Music
An Introduction to A-level Music.
A brief overview from our A-level teachers.
What does it involve?
The skills involved in A-level Music are both practical and intellectual, offering students the chance to develop a greater understanding of how music works. The Music course focuses on composing, aural perception, performance and appreciation and analysis. Music is a well-respected A-level that is an excellent complement to most other subjects.
The course is split between the disciplines of listening, performing and composing. There is a slightly greater emphasis on the listening and the performing components. The performing component requires students to perform regularly throughout the course. Students studying Music at Cranford will have the opportunity to attend a variety of concerts exposing them to a range of music styles and genres. Regular performances and participation in extra-curricular musical activities will be critical to success.
How is it assessed?
Assessment for A-level Music is split into three components, including Appraising Music (40% of the overall mark), Performing Music (35%) and Composing Music (25%)
Which skills or qualifications do I need?
Studying GCSE Music is not a requirement for the A-level, but students should be at least Grade 6 on their principal study and ideally have passed Grade 5 Theory ABRSM.
University or employment prospects?
Studying Music at Sixth Form is clearly a prerequisite to taking the subject on to further education and to obvious career paths for highly talented individuals, including joining an orchestra. However, the skills developed as a performer are useful throughout life and an accomplished musician can also look forward to a wide range of career prospects, for example in music management, recording and broadcasting, but not limited to within the music industry.