

The Baroque Concerto 2
Music Theatre 2
Romantic Piano Music
Pop Music
Composition 2
Listening Skills 2

Back to Subject Websites