Music at WHGS involves developing your performance, compositon, appraising and listening skills. You will do this through a series of lessons which look at the three discreet areas (performance, composition and appraising) as a whole.
- You will explore composition techniques and look at a ways to explore and push you creative ideas by using the recording studio and iMacs (a choice of Sibelius or Logic Pro X), as guided by the classroom teacher and sound technician.
- You will get the the opportunity to access a suite of practice rooms during curriculum time to develop individual rehearsal practice techniques with the support of your classroom teacher and specialized peripatetics.
- All sections of the course are supported throughout with musical theory, analysis and critial listening exercises in order to aid study throughout.
Music follows a two year linear format building and embedding on your skills throughout.
AS Content:
Component 1: Performing (30%)
- A performance consisting of a minimum of two pieces either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble or a combination of both.
- Total duration of pieces 6-8 minutes
- Grade 5 is the expected standard (it is acceptable to play graded pieces that are lower or higher)
- Non-exam assessment (external moderator visit)
Component 2: Composing (AS 30%)
- Two compositions. 1st: in response to a brief set by the exam board) 2nd: a free composition.
- Total duration of compositions: 4½ -7 minutes
- Non-exam assessment: (externally assessed)
Component 3: Appraising (AS 40%)
- Written / Listening examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Area of study A: The Western Classical Tradition
- A choice of one area of study from: B: Rock and Pop C: Musical Theatre D: Jazz
A Level Content:
Component 1: Performing (35%)
- A performance consisting of a minimum of three pieces either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble or a combination of both.
- Total duration of pieces 10-12 minutes
- Grade 6 is the expected standard (it is acceptable to play graded pieces that are lower or higher)
- Non-exam assessment (external moderator visit)
Component 2: Composing (25%)
- Two compositions. 1st: in response to a brief set by the exam board) 2nd: a free composition.
- Total duration of compositions: 4-6 minutes
- Non-exam assessment: (externally assessed)
Component 3: Appraising (40%)
- Written / Listening examination: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Area of study A: The Western Classical Tradition
- A choice of one area of study from: B: Rock and Pop C: Musical Theatre D: Jazz
- A choice of one area of study from: E: 20th Century Music F: 21st Century Music
Assessment
For both AS and A Level, Composition and Performance work needs to be ready for submission / performance by the end of April / beginning of May and an end of year linear exam will feature all listening and appraising work studied.