The King's School Gloucester - A/AS Level Music

Music AS/A Level

Exam Board AS units taken A2 units taken
OCR L6 U6

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?

You need to be able to play an instrument and/or sing to at least Associated Board Grade Four standard and have a good musical ear. It is useful to be a keyboard player and have a good pass at GCSE Music.

What will I learn on this course?

You will learn a greater understanding of the music you perform. You will study the language of Western tonal harmony and the expressive use of instrumental techniques plus (for A2) an area of study called "Words and Music." After you have studied various set musical works, both from the classical and the jazz repertoire, you will study composition and will use what you have learnt to produce pieces of your own.

The work

You will practice writing conventional harmony by doing exercises which involve adding bass and harmonies to given melodies. You will then compare your own versions with those of the great composers. You will also study composition techniques by looking at existing music and will then produce your own compositions.

You will continue to develop your skills on instruments and/or voice and will prepare solo and/or ensemble performances.

You will study three set works written between 1700 and 1830 and a further three Jazz recordings from the twentieth century. You will also look at the historical and musical background to all six pieces.


What kind of student is this course suitable for?

Any singer or instrumentalist who is enthusiastic about a wide variety of musical styles, and has a good ear.


What examinations will I have to take to get my qualification?

AS (First Year) Method of assessment Time AS Weighting
Part (a) Practical work
  1. Solo and ensemble recitals
  2. Six Harmony exercises.

One composition or popular music arrangement with commentary and recording

Externally examined

Marked by teachers and then externally moderated.

 7 - 12 minutes

40%

 

30%

Part (b) Written work

  1. Listening paper with aural tests, questions on two set works and seven jazz recordings plus historical background questions.

 

Externally assessed written examination

2 hours

30%


A2 (Second Year)

Method of assessment

Time

A2 Weighting

  1. Themed solo or ensemble recital.
    Any style

    Written comparison of 2-3 different recordings of a single piece of music. Style should be the same as recital.

Externally examined.

 

Externally assessed coursework

12 - 15 minutes

33⅓%

  1. Composing a commissioned vocal piece.

    Either:
    8-10 harmony or counterpoint exercises in Pastiche style
    or
    Film storyboard commisioned assignment

Marked by teacher and externally moderated

Marked by teacher and externally moderated

  

33⅓%

  1. Written Examination Paper
    containing aural extracts and
    questions on prescribed
    topics. (One of four)

Externally assessed written examination

2 hours

33⅓%


This A level course is an attractive one in that it allows pupils to choose their course of study from a wide range of topics which should reflect their own interests and abilities. Coursework may be done at any time and computers and music processing or sequencing software may be used for all harmony exercises and compositions.

At King's, we offer:

  • Well qualified, experienced and dedicated specialist teachers in all musical fields.
  • Small friendly classes.
  • Hard work made fun.
  • A course tailored to suit the needs, talents and interests of the individual pupil.
  • A range of extra-curricular musical activities to enhance and back up the course.

    IRF/03