Music

An introduction to A Level

Music

A Level Music at ArtsEd encourages students to combine imagination, talent and creativity with academic study as they explore aspects of performance, composition and analysis.

Composition and performance coursework allow students to explore and develop their personal musical interests. The set works offer the opportunity to study a variety of musical styles including film scores, instrumental and vocal music, world fusion, jazz, pop and rock.

A Level Music is taught by passionate educators and working professionals. Our teaching recognises the value of the ‘academic’ and ‘vocational’ working in tandem to achieve the best musicianship.

What will I be learning?

We introduced a new A Level curriculum in 2020, designed to complement students' broader work at ArtsEd and to develop well-rounded, contemporary musicians, equally capable of performing as actor-musicians, music directing a band, or writing the next great British musical.

PERFORMING (35%) Enhance your solo and ensemble performance skills, vocal and/or instrumental, in a friendly small group setting.

COMPOSING (25%) Develop your composing and song writing skills in a variety of genres – including popular styles – using MIDI keyboards, Logic Pro, and other technologies.

APPRAISING (40%) Expand your listening skills, contextual knowledge, and analytical abilities in three key areas of study:

Pop Music: Including Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Muse, Beyonce, Daft Punk, and Labrinth.

Western Classical Tradition (1650-1910): Including Purcell, Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Brahms, and Grieg.

Musical Theatre: Including Kurt Weill, Richard Rodgers, Stephen Sondheim, Claude- Michel, Schönberg and Jason Robert Brown

What do I need?

 5 individual GCSEs at 9-5 including at least Grade 7 at Music  Grade 5 or above, or equivalent, on an instrument or voice  A secure understanding of Music Theory to Grade 5 standard  A suitable standard of keyboard skills to assist composition