Edexcel AS Music

There are three units to complete to gain an AS level award in music. They are:

Unit 1: Performing

Perform one or more solo pieces lasting 5 – 6 minutes

Perform during the course (four occasions, which must include the performance of one of the student’s own compositions).

Unit 2: Developing Musical Ideas Produce a portfolio of composition techniques exercises Produce 1 composition based on an area of study

Unit 3 Listening & Understanding

Part 1: 45 minute listening paper

Part 2: Respond to essay questions based on 2 areas of study.

Aims of the course

• Encourage students to extend the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to communicate through music and take part in music making
• Encourage students to engage in, and extend their appreciation of, the diverse and dynamic heritage of music, promoting spiritual and cultural development
• Encourage students to develop particular strengths and interests, encouraging lifelong learning and providing access to music-related careers
• Provide a worthwhile, satisfying and complete course of study, which broadens experience, develops imagination, fosters reativity and promotes personal and social development.

The Areas of Study are the base to the whole specification. They are broad fields within which students will gain in-depth experience of specific musical elements, resources, procedures, qualities and repertoire.

Students will study two contrasting Areas of study throughout the course (one from each of the sections below.

The areas of study are:

1. Keyboard music
2. Music for large ensemble
3. Music for small ensemble
4. 20th century art music
5. Sacred vocal music
6. Secular vocal music

1. Music for film and television
2. Popular music and jazz
3. World music