Music

Why study Music?

A level music will give you the opportunity to explore a fascinating practical, creative and academic subject.

You will learn to perform, compose and appreciate different types of music, developing critical and creative thinking, cultural and aesthetic awareness, and the ability to make music individually and as part of a group.
 
Many Woodhouse students have gone on to study music or a closely related degree course at Conservatoires, Oxbridge, Russell Group and other universities. A good degree in music will give you the necessary grounding to thrive in a highly competitive profession with many different career paths. The three-way transferable skills (practical, creative, academic) also make this a desirable subject for those who intend to study other subjects at university. There are many opportunities to perform in concerts, both on and off campus, learn how to use modern notation software, and to take part in extra-mural music activities including choir and a range of ensembles.

Course overview 

You’ll learn to perform music at Grade 7 level with control and continuity, using appropriate tempi, and show critical understanding of the music chosen. You’ll study the processes involved in creating music and develop the technical and expressive skills needed by a composer. You’ll be encouraged to explore a range of compositional starting points and investigate a variety of techniques for developing and manipulating ideas. You will then turn these ideas into completed pieces of music. You will engage critically with music, develop an understanding of its place in different cultures and contexts, and learn how to analyse and evaluate music in aural and written form.

How is the course assessed?

Externally assessed (visiting examiner) - 35% OR 25%

• Performing
  Option A: Performance 10-12mins - 108 marks
  Option B: Performance 6-8mins - 72 marks

Externally assessed - 25% OR 35%

• Composing
  Option A: 2 compositions with a total duration of 4-6mins - 72 marks
  Option B: 3 compositions with a total duration of 8-10mins - 108 marks

​Written exam - 2 hours 15 mins - 40%

Appraising - 100 marks

What will I do in lessons?

In the 2 weekly 60-minute composing lessons, you will learn about compositional techniques and how to apply these to create a successful coherent composition.
In the 2 weekly 90-minute appraising lessons you will do ear training; set work score analysis and annotation; listening and essay writing.

What Independent study will be expected?

You will need to do independent study as part of your 5 hours of work outside of lessons. Each week your teacher will set you some independent research tasks on top of your reading and set homework. It is also expected that you conduct your own independent research around your texts. It is not enough simply to read the set texts and additional materials – you will need to process and record this information in your independent research exercise book and your reflections on it. Your teacher will expect to see evidence in your independent research exercise book and a record of the independent study you have completed when they check your file and exercise book.

Note that for Music students, the 5 hours does NOT include instrumental practice!

Suggested Outline Timetable of Weekly Independent Study: 

Exam Board

Eduqas

Link to specification

GCSE entry requirements

• 5 in Mathematics required
• 6 in English Language required
• 6 in Music required
• Grade 5 instrument or singing required
• Grade 5 music theory required

What A Levels go well with this one?

Music is very mathematical in nature, and so Music and Maths complement each other well, so do Music and Languages – after all, music is a language. In fact, Music goes well with pretty much any subject and some people believe that studying music can enhance your grades in other subjects.

What can I do beyond A Levels with this subject? 

It could lead to a Music degree: here’s what Oxford University says about theirs: “The varied nature of the course enables students to develop highly desirable skills in areas such as self-management, creativity, data analysis, performance, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, all of which makes them an attractive prospect for potential employers… other popular destinations for Music graduates… include broadcasting, publishing, law, politics and the Civil Service. Rather than limiting your career prospects, a music degree opens doors to a wide range of careers.”

For example:

In music: performing, composing, directing, teaching, music therapy (or a combination)
Music- or arts-related: arts management, arts administration, production, publishing, events, record companies, museums and galleries
Outside music: journalism, PR and marketing, researcher, travel, law, accountancy

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to buy anything for the course?

No – most resources for the course are provided by college. You will need a USB drive to store your electronic work during the course.

Are there instrumental teachers like I had at school?

No. Most music students have instrumental/vocal tuition outside college to support their performance work. We can help students locate teachers in the area, but this is funded by individual students. Financial support might be available on request.

Can I choose what I learn on the course?

The course has mandatory elements of performance, composition and composers from the Western Classical tradition, but students can choose three Areas of Study from the following topics: Rock and Pop or Musical Theatre or Jazz; and 20th Century or 21st Century.

Does Woodhouse have performance opportunities?

The department holds weekly lunchtime concerts and two major concerts per year. There are weekly orchestra and choir rehearsals. Smaller student-led ensembles take place during Music Club and students are encouraged to organise their own ensembles and collaborate with other musicians on the course and from the wider college community. 

Will this course get me onto a music course at university or conservatoire?
The department specialises in progression to top UK universities and conservatoires. Staff will support you every step of the way if you wish to take music to the next level.

What styles of music can be performed and composed on the course?

The EDUQAS A level course allows music from any style to be explored in the performance and composition components. The department usually has a lively mix of classical, jazz and pop musicians each year and differentiates teaching to accommodate such diversity of musical backgrounds.