In Year 7, all pupils have two weekly class music lessons. One of these lessons is used as an ‘academic’ lesson in which they prepare for the Associated Board Grade I Theory examination in June (or higher grades as appropriate). The other lesson operates as a carousel, staffed by all members of the music team. Boys who are instrumentalists will play in a string orchestra or wind band fortnightly, receiving expert small-group tuition. When not playing in these groups, boys are divided into Trebles and Altos, and spend the lesson learning to sing the respective parts of that year’s choral work, for performance with the Choral Society and usually with choirs from Monmouth School for Girls too, in March of that year. 2015’s choral work was Mozart’s Great C Minor Mass and 2016’s is Poulenc’s Gloria.

In Year 8, classes are divided into two smaller groups and each group studies a series of topics each term. Every term the groups will cover a composer and his or her music, an element of music literacy (often tackled via work with a keyboard), an instrumental family, composing to a given brief (using Music ICT) and a performance task. Composers on the list include Tchaikovsky, Britten, Vaughan Williams, John Cage, Aaron Copland and Bob Dylan. There is a terminal examination.

In Year 9, boys opt for Music and groups cover four short courses in the year, mostly via a practical approach assessed on a weekly basis. These courses include: World Music, Composition, Arranging and Performance, Keyboard Skills, Guitar Skills and Popular Music.

The GCSE course is divided into Performing, Composing and Listening and Appraising. It provides a wonderful opportunity for self-expression in tandem with an academic life. We use the Edexcel specification which promotes an exploratory and creative approach to the subject, and many find the opportunities for music-making as part of the course to be one of the most enjoyable parts of their GCSE years.

The Performing element of the specification is an opportunity for instrumentalists to prepare their submission in their individual instrumental lessons. Many who are already ABRSM Grade 3 at the start of the course do exceptionally well at this Unit.

Composing is taught in class lessons, with a starter course in harmony, melody and accompanimental idioms. Pupils then respond freely to four given briefs, and submit two of their choice at the end of the course.

Listening and Appraising is the academic element of the course and is an opportunity to get to know a number of composers and their works in a variety of styles; everything from baroque chamber music and contemporary avant-garde to popular song is covered. It is assessed via a terminal examination.

For those with proficiency on an instrument as well as openness to a number of styles, Music A level provides an excellent vehicle for the expansion and development of a musical life. Results in recent years have been outstanding and many pupils have taken the subject as part of an application profile to Russell Group and Oxbridge universities. The A level tests not only one’s skills as a performer, but also provides an opportunity to compose freely as part of the course, as well as demonstrating skills in handling historical techniques of composition, analysis and historical understanding.

Why study Music?

The broad aim of the course is to develop aural, historical and analytical, performing and composition skills to an advanced level.

Music is a highly fulfilling course for suitable candidates.  You might be a suitable candidate if you have taken Music at GCSE level and gained a Grade B or higher, but if you do not have Music GCSE you may still be a suitable candidate if you can demonstrate other levels of achievement, for example success at Grade 5 Music Theory and/or Grade 5 practical examinations.  You should consider taking Music A level if you have an interest in listening to and performing music of all styles.  Those who do best at Music A level tend to be proficient to Grade 5 on an instrument at the start of the course.

Students will need A level Music to enter a university or college to study Music.  It can also be an exceptionally rewarding support subject and is compatible with a wide range of other disciplines.  Candidates will be expected to involve themselves in a range of extra-curricular musical activities in School.  Music A level can be a wonderful opportunity for academic and creative development within the same subject.

Head of Department: Mr D Lawson

Course content

Board: Eduqas   A level Syllabus Code: A660PA or A660PB

Areas of Study will vary between examination boards:

• AoS1: The Western Classical Tradition; particularly the development of the Symphony from 1750-1900) – set work Symphony No. 104 in D major, ‘London’ (Haydn), Symphony No. 4 (Mendelssohn)
• AoS2 Musical Theatre
• AoS3 Into the Twentieth Century including two set works: Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano, Movement II (Poulenc) and Three Nocturnes, Number 1, Nuages (Debussy)

Method of assessment

Component 1 – Performing

• Between 6-12 minutes, in which they showcase their skills as a solo and/or ensemble performer.
• Assessed by visiting examiner

Component 2 – Composing

• Two or three compositions
• Total composition time between 4-10 minutes (depending on chosen weighting towards composition)
• At least one composition will be required to fit a technique-based brief set by the examination board.
• Externally marked

Component 3 – Appraising

A 2¼ hour listening/written paper, in which familiar and unfamiliar pieces of music are used to explore the candidate’s understanding of how music works. The paper includes dictation, analysis and extended written response.

There are currently twenty visiting instrumental teachers, allowing the School to offer tuition in all orchestral instruments as well as Voice, Organ, Pianoforte, Kit Percussion, Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar, Cornet, Tenor Horn and Euphonium. Some of the visiting instrumental teachers are involved in the Ensemble Music Programme. Most of the visiting instrumental teachers maintain active professional performing careers of their own, locally and nationally.