A Level Music

How is the course externally examined?

Component 1: Performing – Non–exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner. Options A or B

Option A: (35%) Total performance duration: 10–12minutes

A performance consisting of a minimum of three pieces. At least one of the pieces should be as a soloist. The other pieces may be as a soloist, or as part of an ensemble, or a combination of both. One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one area of study. At least one other piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one other, different area of study.

Option B: (25%) Total performance duration: 6–8 minutes

A performance consisting of a minimum of two pieces, either as a soloist, or as part of an ensemble, or a combination of both. One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one area of study

Component 2: Composing – Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by WJEC Eduqas. Options A or B

Option A: (25%) Total duration of compositions: 8 – 10 minutes

Two compositions. One must reflect the musical techniques and conventions of the Western Classical Tradition, and be in response to a brief set by WJEC Eduqas. Learners will have a choice of four briefs, which will be released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken.The second composition is a free composition.

Option B: (35%) Total duration of compositions: 4 – 6 minutes

Three compositions. One must reflect the musical techniques and conventions of the Western Classical Tradition, and be in response to a brief set by WJEC Eduqas. Learners will have a choice of four briefs, which will be released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken. The second composition must reflect the musical characteristics of a different area of study (i.e. not the Western Classical Tradition), and the third composition is a free composition.

Component 3: Appraising - Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes approximately. 40% of qualification.

The Western Classical Tradition (The Development of the Symphony 1750-1900)

Detailed study of Mendelssohn’s ‘Italian’ symphony and the general study of Haydn’s ‘London’ symphony, within the social, historical and cultural context.

Rock and Pop 1960-2000

Pop

Rock (including progressive rock, heavy metal, folk-rock, punk rock)

Soul

Funk (including disco)

Folk and country

Into the Twentieth Century 1895 – 1935

Detailed study of 2 set works:

Poulenc, Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano, movement II and

Debussy, Three Nocturnes, Number 1, Nuages

Alongside the contextual study of the following:

Impressionism

Expressionism including serialism

Neo-classicism

How is the course internally assessed?

Students are assessed upon completion of key pieces of work related to each area of study. This feeds into more formal assessments using mock papers using exam style questions. Overall grades will be calculated using all three components (Performing, Composing and Appraising).