The following information is taken from our document 'The Sixth Form and Beyond', which is updated each December. It can be downloaded as a pdf file.
We offer Music A Level (H543) with OCR. This is a course where candidates will develop a broad range of knowledge of music of varying styles and genres through their study of music history as well as performing and composing. These subjects are approached from a variety of mediums, but most importantly everything stems from a broad and developed palate of listening.
There is no prescribed prior knowledge for taking the course. However, it is recommended that candidates embarking on it should have shown a level of musical ability and understanding equivalent to that required for GCSE Music.
A Level Candidates take components: 01, 03 & 05 OR 02, 04, 05 (2 years)
01 Performing A
Candidates are required to perform a practical examination which is externally assessed by an audio-visual recording. Candidates are required to perform a programme of at least two contrasting pieces with a duration of between six and nine minutes. The recital may use one or more of the following:
- Solo piece on more than one instrument or voice
- Ensemble performance (including accompanying)
- Realisation using music technology
02 Performing B
Candidates are required to perform a practical examination which is externally assessed by an audio-visual recording. Candidates are required to perform a programme of at least three contrasting pieces with a duration of between ten and 15 minutes. The recital may use one or more of the following:
- Solo piece on more than one instrument or voice
- Ensemble performance (including accompanying)
- Realisation using music technology
Section 1: Free Choice: at least two pieces
Section 2: Focused Study: at least one further piece
03 Composing A
Candidates are required to submit three separate pieces with a combined duration of at least eight minutes.
Section 1: Composition in response to a brief set by OCR
Section 2: Composition in response to a brief set by the candidate
Section 3: Three short technical exercises
04 Composing B
Candidates are required to submit two separate pieces with a combined duration of at least four minutes and 30 seconds.
Section 1: Composition in response to a brief set by OCR
Section 2: Composition in response to a brief set by the candidate
05 Listening and appraising
Candidates are required to sit an externally-assessed timed examination paper of 2 hours and 30 minutes. The paper consists of three section:
Section A: Aural extracts
Section B: Questions based on aural extracts from prescribed works
- Orchestral music of the Classical period
- Popular song: Blues, Jazz, Swing and Big Band
Section C: Contextual awareness: candidates are required to write two essays from two of the following topics:
- Instrumental Jazz 1910 to the present day
- Religious Music of the Baroque period
- Programme Music 1820-1910
- Innovations in Music 1900 to the present day