A level Music is both thoroughly practical and rigorously academic, and focuses on performing, composing, listening and appraising skills. Pupils will perform solos on an instrument/voice, compose in different styles and gain an understanding of music through analysis of set works from a range of musical eras and cultures.
Creativity; analysis and problem-solving; confidence, communication and self-expression; independence and self-efficacy; collaboration and teamwork; ICT skills.
Grade 6 in Music GCSE Must also be able to perform at a grade 5 level on an instrument/voice and be prepared to have regular lessons on their instrument(s).
The A level Music course requires a sound understanding of music theory, including harmony and musical analysis using a score. In order to start the course successfully, you should be able to read treble and bass clef accurately, and have an understanding of keys, chords and time signatures. As part of the course, you will be required to perform regularly; success at A level means daily practice and having regular lessons with a teacher in your first instrument (or voice.)
- Brush up on your music theory with some exercises at theoria.com - Listen to a programme on Radio 3 - e.g. Morning on 3 (classical) - Watch one of the ‘How Music Works’ documentaries by Howard Goodall - these are all on YouTube - Watch one of the BBC Proms concerts on BBC4 (you can access these through the BBC iPlayer) - Go to hear a live concert - either a BBC Prom there are lots of great free events at the Southbank and Barbican - Practice a solo on your instrument (or voice) so you have something to perform
