The Grammar School for Girls Wilmington

What is AS/A2  Music?

This course allows students to study music as a practical, intellectual and creative subject with specialist pathways in performing and composing. It recognises that we live in an age of cultural diversity and the Areas of Study cover a wide range of music: classical, world, popular and jazz.

How long is the course?

The full advanced level qualification is a two year course which consists of the AS and A2 courses.

What qualifications do I need?

5 or more GCSEs at grade C and above. It is recommended that you have GCSE Music at grade B. By the end of the AS course you will be expected to play an instrument (or sing) to at least grade 4 standard (ABRSM). If you choose to follow the performing optic for A2 level you will be expected to have achieved grade 6.

What will I study?

You will undertake the following sections of study:

Year 12 Modules (AS) 
Unit 1

Performing

Unit 2

Developing musical ideas

Unit 3

Listening and understanding

Year 13 Modules (A2)
Unit 4

Specialist options: composing and performing

Unit 5

Performing and composing

Unit 6

Analysing music

What else is involved?

Students are expected to listen to a wide range of music as part of their learning. At both AS and A2 level they are also expected to take part in a number of performances, both as ensemble and solo, and keep a log of these as part of their final examination.

How will I be assessed?
AS LEVEL
Unit:              Time allocated:             % of final grade:

                                                        AS                A2

1.                Completed begin              15                 7¿

                            May

2.                  Completed begin            15                 7¿

                            May

3.                   45 mins Listening         15                 7¿       

                            Paper                                 

                      1¿  hour Written         25                 12¿

                            Paper

A2 LEVEL
Unit:             Time allocated:     % of final grade:

                                                             A2       

4.                Completed begin                  15

                        May

5.                Completed begin                  15

                   May + 3 hour exam

6.                45 mins Listening                20

                   Exam Paper           

                   2 hour Written       

                   Exam Paper           

What other subjects can I study?

Music can be taken with any other AS and/or Advanced GCE subject, including Music Technology.

What career and higher education opportunities are open to me?

This course is aimed particularly at students wishing to study music, popular music or a combined arts subject in higher education or advanced GNVQ diploma in performing arts. It would ultimately be an excellent grounding for anyone wishing to pursue a vocation in music or the arts in general.