Music

Entry Requirements:  A minimum of Grade 6 in GCSE Music. For A Level, students are expected to have achieved ABRSM Grade 5 (or its equivalent) in practical music. Grade 5 Theory is also highly recommended.| Exam Board: WJEC Eduqas

Is A Level Music the right choice for me?

The WJEC Eduqas A Level Music offers a dynamic, comprehensive course that allows students to explore their own musical passions. Throughout the course, students develop their abilities in three interrelated areas: performing, composing, and appraising. There is flexibility for students to specialise by choosing whether to allocate 10% of their assessment to either performing or composing. The course covers a diverse range of music styles, including classical, jazz, and rock/pop.

All students will study:

• Area of Study A: The Western Classical Tradition The Development of the Symphony 1750–1900: This section explores the evolution of the symphony during the Classical and Romantic periods. Students will also compose a piece using the musical techniques from this era, responding to a set brief.

Students will choose one area of study from the following options:

• Area of Study B: Rock and Pop This area focuses on rock and pop music spanning various genres, composed between 1960 and 2000.

• Area of Study C: Musical Theatre In this area, students study the works of six notable musical theatre composers: Richard Rodgers, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Claude-Michel Schönberg, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Stephen Schwartz.

• Area of Study D: Jazz Students explore key jazz genres that emerged between 1920 and 1960.

Students must also choose one area of study from either Area E or F:

• Area of Study E: Into the Twentieth Century This section delves into the unique musical styles of the early 20th century, a time marked by radical changes and experimentation in music.

• Area of Study F: Into the Twenty-First Century This area focuses on contemporary music, featuring works by living composers like Sally Beamish, Judith Weir, Mark-Anthony Turnage, and Thomas Adès. Students examine how these composers develop new ideas in their compositions.

Career Opportunities in Music

A Level Music is an excellent choice for those passionate about music. While it provides a rewarding and demanding study path, it also offers extensive job satisfaction. Even if you don’t plan to pursue a career in music, this qualification is highly valued by universities and employers. They recognise the diverse skills A Level Music students develop, such as:

• Creativity and out-of-the-box thinking

• Long-term planning and responsibility

• Collaboration and strong communication skills

• Time management and multitasking

• Independent working and problem-solving abilities

Music opens doors to a wide variety of career paths, including performance, composition, teaching, arts administration, music therapy, publishing, journalism, broadcasting, instrument manufacturing and repair, and more.

Summary of Assessment

Contact

If you have any questions about this course, please contact the Acting Head of Department, Stephanie Humphries, s.humphries@jcg.sch.je