Music 

Collaboration between QEII & RGS

Details of the Examination Specification

Music WJEC CBAC Music 

A Level Music has three main components; performing, composing and appraising music. This A level has 6 units taught over the course of the 2 year period. Students will have examinations in both Year 12 and Year 13. This follows the same format as iGCSE in both Year 12 and 13 with a live examined performance on their chosen instrument as both a soloist and ensemble player, a composition of their choice and technical exercise set by the exam board and a listening exam based around an analysed score and set topic. 

It is still very highly valued by Employers and University tutors alike because of the diverse nature of skills that Musicians display especially on completion of the course. These include; communication, teamwork, self-management, performing under pressure, planning, technical skills and critical reflection. 

Students are expected to be creative, yet academic in their approach to work, and they must maintain their performance skills in and outside of school. They must take practical instrumental lessons and have a solid foundation of Grade 5+ music theory to succeed on the course. Although not essential in some cases, it is advisable that the student has taken IGCSE Music as a firm foundation for this course. Please do contact us to discuss if you do not currently study IGCSE music. They must be taking part in music ensembles in and outside of school for their practical musicianship. 

Unit Breakdown 

Unit 1 (12% of the qualification) 

Performance length is 6-8 minutes - this is assessed by a visiting examiner and achieved in one take and recorded for moderation purposes. Students are required to give a performance consisting of a minimum of 2 contrasting pieces either as a soloist or part of an ensemble or a combination of both. One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one area of study. (Western Classical Tradition, Rock and Pop, Musical Theatre or Jazz). 

Unit 2 (12% of the qualification) 

Students needs to prepare a portfolio of 2 compositions. First composition needs to be chosen from a brief set by the WJEC exam board. This must use certain techniques associated with the brief and the minimum duration is 1 minute. Second composition is a free composition where the student is to compose in any style they so wish. It is assessed through a recording, score and a composition log. This unit is sent off to an external marker and must be a minimum of 2 minutes in duration. 

Unit 3 (16% of the qualification) 

This is a written listening exam (1 hour 30 min) comprised of both prepared and unprepared questions. Students will have studied a module on The Symphony (1760 – 1830) with a set work currently two movements of Haydn’s ‘Drum Roll’ symphony and an Area of Study, currently studying Musical Theatre focussing on Porter, Rodgers, Lloyd-Webber and Schonberg. There are both short answers and essay questions within this paper. 

Unit 4 (22% of the qualification) 

Performance length is 10-12 minutes - this is assessed by a visiting examiner and achieved in one take and recorded for moderation purposes. Students are required to give a performance consisting of a minimum of 3 contrasting pieces as a soloist and can be part of an ensemble or a combination of both. One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one area of study. (Western Classical Tradition, Rock and Pop, Musical Theatre or Jazz). 

Unit 5 (14% of the qualification) 

Students needs to prepare a portfolio of 2 compositions. First composition needs to be chosen from a brief set by the WJEC exam board. This must use certain techniques associated with the brief and the minimum duration is 1 minute. Second composition is a free composition where the student is to compose in any style they so wish. It is assessed through a recording, score and a composition log. This unit is sent off to an external marker and must be a minimum of 2 minutes in duration. 

Unit 6 (24% of the qualification) 

This is a written listening exam comprised of both prepared and unprepared questions. Students will have studied a module on The Symphony (1830 - 1910) with a set work currently two movements of Brahms Symphony No. 1 in C minor, plus a strand of Impressionism with related set works. Then an Area of Study which is currently American Musical Theatre focussing on Schwartz and Sondheim. There are both short answers and essay questions within this paper.