The Music Department @ Key Stage 5

Course entry requirements

B or above in Music and Grade 5 Instrument and Theory

Why study Music?

A-Level Music offers students with musical ability the opportunity to further develop their understanding of music, to explore new genres and improve their own musical skills. Music is a highly regarded A-Level by most universities, whether or not you intend to take music to degree level. It is also a very fulfilling course and students can expect to have an input on shaping the course to suite their musical interests and strengths.

There are good facilities in the college for music, particularly in IT equipment, using programs such as 'Sibelius', 'MusicTime', 'Cubasis', 'Midigrid' and 'Guitar-Pro'.
The department is served by an excellent and dedicated team of instrumental/vocal teachers who together provide over 100 lessons per week in the purpose built block. The college encourages A-Level students to take instrumental/vocal lessons at the college to help in theirpreparation for the examination.

Additionally, there are opportunities to perform in ensembles of various kinds. For example, Jazz Group; String/Wind ensembles; Student Bands and many other ad-hoc groups for different circumstances. Students from the college normally give a concert or public performance each term; there is a recent tradition of offering one of those concerts at the cathedral in Ely.

Some students have recorded their A-Level performances and compositions at these special events.

What will you study?

AS - Year 12

Unit 1 - Influences on Music

• Choosing an area of study and studying a set work.

Unit 2 - Composing: Creating Musical Ideas

• Writing music in the style of your chosing.

Unit 3 - Performing: Interpreting Musical Ideas

• Performing music in solo, ensemble or electronic forums.

A2 - Year 13

Unit 4 - Music In Context

• New area of study and new set work

Unit 5 - Composing: Developing Musical Ideas

• Further composing options

Unit 6 - Performing: A Musical Performance

• Further performing options

Method of assessment

Assessment will involve a combination of externally marked written exams, externally marked coursework and internally assessed performance.

Future prospects

A-level Music is an excellent grounding for anyone wishing to study or perform music at a higher level. It is also a well respected A level and can lead on to degree level study in a wide range of subject areas.