Music

Exam Board: OCR

Students will study a range of topics in A-Level Music. They will study areas 1 and 2 and at least two more from areas 3-6

• Area of study 1: Instrumental music of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven
• Area of study 2: Popular song: blues, jazz, swing and big band
• Area of study 3: Developments in instrumental jazz, 1910 to the present day
• Area of study 4: Religious music of the baroque period
• Area of study 5: Programme music, 1820—1910
• Area of study 6: Innovations in music, 1900 to the present day.

Assessment

40% exam, 60% Coursework

Requirements

General Sixth Form admission requirements plus a grade 5 or above in GCSE Music (or equivalent experience in music, especially playing an instrument) and GCSE English

Where can it lead?

A level Music is a highly regarded subject, either alongside other creative courses or in demonstrating a broader range of skills next to Science, Maths or other non-creative subjects. Whilst Music can be a useful subject for Arts and Media courses at university, the most obvious degree pathway is going on to a degree in Music, which can lead to a range of exciting career options, including becoming a professional musician, a sound technician, a music therapist, a teacher, or a private tutor. Jobs that are less directly related a Music degree, include arts administration, and work in radio, theatre and events management.