The Course - King Solomon High School

The Course:The A Level course is made up of two components: AS and A2. Each comprises threemain units – Performance, Composition and Historical Analysis. In total, thereforeMusic A Level will be made up of six units.AS LevelPerformance: Candidates are to perform in public, usually in the school main hall,a recital not lasting more than 12 minutes of a programme of varied content, on aninstrument of their choice. In the second half of the recital they are to perform oneor two pieces on another instrument. This can be the voice. The recital will assessedby a visiting examiner.Composition: Candidates are to submit a composition of either a piece for 4-10instruments not lasting for longer than 3 minutes, or a lead-sheet arrangement of a20 th century popular song for instruments. They are also to submit a portfolio ofexercises of examples showing compositional techniques from Western Tonality(1600-1900)Historical Study and Analysis: Candidates will study three set works from theClassical/Romantic eras and three from the Jazz era 1940-1960. They will investigatethe historical and cultural background to these works and analyse the musicalprocesses of composition within them. This will be assessed by a two hour exam inthe summer.A2 LevelPerformance: As in AS, candidates are to perform a recital in public. This time,however, it will last for 15 minutes, and will focus on a specific style or genre.Candidates do not have to perform on a second instrument. The recital will beassessed by a visiting examiner.Composition: Candidates are to submit a composition for voice or voices andaccompaniment based on a text prescribed by the exam board. This will be submittedas part of a portfolio along with other more advanced examples of compositionaltechniques.Historical Study and Analysis: Candidates study a genre of vocal music in anhistorical era (there are a selection of four) prescribed by the board. As in AS Level,they will investigate the historical and cultural background to these works and analysemusical compositional processes within them. This will be assessed by a two and ahalf hour exam in the summer.The course is taught by both Mr. Wooll and Miss Dickson, although the formercurrently assumes most of the teaching for A2.During the past four years students A2 grades have averaged at B/C. Four years agoone student gained an A grade.Course Eligibility: Due to the specialist nature of the course and the rigoroustechnical demands of the performance component, only students who have theequivalent of Grade 5 standard of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools ofMusic, as well as a GCSE pass in music at grade B will be recommended for entryto this course. An exception to the B pass in GCSE Music may be made if theprospective student can demonstrate wide-ranging depth of knowledge and anaptitude and commitment to the course requirements. A fairly high level of technicalproficiency on an instrument or voice, however, is essential for course entry.MUSIC