Music AS A2

Exam Board OCR

Course Content

In AS Music at Blatch6 students will develop their skills in performing through solo and group activities leading to a recital exam. There are many opportunities to perform throughout the course both in and out of college and the tuition fees for one instrument will be paid for by Blatch6. Students will also study music from the Classical Tradition and Jazz, develop aural skills, develop their understanding of harmony and compose for an instrumental group in their chosen style. The course is enhanced by composing and performing masterclasses, working alongside professional musicians and regular concert trips. Students who cannot already read music will be expected to learn in order to be able to access many aspects of the course.

In A2 Music, students will focus on one style of music for their performance recital and study different interpretations leading to an exam in the Spring term. The students will study Programme Music in more depth and compose in response to a brief. Aural skills will also be developed further through the study of 20th Century vocal music and students will complete a set of Bach Chorales to develop their skills in understanding harmony. The course will also be enhanced by composing and performing masterclasses, regular concert trips and working alongside professional musicians.

Previous enrichment opportunities

Performance and composition workshops and masterclasses with professional musicians, performances in Musicals and concerts in college, performances in the Dome, Palm Court Theatre, Headteacher’s conference at the Metropole, Brighton Centre, Early Music Festival, experience as MD for college productions, leading college and school ensembles.

Assessment

For both AS and A2 the weightings are as follows
Performing 40%
Composing 30%
Historical studies (listening and written paper) 30%

Possible Careers

Performance, composition, music journalism, music teaching, degree or HND in Music or Performing Arts.