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Music

Syllabus: Eduqas

1 - Why study Music?

“In the future, creativity is going to be one of the most important and in-demand skills at work.” (World Economic Forum.)

When business leaders across the world were surveyed, they voted creativity as the most important workplace skill to help their businesses survive and grow. This means that the study of creative subjects, like Music, is becoming even more important and relevant to young people to give them the chance to succeed – whatever your ambitions. At the same time, you will find many opportunities to develop and improve your personal wellbeing both independently and as part of a wider community.

2 - What will you study?

Areas of Study (AoS):             

AoS A = Classical Music (including 1 set work)
AoS E = 20th Century Music (including 2 set works)

AoS options (pick one):

 AoS B = Rock and pop
AoS C = Musical Theatre 
AoS D = Jazz

As well as coursework for performance and composition.

Year 12

Autumn Term:

  • My instrument’ – presentation and performance
  • Composition development tasks

Areas of Study: Rock and Pop/Musical Theatre/Jazz (one to be chosen by class)

Spring Term:

  • Performance practice
  • Begin free composition

Areas of Study: Rock and Pop/Musical Theatre/Jazz (as chosen by class) and introduction to Classical Music (including 1 set work)

Summer Term:

  • Performance practice
  • Finish free composition

Areas of Study: Classical Music and introduction to 20th Century Music (including 2 set works)

Year 13

Autumn Term:

  • Performance practice
  • Begin ‘brief’ composition

Areas of Study: Classical Music, 20th Century Music and Rock and Pop/Musical Theatre/Jazz (as chosen by class)

Spring Term:

  • Performance – Final Recital
  • Finish all compositions
  • Revise all Areas of Study

Summer Term:

  • Revise all Areas of Study

3 - How will you be assessed?

Performance - Recital to include 2 or 3 pieces (25% or 35%)
Composition - 2 or 3 compositions (25% or 35%)
Listening Exam - covering all Areas of Study (40%)

4 - What skills will you develop?

  • Listening skills
  • Performance skills
  • Composition skills
  • Ability to work creatively as a team/ensemble

5 - What makes a good Music student?

  • Proven ability on their instrument/voice
  • Dedicated to regular practice
  • A creative, imaginative composer
  • Someone who is open to learning about different styles of music
  • Some theory knowledge (you will need to be able to read music)

6 - Where can Music lead?

Universities value a music A-level highly – it shows that an individual can be creative, work as part of a team, practice/work independently, have excellent critical listening skills and the ability to perform under pressure. This qualification is very multi-skilled!

What that means is that regardless of whether an individual chooses to study music at university or not, the skills they have gained doing A-level music make them a well-rounded person who, ultimately, is more employable.

There are of course many jobs within the multi-billion-pound music/arts industry from musician, to composer to publisher to studio manager to music marketing. It’s an exciting, ever-changing industry to be a part of.

7 - Reading list and preparation

https://alevelmusic.com/as-handbook/year-11-transition-to-a-level-music/
 - fantastic resources for transition to Year 12

Other preparation:

Book – The Symphony: From Mannheim to Mahler (Tarrant/Wild)

Book – Eduqas AS and A level Music Study Guide

 

8 - Stretch and challenge resources

Do some composing! A great way to do this is to compose ‘in the style of’ – listen to music that inspires you and try to create a composition that includes key features of that style.

Playing by ear. Listen to music and play it! This helps your listening skills so much!

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