Music

AS/A2 Music

AS Level Music Core components:

Unit 1: Performing (12%)

• Externally assessed by visiting examiner in April

• Total duration of performances 6-8 minutes.

• A performance consisting of a minimum of 2 pieces, either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble or a combination of both. One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one are of study

Unit 2: Composing (12%)

• Internally assessed, externally moderated

• Compose a piece of at least 1 minute in duration which uses the techniques associated with the Western Classical Tradition, in response to a brief set by WJEC and 1 free composition of at least 2 minutes duration (total duration of compositions 3-6 minutes)

Unit 3: Appraising (16%)

• 1hr 30 minutes listening exam

• Based on 2 areas of study:

  • A = The Western Classical tradition, The Symphony 1760-1830. Set work: Symphony No 103, Drum Roll, Haydn, Movements 1 & 2.

  • B = Rock and Pop 1965 - 1990

A2 Level Music core components:

Unit 4: Performing

• Externally assessed by visiting examiner in April

• Option A (22%): Total performance duration 10-12 minutes:

A performance consisting of 3 pieces. At least one piece must be as a soloist. The other piece must be as a soloist or as part of an ensemble or a combination of both.

• Option B (14%): Total performance duration 6-8 minutes:

A performance consisting of a minimum of two pieces either as a soloist or part of an ensemble or both. One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one area of study.

Unit 5: Composing

• A choice of 2 compositions

• Option A (14%): Two compositions: A piece of at least one minute which uses the techniques of the Western Classical Tradition, in response to a set brief. Learners will have a choice of four set briefs released in September each year. A free composition of at least two minutes duration.

• Option B (22%): Three compositions: As above but with an added composition of at least two minutes duration.

Unit 6: Appraising (24%)

• Written examination of 2.5hrs

• Two areas of study: The Western Classical Tradition (The Symphony of 1830 to 1910), Set work – Symphony No 1, Movement 4, Brahms, and the Music of the Twentieth Century and Twenty-First Century.

• Impressionism including one set work, Reflets Dans L’eau, Debussy and Mother Goose (Ballet - Prelude), Ravel.

• Popular Music in Wales, Gruff Rhys, Super Furry Animals, The Manic Street Preachers and Kizzy Crawford

Skills you will learn:

• confidence

• communication

• focus

• creativity

• problem solving

• cooperation

• time management

• resilience

Job prospects:

• Universities and employers look for a broad background of subjects.

• Future jobs include: musician, radio producer, sound technician, music journalist, DJ, teacher, music therapist, recording engineer, composer