Music

E2E stub topic

This subtopic explores advanced principles of harmonic progression and contrapuntal writing within the Western Classical tradition, building on foundational knowledge to develop sophisticated compositional and analytical skills. Students apply these techniques through practical exercises and stylistic composition, enhancing their understanding of tonal structure and voice leading.

E2E stub subtopic

Core Content: Musical Contexts

Core Content: Musical Language encompasses the fundamental knowledge and understanding required across all components of the A Level Music qualification. It focuses on the technical aspects of reading and writing staff notation, the application of chords and symbols, and the acquisition of musical vocabulary and terminology relevant to the Areas of Study.

Core Content: Musical Language

Core Content: Musical Language encompasses the fundamental knowledge and understanding required across all components of the A Level Music qualification. It focuses on the technical aspects of reading and writing staff notation, the application of chords and symbols, and the acquisition of musical vocabulary and terminology relevant to the Areas of Study.

Core Content: Musical Elements and their Interdependence

Core Content: Musical Language encompasses the fundamental knowledge and understanding required across all components of the A Level Music qualification. It focuses on the technical aspects of reading and writing staff notation, the application of chords and symbols, and the acquisition of musical vocabulary and terminology relevant to the Areas of Study.

Component Content: Performing A (01)

Performing A (01) is a non-exam assessment component worth 25% of the A Level. It requires learners to perform a recital of at least two contrasting pieces with a minimum duration of six minutes. The performance must demonstrate technical and expressive control, stylistic understanding, and critical awareness of the music chosen. It is externally assessed via an audio-visual recording.

Component Content: Performing B (02)

Performing B (02) is a non-exam assessment component worth 35% of the A Level. It requires a recital of at least three contrasting pieces with a minimum duration of ten minutes. The component is divided into a Free Choice section (at least two pieces) and a Focused Study section (at least one piece relating to the idiomatic repertoire of the chosen instrument). It assesses technical control, expression, and understanding of style and context.

Component Content: Composing A (03)

Composing A (03) is a non-exam assessment component worth 35% of the A Level. It requires learners to create and develop musical ideas with technical control and expressive understanding through three distinct sections: a composition in response to an OCR-set brief, a composition in response to a learner-set brief, and three short technical exercises. This component must be taken alongside Performing A (01).

Component Content: Composing B (04)

Composing B (04) is a non-exam assessment component worth 25% of the A Level. It requires learners to compose two separate pieces of music with a combined duration of at least four minutes, demonstrating technical control and expressive understanding. The component consists of a composition in response to an OCR-set brief and a composition in response to a learner-set brief.

Component Content: Listening and Appraising (05)

The Listening and Appraising component (05) is an externally assessed written examination worth 40% of the A Level. It assesses knowledge and understanding of musical elements, musical language, and musical contexts through the study of six Areas of Study. The exam includes a listening section with aural extracts and requires analysis, evaluation, and critical judgement of both familiar (prescribed) and unfamiliar music.

Area of Study 1: Instrumental Music of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven

Area of Study 1 focuses on the development of Classical instrumental music through the works of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. It requires in-depth study of chamber music, symphony, concerto, and sonata forms, emphasizing the analysis of musical elements, stylistic characteristics, and the historical/social context of the Classical period.

Area of Study 2: Popular Song: Blues, Jazz, Swing and Big Band

Area of Study 2 focuses on the development of song and singers in early popular and recorded genres, specifically Blues, Jazz, Swing, and Big Band. It involves in-depth study of vocal jazz, popular solo song, recordings by vocal artists, and the interpretation of 'standards'.

Area of Study 3: Developments in Instrumental Jazz 1910 to the present day

AoS3 covers the development of instrumental jazz from 1910 to the present day. It requires in-depth study of recorded performances, live performances, and scores to analyze, evaluate, and make critical judgements about the repertoire using technical vocabulary.

Area of Study 4: Religious Music of the Baroque Period

A study of how vocal music was used to express religious belief in the Baroque period, covering various European traditions and the conditions under which this music was created and performed.

Area of Study 5: Programme Music 1820–1910

Area of Study 5 focuses on the development of instrumental concert music during the Romantic period (1820–1910) that communicates a narrative or non-musical idea, including genres such as the concert overture, symphonic poem, programme symphony, and solo works, as well as music reflecting national identity.

Area of Study 6: Innovations in Music 1900 to the present day

Area of Study 6 focuses on the continuation, development, and innovations in Western art music from 1900 to the present day. It requires students to study specific styles and techniques, understand the conditions and contexts of creation, and apply technical vocabulary to analyze and evaluate repertoire.