A Level Music

Level: 3 | Duration: 2 Years | Details: September | Exam Board: EDUQAS

Please note all of our A Level courses must be studied as part of a full time A Level programme. You will choose 3 A level subjects to study over two years.

What is this course about?
A level Music is a highly respected academic qualification.  It pushes students to the limits of their creativity, practical skills, and musical knowledge.  The course we offer is run by Eduqas.  This is a linear A level, so all of the assessment occurs at the end of the second year.  You can choose to emphasise composition or performance depending on your strengths – they can be worth either 25 or 35% each.  The rest of the grade is made up of a listening and analysis exam.

What will I do?
Music A level gives you an incredible amount of individual freedom to perform and create.  Every student receives a free one-to-one performance lesson each week, and as a result half of our cohort achieved A* grades in the practical component of the course.  You will compose a portfolio of pieces, combining free choice and set briefs.  Lessons will focus on theory knowledge, social and historical context, and listening skills.  Over the two years you will cover more than 250 years of music, encompassing the Western Classical Tradition, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Rock and Pop.

Shakespeare North Playhouse is working in partnership with Cronton College to highlight career opportunities within the theatre and also the wider Creative Industries sector, offering students industry insight through inspiring experiences.

Entry requirements:
A minimum of 3 x Grade 5s and 2 x Grade 4s at GCSE including a Grade 5 in English Language, a Grade 5 in Maths and a Grade 5 in Music.

We expect our students to be working at around G4/5 standard on their chosen instrument

If you did not have the opportunity to take GCSE music, then we would expect you to have G5 or higher on your chosen instrument, and be able to read music fluently.

G5 Music theory is preferable – if you have not done this, working through the ‘ABRSM Music Theory in Practice’ workbooks over the summer would be a good idea. All of our students are required to audition in the summer term preceding their start at Cronton. If you haven’t been able to take Music GCSE, you may be asked to provide a portfolio of your compositions.

Why choose this course?
You need to really love music to take on the challenge of this A level.  You will build your creative skills, developing a professional standard portfolio of your own written music.  Students develop to a minimum of Grade 6 performance standard (ABRSM, Rockschool, Trinity / LCM exam boards) by the end of the course.  You will also have an incredible technical knowledge of the way music works, and the way musical ensembles function.  This can set you up for a career in technical professions, the humanities, the arts, management – the list is endless.

Over the course of your two years at Cronton you will visit prestigious concert halls and gig venues to watch the best musicians in the world perform.  We run several live performances each year, both inside and outside college.  You will hear your own music performed and recorded.  If you are looking to apply for prestigious universities, music is a great choice to stand out from the crowd.

How will I be assessed?
Composition coursework, practical and written examination.

Enrichment Opportunities:
The college ensemble, Up Funk, comprises vocalists, guitarists, percussionists, keyboardists, flautists, sax, trumpet and trombone players and any other instrumentalist from across the college. This group plays at many events and venues throughout the year, and engages in a number of professional gigs and projects. Vocalists are given further opportunities to perform as both soloists and part of an ensemble through our Centre of Excellence Musical Productions and our college choir Cronton Voices who perform at local venues throughout the year.

Facilities:
Specialist music room and sound-proof practice rooms

The Cronton Experience:
During your time at Cronton Sixth Form College, you will have the opportunity to take part in a number of different enrichment activities in your free time. These will increase your enjoyment of your studies and equip you for further success. Click the image below for more information!