Music

Music (EDUQAS)

Do you enjoy performing? Have you had a go at composing your own music? Do you enjoy listening to a wide variety of music, and thinking about how it works?

If you play an instrument and enjoy discussing and composing music, then an A level in Music could be the course for you!

This is an exciting new syllabus that encourages and rewards a wide variety of practical music making.

Course Content & Assessment

Module 1 (40%) Appraising Music: 88 marks

This examination will assess knowledge and understanding of music through two areas of study. Area of study A is compulsory and learners then choose one further contrasting area of study; either area of study B, or area of study C or area of study D. Area of study A: The Western Classical Tradition (The Development of the Symphony 1750-1830) Area of study B: Rock and Pop 1960-1990 Area of study C: Musical Theatre (5 representative composers) Area of study D: Jazz 1920-1950

The areas of study provide an appropriate focus for students to appraise music and develop and demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of musical elements, musical contexts and music al language.

The areas of study can also provide a rich source of material for students to work with when developing performance and composition skills.

Assessment of area of study A (48 marks)

Learners are required to answer four questions in section A. • An analysis question on movement 1 or 2 of: Either: Symphony No. 104 in D major, ‘London’: Joseph Haydn Or: Symphony No. 4 in A major, ‘Italian’: Felix Mendelssohn • An aural perception question on an unprepared extract of a symphony with reference to a score • An aural perception question on an unprepared extract with a skeleton score provided • A comparison of two symphonic extracts demonstrating understanding of the period.

Assessment of area of study B,C or D (40 marks)

Learners are required to answer all questions: • Two questions, one on each of two unprepared extracts • A question assessing understanding of the wider context of the area of study.

Module 2 (30%) Composing (Continued assessment)

(72 marks in total). Total duration of compositions: 4½-7 minutes

Students learn how to develop musical ideas and compose music that is musically convincing through two compositions.

• Composition 1 A composition which reflects the musical language, techniques and conventions associated with the Western Classical Tradition in response to a brief set by EDUQAS.
• Composition 2 is a free composition.

Module 3 (30%) Performing (Marked externally by a visiting examiner)

(72 marks in total).

Learners are required to give a performance consisting of 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. The duration of the performance will be between 6 and 8 minutes.

Teaching

Your Future

Music is for life, not just a career! This new music course will give you the knowledge and experience required for all forms of further and higher education. Careers in Music are many and varied, for example: performing, composing, teaching, the music industry, music technology. You will be free to choose a path best suited to your musical interests and skills. Even if you choose to study another subject at university, your musical skills are always in high demand. Universities and colleges often have excellent bands, orchestras and choirs that are open to everyone – the social side of music should never be underestimated!