Upper 6th Form Curriculum

A2 Music

Syllabus Followed: Edexcel

A2 is designed to follow on directly from the disciplines studied at AS Level. The course is divided into three areas:

Unit 4: Specialist options

You will undertake one of the following:

Pathway A: Composition Portfolio

A folio of two compositions, each from a different topic, is required. One composition must be an extension of the topic covered in Unit 2. The other composition must be on a different topic. Note that this work must be at A2 level.

Pathway B: Performing (15%)

You will present a recital lasting 20 minutes of music of your own choice. You may perform on one or more instruments.

Unit 5: Performing & Composing

Performing during the course

The performances presented in Unit 5 will demonstrate a progression from those submitted in Unit 1b. You will be expected to demonstrate a higher level of technical skill, with a greater sense of assurance and maturity and a greater understanding of expressive, interpretative and stylistic skills. You will submit four performances (at least one solo and one ensemble performance).

Compositional Techniques

In this unit you choose one of the techniques topics studied in Unit 2 and extend this skill, leading to a 3 hour exam (either 32 bar song or minimalism).

Unit 6: Analysing Music

This unit is centred on studying extracts from the Edexcel Anthology of Music. You will build on the skills developed in Unit 3. You will select and develop one element studied previously and pursue a new topic. Assessment is through a written exam at the end of the course, and an aural analysis exam.

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