Music
Music provides an ideal counterpart to either an arts or science based sixth-form
curriculum, in which students develop skills of analytical thinking and close textual study,
as well as the creation and performance of music. Thus the subject offers a sound
intellectual training that will be useful in itself, as well as providing a firm foundation for
music courses at more advanced levels. The subject encompasses both a wide variety of
music styles, from the early Renaissance to the end of the Twentieth Century, and includes
both “serious” and more “popular” trends, while also covering a wide variety of general
knowledge including languages, science and art.
The course consists of a number of units:
Unit G351: Performing Music 1
This unit requires students to perform as a soloist on any instrument or voice, followed by
a viva voce, plus a second performance on another instrument or in an ensemble.
Unit G352: Composing 1
This unit consists of composition exercises using the language of traditional Western Tonal
Harmony and one instrumental composition for at least four instruments in a personal tonal
style.
Unit G353: Introduction to Historical Study in Music
This unit focuses on solo instrumental, chamber or orchestral repertoire (1700-1830) and
prescribed musical works from both orchestral music (1700-1830) and jazz (1920-1960).
Unit G354: Performing Music 2 (Interpretation)
This unit requires students to perform a 15 minute concert as a soloist to a visiting
examiner, plus a 5 minute viva voce.
Unit G355 Composing 2
This unit focuses on Stylistic Compositional Techniques (e.g. chorale harmonisations in the
style of J.S. Bach), and musical setting for voice of a suitable text.
Unit G356: Historical and Analytical Studies in Music
This unit focuses on accompanied vocal music (1900 – 1945) and Programme Music.
Performance remains a core element throughout the course, especially in the A2 year, now
requiring a standard equivalent to Grade 6. Students generally need to have an active and
wide-ranging interest in listening to and studying music of all kinds, as well as the selfmotivation
to carry out independent study.