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St Thomas More Catholic Secondary School

St Thomas More
Catholic Secondary School

Teachers

Head of Department: Mrs. D Miller

Qualification: A Level Music

Examination Board: AQA

Why choose A Level music?

A-Level music provides the opportunity for students to acquire advanced musical skills, knowledge and understanding, through listening, performing and composing. It is suitable for students who would like to further develop their learning from GCSE Music and who wish to gain experience through additional musical activities outside the curriculum. The ability to play an instrument or sing to at least Grade 5 standard is required. Students who have not taken GCSE music will be invited to interview and audition.

What does the course consist of?

Appraising: A written examination consisting of three sections: Listening, Analysis and Essay, testing aural and analytical skills, and knowledge and understanding of historical context of music from selected areas of study and set works. 

Performing: A solo and/or ensemble performance as an instrumentalist or vocalist, for a minimum of 10 minutes. Externally marked. 

Composition: One composition to a brief from AQA, and one free composition. Externally marked.

What websites are useful to look at?

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/music/as-and-a-level/music-7272

Where does this qualification lead?

A-Level Music leads towards a range of degree courses which prepare musicians for future careers in performing arts, academia, theatre, performance and administration. It also enables further study at conservatoires.