A2 Music follows on from AS level and allows students to further develop their performing composing and analysis skills. The course is comprised of units, 4, 5 and 6.

Unit 4. 30% allows students to follow one of two pathways: composition or recitals.
Composition - students produce two compositions that are presented as both scores and recordings. The styles are chosen from a list set by the exam board. The pieces should last not less than 6 minutes in total. You also complete a written description of your work.

Recital - students will present a performance of at least 20 minutes on one or more instruments. You must choose a well balanced and varied programme of works. You must have a clear solo role but you can be accompanied by other musicians or a backing tape.

Unit 5 30% allows you to further develop your performance and composition skill.
You will take part in a number of solo and ensemble performances during the course. Four will be assessed internally then externally moderated.

You will also complete a commissioned composition exercise.

Unit 6 40%
This unit is similar to unit 3 studied as part of AS music.
The first part lasts 45 minutes and requires students to answer questions about unfamiliar music heard on a cd. It will include a test of aural perception.

In part 2 you have 2 hours to answer five questions in essay format. 3 questions will relate to an area of music studied at AS level and the other two will be about some extracts of popular music. You will have access to the printed music scorers in the exam.

AS Music

Improved performance, composition and analysis skills. You will also achieve the
A2 Qualification.