Music

 

 

 

 

 

What is A level Music about?

Do you:

- love playing an instrument and performing? 

- like exploring and creating new music? 

- enjoy listening to music? 

- wonder about the way different styles of music have evolved?

 

If yes, then the A level Music course is for you!  Where else can you play music and get coursework credit for it, create and record your own music, listen to music, and learn about different styles of music in their social and historical contexts?

 

 

What does the course consist of?

 

Students who choose to study A Level Music at the College follow the Edexcel specification.  The course is made up of three components:

 

  • Performing: Students are encouraged to develop their performance skills by playing a range of styles of music as a soloist and/or an ensemble member.  At AS, students present a performance of 5-6 minutes.  The requirement extends to 12-15 minutes at A2, allowing for a wider and balanced programme of music.

 

  • Composing: Students learn how to write for instrument(s) and/or voices, and how to develop musical ideas within chosen forms and structures.  At AS, students create a composition of three minutes based on a task of their choice, plus CD sleeve notes to accompany the composition.  At A2, students compose a second three-minute composition, in addition to learning to compose using styles and techniques of other composers. A sample composition task would be: “Choose a text and compose a song for voice and accompaniment (for any instrument(s)).  The song must include verses and a contrasting section.  If you choose to write a popular song it may also include a chorus.”

 

  • Musical Understanding: At AS, students study pieces of music from the Areas of Study: Instrument Music and Vocal Music.  At A2, students continue to study Instrumental Music and also study Applied Music.  They also learn to use a score to identify musical features, and then apply these principles for themselves in the completion of a SATB exercise.          

 


 

Some examples of set musical works studied:

 

Instrumental Music:        Haydn: Symphony No. 26, mov. I

                                    J.S. Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No.4 in G: mov. I

                                    Mozart: Piano Sonata in B flat, K.333, mov. I

                                    Louis Armstrong and his Hot Five: West End Blues

                                    Miles Davis Quintet: Four

                                               

Vocal Music:                  Stravinsky: Symphony of Psalms, mov. III

                                    Gershwin: ‘Summertime’ from Porgy and Bess

                                    Howlin’ Wolf: I’m leavin’ you

                                                Oasis: Don’t look back in anger

 

Applied Music:   Jerry Goldsmith: Planet of the Apes: The Hunt

                                    John Williams: ET: Flying Theme

                                    Niall Keegan (Ireland): New Irish Barndance (reel)

Gong Kebyar de Sebatu (Bali): Baris Melampahan

 

 

Who does the subject suit?

 

The A level Music course is suitable for anyone who has a keen interest in creating and listening to different styles of music, and who wishes to broaden their experience and deepen their understanding of both live and recorded music.

 

The A level Music course is a balance of coursework and examinations.  Coursework is worth 60% of the course made up of Performing (30%) and Composing (30%).  Students are expected to supplement class lessons with individual instrument tuition, instrument practice, and independent study time on composition tasks.  The remaining 40% of the course is assessed in 2-hour examinations at the end of each year of study.  Regular homework tasks are set to support learning in this unit.

 

The course caters for a wide range of musicians.  Students are free to choose any instrument(s) and/or voice(s) and perform music in any style.  Students can perform from a score, or improvise, as appropriate.  The level of performance is expected to correspond to Grade 5 (AS) and Grade 6 (A2) of graded examinations of bodies such as the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, Trinity Guildhall, Rockschool, and the London College of Music.  If students perform at a level that exceeds Grade 5, additional credit will be awarded.  If students perform at a lower level, marks are scaled accordingly.

 

The composition component of the course allows students to explore areas that inspire and interest them.  The composition briefs are broad enough to allow a personal approach.

 

Students are expected to have some music theory knowledge and skills.  An ability to read music is an integral tool in understanding how music works.  Music reading skills play an important role in all three units of the course, especially in Musical Understanding.  It is recommended the students have GCSE Music, or Grade Three music theory before embarking on the A level Music course.  However, students with limited music reading skills will be considered for the A level Music course.

 

 

What will it be like studying Music at d’Overbroeck’s?

 

Students studying A level Music at d’Overbroeck’s can take advantage of specialised facilities and resources.  A well-equipped music computer suite enables students to use music technology software such as Sibelius and Cubase to compose music. 

 

Students use the recording studio at our St. Giles building to record performances and compositions.  Students perform at venues such as the Jacqueline du Pre Music Room at St. Hilda’s College, Oxford University.  Instruments lessons are available from our team of specialist instrument tutors, who visit the College weekly.

 

 

What books can I read to get a sense of the subject?

 

We use many books in the course of study.  Of particular interest to prospective Music students are two books published by Rhinegold publications.  These are available on the web www.rhinegold.co.uk or from specialised music shops such as Blackwell’s in Oxford.

 

  • A Student’s Guide to AS Music for the Edexcel Specification
  • A Student’s Guide to A2 Music for the Edexcel Specification

 

 

What websites are useful to look at?

 

There are many websites which provide supporting information about A level Music.  The most specific website for the course we offer is www.edexcel.org.uk, where you will find a student’s guide, course specifications, and examiner’s reports.

 

 

Who will teach me?

 

The Music department is a lively and enthusiastic team that brings together areas of specialism including popular music and jazz, composition, musicology, choral, orchestral and concert band music, and music recording and production. 

 

The Head of Music is Melanie Ward, a graduate of The University of Auckland, where she completed her Masters of Music under some of New Zealand’s leading composers.  She brings a wide variety of experience to the College, having taught both in New Zealand and the UK, and enjoys a wide range of musical interests, from musical history to composition, electronic music to conducting.  Melanie has been director of a range of extra-curricular groups including: concert band, orchestra, choir, barbershop quartet, chamber music, rock bands, talents quests and festivals, concerts and competitions.  On stage, she has been the Musical Director for a number of musicals, including the highly successful d’Overbroeck’s production of Grease.  An accomplished pianist and cellist, Melanie is also a novice saxophonist.  Her involvement with choral singing has led to several CD recordings, television broadcasts, and performing for royalty.

 

The Music Technology coordinator is James O’Connor, who has a Diploma in Sound Engineering and Production from City College, Manchester, and an HND in Music Technology.  James also has experience as a producer and publisher, and enjoys composing and performing his own music.  James offers A level Music students the opportunity to incorporate elements of Music Technology into their Music course.

 

 

What are the results like?

 

A level Music results have been consistently pleasing, the result of a well-structured course, and the support and guidance of excellent classrooms teachers and instrumental tutors. 

 

 

What can I study with this subject at university?

 

The A level Music course provides an excellent basis for lifelong learning and for Higher Education courses in Music, and many students who take A level Music continue their studies at university.  The three units of the course can lead to studies in performance, composition, musicology, ethnomusicology, sound engineering, conducting, popular music and jazz, and music education.