Music A Level - Study at St David's Catholic Sixth Form College

Music A Level

Qualification

AS & A2

Results

A* - C grade: 87.5%

Awarding Body

WJEC

Music A Level Overview

 

Music A Level integrates the three components of performing, composing, and appraising through the study of various musical traditions. At AS, students explore the Western Classical tradition by studying orchestral music. They also encounter modern musical idioms through musical theatre, jazz, rock, and pop. In A2, students examine twentieth-century music through a detailed set of works, providing a broad foundation for university entrance and musical careers.

This course offers essential grounding for those who wish to study music at university and pursue careers as performers, composers, music broadcasters, or in arts administration. Earning an A Level in this course showcases the ability to perform under pressure, collaborate with others, and maintain high-performance standards.

AS Level (year 1)

Unit 1: Performing
An instrumental or vocal performance of at least two pieces at Grade 5 standard lasting 6 to 8 minutes.

Unit 2: Composing
Two compositions lasting at least 2 minutes each. One in the Western Classical Tradition and the other a free composition.

Unit 3: Appraising (written exam)

  1. The Western Classical Tradition with a detailed study of The Symphony 1750-1830 including one set work, Symphony Number 103, Drum Roll, Haydn, Movements 1 and 2.
  2. Rock and Pop 1965-1990.

A2 Level (year 2)

Unit 4: Performing
An instrumental or vocal performance of 3 pieces at Grade 6.

Option A: 3 pieces, 10-12 min
Option B: 2 pieces, 6-8 min

Unit 5: Composing
Compositions lasting at least 2 minutes each, one in the Western Classical Tradition and the remaining one or two is a free composition.

Option A: 2 pieces
Option B: 3 pieces

Unit 6: Appraising (written exam)

  1. The Western Classical Tradition with a detailed study of The Symphony 1830-1910 including one set work, Symphony Number 1, Brahms, Movement 4.
  2. Popular Music in Wales, Gruff Rhys, Super Furry Animals, The Manic Street Preachers and Kizzy Crawford.

A Level in Music is an essential grounding for those who wish to go on to study music at university, and to work as performers, composers, music broadcasters or in arts administration. Having A Level Music demonstrates the ability to perform under pressure, work with others and perform to a high standard.

6 grade C’s at GCSE, including a grade B in GCSE Music OR a grade 5 theory and grade 5 standard instrument or voice.

It is essential that students following either the AS or A2 music course must be engaged in one to one instrumental/vocal tuition. The department has connections with the Cardiff Music Service and lessons can be organised with these teachers during the College day. Costs vary depending on the length of lessons.

 

Cost of theory lessons: £24 for 6 sessions per half term.

Cost of singing lessons: £60 for six sessions per half term.