Music in the Upper 6Th Form (Edexcel A2 Music)

Music in the Upper 6th Form (Edexcel A2 Music)

Here is an overview of the Upper Sixth Form music course. If you are studying A2 Music, you can expect to cover these topics.

Edexcel A2 Music is structured as 3 units as follows:

Unit 4: Extended Performance

This takes the form of a 12-15 minute recital in the Spring Term of the U6 year, prepared under controlled conditions (see below). It makes up 30% of the A2 marks.

Unit 2: Composition and Technical Study

This takes the form of either two compositions to briefs, two technical study exercises or one of each. The work is due at the end of the Spring Term and makes up 30% of the A2 marks.

Unit 3: Further Musical Understanding

The paper has sections on Aural Analysis, Music in Context and Continuity and Change in Instrumental Music. The written exam is taken at the end of the U6 year and makes up 40% of the A2 marks.

Autumn Term

Performing

Examples of successful past recitals

Planning the preparation for the recital

Constant liaison with student and instrumental teacher

Composing

Introduction to composition at A2 – moving on from AS

Writing for live performers

Composition techniques – melody, harmony, texture, instrumentation, contrast, structure

Examination and selection of the brief

Embarking on the coursework compositions

Listening

Introduction to A2 listening skills

Practice exercises

Contextual listening exercises

Continuing with a listening diary – context and style

Continuity and Change

Analysis of the Instrumental Music set works

Examination of continuity and change in melody, harmony, tonality, rhythm, structure, texture, orchestration

Spring Term

Performing

Selection of recital programme

Preparation and performance of recital

Composing

Continuing, refining and completing the coursework compositions

Arranging the recording of the coursework compositions if appropriate

Listening

Continuation of practice exercises and techniques

Music in Context

Analysis of all the Applied Music set works

Introduction to answering exam-style questions

Summer Term

Composing

The Sleeve Note

Completion of techniques exercises under timed conditions (if appropriate)

Unit 3 (AS)

Revision and preparation for the AS exam

Unit 6 (A2)

Revision and preparation for the A2 exam