Entry requirementsWho is this course for? Young people aged 16-18 who are passionate about performing, composing, developing listening skills and music theory. What do I need to get on the course? You must satisfy the general entry criteria for A-level courses which are based on your GCSE results general entry requirements for AS-levels In addition to the general entry requirements above, for all performing arts courses we expect you to have achieved a minimum grade C and preferably grade B in GCSE English Language. We also expect you to have achieved a grade B in GCSE Music or have achieved grade 5 on an instrument.
Academic titleAS-Level Music after the first year of study, then A-level Music after the second year of study.
Course descriptionWhat is this course about?
A-Level Music aims to develop your skills in performing, composing and understanding music. This is achieved through a mixture of practical and theoretical approaches leading you to your development in to a rounded, knowledgeable and skilled musician. Your studies will include live performances, the production of a composition folio, development of aural skills and development of historical and contextual awareness.
What will I study?
During the course you develop your instrumental/vocal skills to present solo and group recitals, create advanced compositions in a diverse range of music styles and learn to analyse classical and jazz music.
One third of the course is based on your performances, one third on your notated and recorded compositions and one third on a written examination of your theory and listening skills.
You will be offered opportunities to visit performances by great musicians and to contribute to college music groups.
In the second year, you further develop your instrumental/vocal skills to present an extended solo recital and 2500 word essay comparing recorded performances. You will create advanced film score compositions to a set storyboard and a free choice composition in a musical style of your choice. You will study the history of musical drama and 20th Century world setting.
What can I do after the course?
Close to 80% of our A-level students progress to Higher Education. Alternatively, you could choose to enter employment.