Eduqas A Level
Why study Music?
Musicians tend to have three things in common; a good musical ear, an appreciation and understanding of some music in some of its forms and styles, and a technical proficiency in one or more instrumental or vocal areas. As a musician you will want to develop these basic skills more fully and will be beginning to think about a specialism for the future, such as composing, arranging, performing, accompanying, analysis and criticism, or music technology. The course not only provides a structured way of achieving high proficiency in the three basic skills but also allows students to start pursuing their individual specialisms through a combination of in-depth, academic analysis, expressive performance, and creation and development of more complex musical compositions.
What will I study?
Students must study:
- Area of study A: Western classical tradition 1750–1900 (compulsory) – detailed study of one symphony and general study of another within the social, historical and cultural context. Either Haydn Symphony 104 in D Major, ‘London’ or Mendelssohn Symphony 4 in A major, ‘Italian’
- Area of Study D: Jazz – studying Ragtime, Dixieland, Early Jazz, Big Band, Be-Bop and Cool Jazz.
- Area of study E: Into the Twentieth Century 1895 – 1935 – Poulenc Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano movt 2 and Debussy Three Nocturnes, Number 1 Nuages.
How will my work be assessed?
Eduqas A level Music is split into three components:
Unit 1 - Listening
- Listening
- Analysis
- Contextual understanding
Exam paper with listening and written questions using excerpts of music. This component is worth 40%.
Unit 2 - Performance
Musical performance of at least Grade 5 standard (10 minutes in total).
Option A: Total duration of performances: 10-12 minutes 35% of qualification
Option B: Total duration of performances: 6-8 minutes 25% of qualification
Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner
Unit 3 - Composing
Option A: Composition to a brief and Free composition. Total duration of compositions: 4-6 minutes 25% of qualification
Option B: Composition to a brief and 2 x Free composition. Total duration of compositions: 8-10 minutes 35% of qualification
A minimum of four and a half minutes of music in total is required (no more than six minutes). This component is worth 25%.
What are the entry requirements?
Music GCSE Grade 6 or above.
Grade 5 Theory would be useful.