Music
What does the course consist of?
The course is split into four units covering the areas of composing, performing, and listening and appraising.
Unit 1: Listening to and Appraising Music
Assessment is through a one hour written exam. You must respond to questions based on short musical excerpts drawing on music from the five Areas of Study (AoS). AoS are based upon the elements of music: Rhythm and Metre, Harmony and Tonality, Texture and Melody, Timbre and Dynamics, Structure and Form.
You will explore the following areas of music in order gain experience of how composers have used the AoS: The Western Classical tradition, Popular Music of the 20th and 21st Century and World Music - 20% of the overall exam result.
Unit 2: Composing and Appraising Music
You are required to compose one piece of music. It must demonstrate understanding of at least two AoS and link into one of the areas of music: the Western Classical tradition, Popular Music of the 20th and 21st Century and World Music
You have up to 20 hours of supervised time in which to complete the composition.
You will appraise the process and the out come of their composition and have 2 hours of controlled time for this task - 20% of the overall exam result.
Unit 3: Performing Music
One solo and one ensemble performance.
Assessment may be conducted at any stage during the course and recorded
Internally assessed and moderated by AGQA
40% of the overall exam result.
Unit 4: Composing Music
You are required to compose one piece of music which explores two or more of the five AoS. This maybe in any style or genre of your own choosing.
You have up to 25 hours in which to complete the composition.
20% of the overall exam result.
Routes after Post-16
Music and the knowledge of music is useful in careers such as music journalism, recording, broadcasting, journalism, acting, conducting and administration.