Summer Bridging Work

A Level Music

SUMMER BRIDGING WORK

Preparation work

We are delighted that you have chosen to study A-Level Music at KAA, and we look forward to working with you in September. Summer Bridging work is common in most sixth forms and is a fantastic way to start bridging the gap between GCSE and A-level as well as keeping your mind active during the summer.

These are the three areas we would like to you to focus on;

1. Performing

As you are aware, you will receive half an hour of free tuition a week on your chosen instrument at KAA, and we will support you throughout the course with your instrumental skills, with timely, constructive feedback.

In order to make sure you are fully prepared for the rigours of study at A-Level, we would like you to practice your chosen instrument for at least 30 minutes every day and keep a practice diary (we will help write your practice routine, in collaboration with your instrumental tutor in September).

During the first week in September the A-Level Music students will each perform in a mini-concert at the end of the week. You will need to prepare and practice this over the summer. This could potentially be one of your GCSE Performances or you can challenge yourself and learn a new piece over the summer break.

2. Composing

30% of your final A-Level result will consist of your composition work. It is imperative that you do not stop being creative over the summer break and that you record (audio/ written) any ideas that you come up with in preparation for your A-Level studies.

In September, your new Head of Music will want to hear the compositions you submitted at GCSE so please have these ready as MP3’s or on CD to bring with you (if you do not have a copy, please contact the Head of Music at your current secondary school who will be happy to send you these).

3. Listening

Having completed your GCSE’s, you will be aware that a large part of the course requires you to listen to and critically engage with music from around the world. A-Level is no different, and requires deeper knowledge of a wider spectrum of music types. Below is the list of the set works and wider listening which we would like you to engage with. The music types may not be your favourite, but part of being a musician is to be adaptable and open to new things. If you type these songs into YouTube, you will be able to listen to them.

-  Listen to each song three times and write down in full sentences why you like or dislike the song using musical academic language to back-up your answer.

-  Write down a paragraph or more about each one focusing on the following musical elements – rhythm, pitch (melody), dynamics, texture, timbre (instrumentation), tempo and structure.

( Please use the comment sheet provided)

Checklist for September

Make sure you have the following things for your arrival in September.

·  GCSE Compositions on CD or in MP3 format

·  Performance piece prepared for mini concert in September

·  Basic understanding of the Areas of Study and basic familiarity with the songs with completed comment sheet.

In addition to this it is worth noting what equipment we will expect you to bring every day, every lesson when you join us in September.

·  Folder (KAA will provide these for you during Induction week)

·  Notebook (KAA will provide these for you during Induction week)

·  Stationary – two black/ blue pens, green pen, two pencils, 2 rubbers, pencil sharpener, ruler

·  Anthology and Student Guide (provided by KAA)

·  Instrument (if applicable)

·  Spare strings, drum sticks, plectrums, leads etc. (if applicable)

·  USB stick (16GB is preferred)

·  Sheet Music for your performance work

·  Practice diary (KAA will provide these for you during Induction week)

If you have any questions please email your new Head of Music, Mr Fisher at .

See you in September!