Learn more about Music
Music develops a mixture of skills which are highly sought in the world of work.
- self discipline (self-motivation, self-evaluation, self-confidence);
- develops communication – loyalty to a group;
- co-operation;
- commitment/perseverance;
- pride in achievement;
- reliability;
- ability to follow instructions;
- analysis and problem solving;
- decision making, leadership qualities;
- organisation, time keeping/accuracy;
- physical and mental co-ordination;
- imagination and inventiveness;
- aesthetic appreciation.
- ICT skills
Music combines successfully with many other subjects, arts, sciences and languages, and need not necessarily be your principal subject. For those wishing to pursue music as a career, the music industry is currently one of the largest employers in the UK. In addition to teaching, performing and composing there are numerous opportunities including administration, publishing, working for recording companies, instrument manufacture, broadcasting, librarianship, sound engineering and journalism.
Eduqas
The AS is a standalone qualification. It does not count towards the A Level. You can opt into the AS qualification if you choose to drop this subject at the end of Year 12.
Performing, Composing, Appraising.
AS level
Component 1:
Performing – 30% of qualification Total duration of performances: 6-8 minutes
Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner
Component 2:
Composing – 30% of qualification total duration of compositions: 4½ - 7 minutes
Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by Eduqas
Component 3:
Appraising – 40% of qualification
Written examination: 1 hours 30 minutes
A level
Component 1:
Performing
Option A: Total duration of performances: 10-12 minutes
Option A: 35% of qualification
Option B: Total duration of performances: 6-8 minutes
Option B: 25% of qualification
Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner
Component 2:
Composing
Option A: Total duration of compositions: 4-6 minutes
Option A: 25% of qualification
Option B: Total duration of compositions: 8-10 minutes
Option B: 35% of qualification
Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by Eduqas
Component 3:
Appraising – 40% of qualification Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes
Year 12
AS Level
AS Component 1:
Performing – 30% of qualification
Total duration of performances: 6-8 minutes
Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner
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
AS Component 2:
Composing – 30% of qualification Total duration of compositions: 4½ - 7 minutes
Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by Eduqas two compositions:
Two compositions one of which must reflect the musical techniques and conventions associated with the Western Classical Tradition and be in response to a brief set by Eduqas. Learners will have a choice of four briefs released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken.
The second composition is a free composition.
AS Component 3:
Appraising – 40% of qualification Written examination: 1 hours 30 minutes
Two areas of study:
Area of study A: The Western Classical Tradition
The Development of the Symphony 1750-1830, including a choice of one set work from either:
Symphony No. 104 in D major, ‘London’, movements 1 and 2: Haydn
A choice of one area of study from:
- Area of study B: Rock and Pop 1960-1990.
- Area of study C: Musical Theatre – Richard Rodgers, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Claude-Michel Schönberg and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
- Area of study D: Jazz between 1920 and 1950.
There are no set works in Areas of study B, C or D.
Questions:
- Set work analysis with a score
- Extended responses on wider context
- Unprepared extracts of music with and without a score
- Comparison questions
Year 13
A Level
Component 1:
Performing
Option A: Total duration of performances: 10-12 minutes
Option A: 35% of qualification
Option B: Total duration of performances: 6-8 minutes
Option B: 25% of qualification
Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner
Option A: Performing (35%)
A performance consisting of a minimum of three pieces. At least one of these pieces 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. At least one other piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one other, different area of study.
Option B: Performing (25%)
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.
Component 2: Composing
Option A: Total duration of compositions: 4-6 minutes
Option A: 25% of qualification
Option B: Total duration of compositions: 8-10 minutes
Option B: 35% of qualification
Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by WJEC
Option A: Composing (25%)
Two compositions:
One piece which must reflect the musical techniques and conventions associated with the Western Classical Tradition and be in response to a brief set by Eduqas. Learners will have a choice of four set briefs, released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken.
The second composition is a free composition.
Or
Option B: Composing (35%)
Three compositions:
One composition must reflect the musical techniques and conventions associated with the Western Classical Tradition and be in response to a brief set by Eduqas. Learners will have a choice of four set briefs, released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken.
The second composition must reflect the musical characteristics of one different area of study (i.e. not the Western Classical Tradition).
The third composition is a free composition.
Component 3: Appraising
Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes – 40% of qualification Three areas of study:
Area of study A: The Western Classical Tradition (The Development of the Symphony 1750-1900) which includes two set works. Choose one set work for detailed analysis and the other for general study.
- Symphony No. 104 in D major, ‘London’: Haydn
- Symphony No.4 in A major, ‘Italian’: Mendelssohn
A choice of one area of study from: Area of Study B: Rock and Pop Area of Study C: Musical Theatre Area of Study D: Jazz
A choice of one area of study from:
Area of Study E: Into the Twentieth Century including two set works:
- Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano, Movement II: Poulenc
- Three Nocturnes, Number 1, Nuages: Debussy
Area of Study F: Into the Twenty-first Century including two set works:
- Asyla, Movement 3, Ecstasio: Thomas Adès
- String Quartet No.2 (Opus California) Movements 1 (Boardwalk) and 4 (Natural Bridges): Sally Beamish