Music - A Level

Student entry into our Sixth Form requires 5 grade 4 GCSE's or above including English and Maths.

If you studied the applied subject at GCSE we are asking for a grade 5 in that subjects (Grade 6 in Maths)

A Level Music lessons have a good balance of both practical and academic learning. The course builds on skills, knowledge and understanding from GCSE music. The course is tailored to fit each student’s interest and strengths. We select from a choice of areas of study that most appeal to the learners. Areas of study include: Rock and Pop, Musical Theatre, and Jazz. All students study Western Classical Tradition. For students that do not already read music, we provide extra support including how to read treble and bass clef notation. We teach how to read music scores and provide extra one-to-one support where required. Depending on each student’s area of interest, learners have the option to work on either an extra composition or a longer final performance. Those students that have not studied GCSE but have ability on an instrument or voice may want to consider course. The school provides subsidised weekly one-to-one instrument or voice lessons for all students studying A level music. Most importantly, students studying A level Music will have a passion for learning music.

THE COURSE

Unit 1: Performing

Over the two years you will develop your skills on your chosen instrument(s) or voice to produce a final recorded performance at the end of the course.

Component 2: Composing

During the coursework you will work on creating two or three pieces using music technology.

Component 3: Listening exam (2 hour 15 minutes)

Throughout the course you will study a range of styles, learning to analyse and evaluate music using knowledge and understanding.

Qualities that make a successful A-level Music student:

• Have a genuine passion for music
• Willingness to put in regular practise on your instrument or voice and a strong desire to take your practical skills to the next level
• Open-minded when it comes to listening to a wide range of music
• Willingness to take notes in class and how to keep written work organised
• Have a desire to become a ‘well-rounded’ musician not ‘just’ a performer

At Sprowston Sixth Form we build our curriculum around the needs of our students. We are, therefore, offering both A-Level Music and NCFE Level 3 Applied General Certificate in Music Technology. Based on student demand we will elect to go with the course which best meets the student's needs. Essentially we run the most popular of the two courses or both if we have viable numbers.

Student entry into our Sixth Form requires 5 grade 4 GCSE's or above including English and Maths.

If applying for an A Level course that you have studied at GCSE it is expected that you would attain a minimum of a Grade 5 in this subject.

You may become a session musician, music producer, performer, teacher, music therapist, music publisher or any other music-related job. In addition studying music can show to employers and higher education providers that you have a broad education and can work and communicate well with others as well as being a confident presenter. A Level Music is very much welcomed by all universities (including Russell Group) and demonstrates breadth of study at A-Level. There is opportunity to work towards extra optional graded practical examinations and grade 6 or above will also credit you with extra UCAS points.