About the course

This qualification will form part of a suite of A level subjects selected by you. It enables you to explore a concise range of skills related to music performance. These skill areas are what many would think of with a traditional music qualification - performance, composing and music theory. Unlike many traditional music qualifications, you will explore contemporary music styles and the application of these to your own work whilst tying all of your experiences into the ever-evolving music industry. The course allows a great deal of freedom in the music you choose to perform and compose. 

The focus of year 1 is to grow as a musician as part of a musical ensemble whilst developing practical practices in the music industry. As you develop your own performance skills you will also learn how to re-arrange music into different genres: how do you turn a song by The Pixies into a country and western ballad? Or a One Direction pop hit into a grunge song? In year two you will further build on these skills by studying practical music theory and combining this with composing, sessions styles, spolo performance or improvising

Entry Requirements

A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above. GCSE Music (or equivalent) is desirable but not essential. Given the practical, musical and technical demands of this course your entry will be subject to an audition/audition footage.

Modules

Throughout the first year you will develop ensemble performance skills and focus on composition. In year two you will explore professional practice in the music industry whilst specialising in Music Performance Session Styles, solo performance or improvisation.

Assessment

There is an externally set/assessed project on both years of this qualification.

Careers & Progression

It is not uncommon for a student to select A level Music alongside A level Music Technology if they wish to gain a broader range of music related skills. When combined with other subjects, it can open a wide range of careers. For example: Music, maths and physics - acoustician, architecture, audio design/engineering Music, english and media - journalism, editing Music, computing and music technology - computer games design, sound design Typically the majority of students progress to university level courses from this qualification. The most frequently applied for universities are Salford, BIMM and University College Burnley. The most common courses are ‘Pop Music and Recording’, ‘Music Production and Performance’, ‘Music Production’, ‘Event Management’, BA (Hons) Music, BMus (Hons) Music, BA (Hons) Music Promotion, BSc (Hons) Sound Engineering, BA (Hons) Music Journalism and BSc (Hons) Music for Film Television and Games in addition to a whole host more. It is worth noting that Music is not considered a ‘soft subject’ by the Russell Group Universities!

Additional Details