Subject talk
Website
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/music-2016.html
Units
Component 1: Performance 30% (60 Marks)
- A public performance recital
- Performance can be playing an instrument or singing
- Performance can be solo or as part of an ensemble
- Performance is to be recorded after 1st of March in Year 13
- Total performance time must be 8 minute or more
- Bonus marks are awarded for Grade 7 performance standard and above
Component 2: Composition 30% (60 Marks)
- 1 Free Composition 20% (40 Marks)
- 1 Brief Composition 10% (20 Marks)
Component 3: Appraisal 40% 1 x 2 hour exam in June of Year 13 (100 Marks)
Section A: Areas of Study and Dictation (50 Marks)
Three questions related to the set works (audio and skeleton score is provided)
One short melody/rhythmic completion exercise.
Section B: Extended response (50 Marks)
Essay 1 (20 Marks)
Students are to draw links from their study of the set works to the unfamiliar extract
Essay 2 (30 Marks)
Students are given a choice of three questions that asks students to evaluate the musical elements, content and language of one set work. Each option will be from a different area of study.
SET WORKS – For appraisal exam
Vocal Music:
J.S Bach - Cantata, Ein feste Burg
Mozart - The Magic Flute
Vaughan Williams - One Wenlock Edge
Instrumental Music:
Vivaldi - Concerto in D minor Op. 3 No.11
Clara Wieck-Schumann - Piano Trio in G minor Op. 17: Movement 1
Berlioz - Symphonie Fantastique
Music for Film:
Danny Elfman - Batman Returns
Rachel Portman - The Duchess
Bernard Herrmann – Psycho
Popular Music and Jazz:
Courtney Pine - Back in the Day
Kate Bush - Hounds of Love
Beatles – Revolver
Fusion:
Debussy - Estampes
Familiar Valera Miranda - Cana Quema
Anoushka Shankar - Breathing Under Water
New Directions
Cage - Three Dances for two prepared pianos
Kaija Saariaho - Petals for violin cello and Live electronics
Stravinsky - The Rite of Spring
Textbook(s)
We ask students to purchase the Anthology which is the collection of scores we will analyse for the Appraisal exam (40%)
Sample papers
A Level Music Composition Exam (10%)
A Level Music Appraisal Paper (40%)