MUSIC

The aims of the course are:

To promote an enjoyment of and an interest in music as a performer, as a composer and as an audience member.

To extend the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to communicate through music.

To encourage the appreciation of social, historical and cultural influences in music.

To develop imagination, creativity, individual and ensemble skills.

AS Music

Unit 1 – Performing
30%
Perform or improvise as a soloist or in an ensemble in any style. A total of 5 – 6 minutes will be recorded during the year.

Unit 2 – Composing
30%
A 3 minute composition based on 1 of 4 briefs. You will have to provide ‘CD sleeve notes’ explaining aspects of your composition.

Unit 3 – Listening and Understanding
40% AS
You will study set works relating to instrumental music and vocal music from a wide range of styles.
Section A: Questions to test your listening skills.
Section B: Identifying musical features and describing the historical and social context of the pieces.
Section C: Analysing harmonic and melodic features and completing a short 4-part harmony exercise.

A2 Music

Unit 4 – Performance
30%
Perform or improvise as a soloist or in an ensemble in any style. A total of 12 – 15 minutes will be recorded in one take at any point during the year.

Unit 5 – Composition and / or technical study
30%
You must complete 2 tasks: either 1 composition and 1 technical study or 2 compositions or 2 technical studies.
- The compositions are 3 minutes long and based on a choice of 4 given briefs.
- The technical studies require you to complete a short piece in a specified style.

Unit 6 – Listening and Understanding
40%
You will study set works relating to instrumental music and applied music from a wide range of styles.
Section A: Questions to test your listening skills.
Section B: 2 questions about the musical, social and historical features of the set works.
Section C: 1 question about continuity and change through the set works.

Successful students will normally have:

G.C.S.E. in Music at grade B or above.
Grade 5+ on any instrument / voice.
A good use of English language and
analytical skills.
Good self motivation and organisational
skills to cope with coursework.
Involvement with extra-curricular music.

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

AS Level

Before you start
Prior to starting this course, it is wise to consider the two words “music” and “technology”. Both are equally important.

You will need to:
be able to use a combination of technology and musicianship effectively and creatively to make music – whether it is arranging and notating a classical piece, or recording a rock band.
become familiar with new types of software and hardware.
be able to play an instrument (guitar, drums, keyboard, voice are the norm). Basic keyboard skills are essential for sequencing.
be prepared to study all types of pop music and some classical music.
devote much of your own time to coursework, especially during the spring term.

The AS level award consists of 3 parts:

Unit 1 – Coursework Portfolio
70%
Task 1a Sequenced piece
Recreate a recording of a song as accurately as you can using sequencing techniques on Logic Pro.

Task 1b Multi-track recording
Record a commercially available rock/pop/jazz song using close-mic and direct injection techniques.

Task 1c Creative sequenced arrangement
A 2-3 minute arrangement of a given piece, developing melody, harmony, texture, etc and using a range of samples, synths and MIDI techniques.

Unit 2 – Listening and Analysing
30%
The exam is in 2 sections and is based on extracts of music on a CD.
- The 1st section has questions relating to popular music since 1910.
- The 2nd part will focus on 2 styles. For 2008/9, these will be rock and roll and rap / hip hop.

A2 Music Technology

Unit 3 – Coursework Portfolio
60%
Task 3a Sequenced integrated performance Recreate a recording of a song as accurately as you can using sequencing techniques on Logic Pro. In addition, you must include at least 1 live track.

Task 3b Multi-track recording
Record a commercially available rock/pop/jazz piece using close-mic and direct injection techniques.

Task 3c Composing using technology
A 3-4 minute composition based on 1 of 3 briefs. You must use a range of music technology skills.

Unit 4 – Analysing and Producing
40%
In this exam, you will have to import MIDI and audio tracks into Logic.
- You will have questions relating to the musical and technological aspects of the song.
- You will have 1 question relating to the development of music technology.
- You will have to create a stereo mix of the audio track.