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Music
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.
Monmouth School for Boys and Monmouth School for Girls currently follow a different specification.
Heads of Department: Mrs A Clouter (Girls), Mr D Lawson (Boys).
Course content
Monmouth School for Girls
Board: Eduqas A level Syllabus Code: A660PA or A660PB
Monmouth School for Boys
Board: Edexcel A level Syllabus Code: MUO1
Areas of Study will vary between examination boards:
Eduqas areas of study are:
- AoS1: The Western Classical Tradition; particularly the development of the Symphony from 1750-1900) – set work Symphony No. 104 in D major, ‘London’ (Haydn)
- 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)
Edexcel areas of study are:
Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Music for Film, Popular Music
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.
- Teacher assessed and externally marked
Component 3 – Appraising
A 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.