Music A level

Qualification: GCE A Level in Music
Exam Board & Specification Code: WJEC Eduqas; Specification
Course Entry Requirements: 4 in English Language GCSE and Grade 5 standard or above in performance on your principal instrument or voice. Music GCSE is not a course requirement but should be level 6 if taken. If you believe you are performing at Grade 5 or above but have not taken a performance exam you will need to attend a short audition. Students must have very good note reading skills and we would advise you to take Grade 5 Music Theory prior to starting the course.  However, students who do not have Grade 5 theory but who meet other requirements will be able to take this exam during the first year of the course.
Please make sure that you have understood the overall entry requirements to study at BHASVIC. These are available here and outline the GCSE grades you need to take up one of the Study Programmes at the college.
Length and size of qualification: 2 year single course
Timetable hours: 4.5 hours per week
Assessment method: 1 written exam plus compositions and performances
BHASVIC Department: Performing Arts

Head of Department:  Ryan Stagg

What will I study?

Studying Music A level will develop your skills in solo and ensemble performance, composition and musical analysis; improving your practical and theoretical musical skills. You will perform as a soloist and as part of an ensemble every half term, developing your skills and confidence as a performer in preparation for your examined performance during the final Spring term. You will learn to compose for different combinations of instruments and voices in a wide variety of styles. You will study a wide range of music: looking at the immense musical and social changes during the 18th and 19th century and their impact on the symphony and studying twentieth century music, which so challenged audiences at the time that it sometimes caused riots! You will also look at the many exciting developments in jazz music. Studying a diverse range of music in depth will improve your aural and analytical skills and prepare you for the written exam.  All music students will also benefit from participating in BHASVIC's instrumental and vocal ensembles and concerts and will take part in projects with visiting professional musicians.    

Is this course right for me?

This exciting and challenging course requires strong performance skills, creativity and academic ability. It suits people who are good performers on their instrument or voice, enjoy composing and are open-minded in their approach to listening to and analysing a diverse range of music. Studying A level music gives you the power to engage with and appreciate music more deeply and will greatly develop your skills as a musician.

You may contact our Music teachers by email if you have any questions:

Jo Hatton: j.hatton@bhasvic.ac.uk

Ben Albu: b.albu@bhasvic.ac.uk 

Where next?

Music A Level involves a lot of practical, creative work but it is sufficiently rigorous to be accepted as a serious academic subject for entry to university courses. BHASVIC music students have gone on to study at music colleges, Oxbridge and a wide range of other universities for both music and unrelated courses. Music A level opens up possibilities in many different career areas including performance, composition and production as well as a wide range of jobs that are connected to supporting and promoting the industry such as event management, broadcasting/journalism and education. Careers where music is directly related to the job could include Music Therapist, Musician, Teacher and Sound Technician. Jobs where studying Music could be helpful are: Arts Administrator, Event Manager, Theatre Stage Manager, Sales, Tour Manager, Merchandiser and Public Relations Officer. Students can choose to apply to universities or conservatoires or start an apprenticeship/job in the sector after completing their studies. Useful websites to research careers and wider progression options could include Careers in Music, UK Music, All About Careers and the Apprenticeship Guide. 

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