Music
Our universal language
Eduqas Specification
The Music A Level course allows students to investigate, analyse and evaluate music and its features. The set works enable students to conduct in depth studies into different musical styles, all supported by practical and compositional elements. The content also builds on understanding developed at GSCE. Students are encouraged to take part in the wider music community within school. Some extra curriculars include Concert Band, the school Musical, Jam session club. This can also open up the opportunity for you to run and lead an extra-curricular club to.
You will study:
Component 1: Performing
Students choose either Option A or Option B in both Components 1 & 2
Performing Option A 35%: Total duration of performances: 10-12 minutes. 108 marks: Performance consisting of a minimum of three pieces. One must be as a soloist, the other pieces may be either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble or a combination of both. One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one area of study.
Or
Performing option B 25%: Total duration of performances: 6-8 minutes. 72 marks: A minimum of two 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 area of study
Component 2: Composition
Composing Option A 25%: Total duration of compositions: 4-6 minutes: 72 marks: Students prepare two compositions, one which must reflect the musical language, techniques and conventions associated with the Western Classical Tradition in response to a brief set by WJEC. The second composition is a free composition for which students set their own brief.
Or
Composing Option B 35%: Total duration of compositions: 8-10 minutes: 108 marks: Three compositions one set to a brief by WJEC. The second composition must reflect the musical techniques and conventions of one different area of study and a third composition is a free composition. Students will set their own briefs for compositions two and three.
Component 3: Appraising
Appraising written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes
40% of qualification, 100 marks. Based on knowledge and understanding of music through three areas of study. Area of study A is compulsory and then two further contrasting areas of study are chosen to study.
Area of study A: The Western Classical Tradition (The Development of the Symphony 1750-1900)
Includes in-depth study of two full symphony's
Symphony No. 104 in D major 'London': Haydn and Symphony No. 4 in A major 'Italian': Mendelssohn
Then a further two areas of study are chosen, one from each list below.
List A:
Area of study B: Rock and Pop
Area of study C: Musical Theatre
Area of study D: Jazz.
List B:
Area of study E: Into the Twentieth Century
Area of study F: Into the Twenty-first Century.
For more information please contact Mrs Chanter