•   The following is a general description a course leading towards the EdExcel examination board AS level Music.

• For details of the course requirements contact EdExcel at http://www.edexcel.org.uk/

Course content

Anyone who has a keen interest in creating and listening to different styles of music and who wished to broaden their experience and deepen their understanding of both live and recorded music is suitable for this course.  According to which areas of study and options you choose you could follow a route which mainly focuses on classical music or popular jazz music for example.

The course demands composing, performing and listening and analytical skills in almost equal measure.  You will improve your skills in performing and composing in a range of styles. You will listen to a wide range of music and develop a more informal appreciation of how and why it was written and/or performed.

The AS qualification consists of three units

In this unit you will develop your skills as a performer. You can play on any musical instrument or sing. You will have the opportunity to take part in ensemble performances as well as performing a solo. Your teacher will assess the unit through recording a solo performance and giving you a mark for contributing to group performances during the course.

2.  Musical ideas 30%

In this unit you will learn the craft of composing. You will study one topic from the following list and submit one free composition.  Variations, Romantic miniatures, Neo-Classicism, Post-modernism, Popular song, Club Dance and hip-hop, fusion or film and television music

Through this course you will be expected to develop and improve your listening skills so that you can recognise different sounds and make judgements about performances. You will answer questions heard on a 45 minute CD and a 1 and a half hour examination where you respond to two structured questions based on your area of study.

Entry requirements

It is useful to have taken GCSE music at GCSE level, but this is not essential as long as you can already play a musical instrument and have done some reading of music.

Types of activity during the course

As indicated in the course content the activity will be varied and includes:

• Performing music as a soloist and in a group.
• Writing music and writing about music.
• Listening and analysing music.

Career opportunities

• A level music combines with almost any combination of subjects. Music is often offered as part of combined degree and could be a choice for someone who is undecided about where his or her higher education interests lie. 

Links

For further information revision help and course content look at the other sections of this site  including the links page

• Information about music technology

• links page

• Back to words