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, employers look for candidates who have been engaged in activities that demonstrate persistence.
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?
A central element of the course is learning composing techniques and developing individual styles and tastes for the free choice piece. The western classical piece involves problem solving by working through short composing tasks in the classical style. Another central element is studying two movements from a symphony by Haydn and studying musical theatre songs. We build in fortnightly rehearsal sessions to work on your performing skills and plan your programme for the recital in March.
Learning takes place in class, group and one to one discussions with your teachers and peers will give you a chance to enhance your musical skills, which in turn will give you the confidence to develop your own work and improve on your grades and appreciation of the music.
Unit 1 (AS) Unit 4 (AL) - Performing.
You will perform two to four pieces to a visiting examiner of Grade 5 (AS) Grade 6 (AL) standard and any instrument or voice is acceptable. You can specialise in Performing in Year 2.
Unit 2/Unit 5 - Composing.
You will compose two pieces; a free composition of at least 2 minutes duration and the other in response from a brief set from WJEC in the Western Classical Tradition. You can specialise in Composing in Year 2.
Unit 3/Unit 6 - Appraising.
A written examination of 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) on two areas of study: Orchestral Western Classical Tradition and Musical Theatre
Music qualifications can lead to a career in education, music therapy, a performer, composer or conductor but also it opens the door to other careers such as mathematics, medicine, law or dentistry.
AS Level (year one):
1. Performing - performance during March (externally)
2. Composing - two compositions with a score, recording & write-up in April (externally)
3. Appraising - a written examination in the June (externally)
A-level (year two):
4. Performing - performance during March
5. Composing - two compositions with a score, recording and write-up in April (externally)
6. Appraising - a written examination in June.
A minimum of six GCSEs at grades A*-C To include: GCSE Music at a B grade or above, GCSE Mathematics and English Language at a 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 Education, Music Therapy, a Performer, Composer or Conductor but also it opens the door to other careers such as Mathematics, Medicine, Law or Dentistry.
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 for your own instrument, and for other classical instruments too!
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.