Music - Post GCSE

Please complete the three tasks below in preparation for the beginning of your A-Level Music course in September.

First, use the link below to download the Edexcel A-Level Music Specification, and read the ‘Qualification at a Glance’ section on pages 4 – 6.

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/music-2016.html

Secondly, prepare a piece of music to play to the group in class. This can be a piece of music which you are currently learning, or have already learnt, and it should be between Grade 5 and Diploma level ABRSM, Trinity Guildhall, LAMDA, Rockschool, or another examination board difficulty level.

• The piece does not have to be actually on one of these syllabuses, it just needs to be of minimum Grade 5 standard.

• The piece can have an accompaniment, or it may be a study piece, and it can be in any style.

• You should aim to play your chosen piece as accurately, fluently and expressively as you can.

• Finally, prepare a single Powerpoint slide about a piece of music which you really enjoy listening to, and why.

• The piece of music can be classical or contemporary, and in any style. Does the piece make you feel a certain way? Does it conjure up certain images?

• Try to refer to some of the following musical elements in your slide to help you explain why this piece of music is so good: dynamics, rhythm, texture, tonality, timbre, structure, melody, instrumentation, harmony.

Dr Ratcliffe

Director of Music