AS/A Level Music
- Graig Campus
Music is a multi-skilled subject that develops discipline, perseverance, dependability, composure and courage. It blends the logical and the creative and it’s fun.
Music is excellent training for multi-tasking along with analytical and creative thinking. Employers look for candidates who have been engaged in activities that demonstrate persistence, creativity, analysis and problem solving, all skills that are present in the study of music.
Even if you do not want to study music beyond AS and A-level, the skills and experience gained in this music A level will assist you with confidence in interviews and you will gain a life-long skill.
Course details
- Full time
- Face-to-Face
Admin Fee: £25
What you will learn
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Programme Features
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Programme content
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Progression and employment
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Method of assessment
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Entry requirements
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Additional costs
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Why Study Music?
This course aims to develop composing, performing, and appraising skills and techniques through the study of instrumental music from the Western Classical Tradition (WCT) and another era or genre of music. Throughout the course, students will learn performing and composing skills and techniques, resulting in the composition of 2 pieces and the performance of 2 pieces at AS level, with the option to specialise in one of these aspects in the second year. This, combined with an in-depth study of a symphony and general studies of other music to enhance appraising skills, constitutes the course.
Learning occurs through class activities, group discussions, one-on-one interactions with teachers and peers and the use of technology.
Unit 1 (AS) Unit 4 (AL) – Performing:
Change to - You will perform a minimum of two pieces to a visiting examiner. The performance will be 6-8 minutes in length at a Grade 5 (AS) or Grade 6 standard (AL) on any instrument or voice. You can specialise in Performing in Year 2 (performance of 10-12 minutes at Grade 6 standard).
Unit 2/Unit 5 – Composing:
Add at the end of the paragraph – (3 pieces: 1 set brief, 1 free and 1 linked to an Area of Study).
Unit 3/Unit 6 – Appraising:
Change to - A written examination of 1 hour 30 minutes (AS) 2 hours 15 minutes (AL) (approx.) on the areas of study: Orchestral Western Classical Tradition (The Symphony) and 1 (AS) or 2 (AL) other areas of study e.g. Musical Theatre/Rock and Pop/Impressionism.
Music qualifications can lead to a career in the music/film/TV/game industries, education, music therapy, a performer, composer or conductor but also it opens the door to many other careers.
AS Level (year one):
- Performing - performance during March (externally)
- Composing - two compositions with a score, recording & write-up in April (externally)
- Appraising - a written examination in the May (externally)
A-level (year two):
- Performing - performance during March
- Composing - two compositions with a score, recording and write-up in April (externally)
- Appraising - a written examination in June.
A minimum of six GCSEs at grades A*-C . To include:
- GCSE Music at B grade or above
- GCSE Mathematics and English Language at C grade or above
- Grade 5 theory is desirable, but not a requirement for entry
All learners are required to pay an administration fee of £25 prior to enrolment.
You will need to provide your own stationery and may also incur costs if the department arranges educational visits.
It blends the logical and the creative and it is fun! The Music Department caters for any type of musician at Coleg Sir Gar whether an experienced classical instrumentalist, singer or rock musician. We meet the needs of all our musicians by giving individual assistance in composing, and by nurturing their interests and tastes.
Music is a multi-skilled subject that develops discipline, perseverance, dependability, composure and courage. Music is excellent training for multi-tasking. Employers look for candidates who have been engaged in activities that demonstrate persistence and they specifically look for people who have studied Music.
Even if you do not want to study Music beyond AS and A level, the skills and experience gained will assist you with confidence in interviews and you will gain a life-long skill.
To Grow: Music allows you to spend time performing or listening to the music that you’re already interested in and passionate about. Additionally, it exposes you to a huge range of theory and other genres that you will not have encountered before. Music skills are hugely transferable to other A level subjects, including Mathematics, Law, English, History and Drama.
Music qualifications can lead to a career in the music/film/TV/game industries, education, music therapy, a performer, composer or conductor but also it opens the door to many other careers.
To Create: The Music Industry and Creative Industries is a huge growth industry in Wales and beyond. You’ll learn how to compose and arrange music both through the use of instruments and music technology.
To Build Your Career: Regardless of what you would like to go on to do, Music gives you confidence to perform in front of others (good for interviews) and you can show passion about your area of musical interest (also good for interviews!).
Showing your creativity in performing on your instrument, composing in a genre you love, and increasing your knowledge and analytical skills you will develop through the course will only make your CV stronger.