Music - AS

Aims of the Course:

No prior knowledge of the subject is required, however students able to read music and perform at a level equivalent to Grade 5 (ABSRM) are at an advantage.

The aims of the course are:

• To develop performing skills to demonstrate understanding of musical elements, style, interpretation and expression.
• To develop composing skills to demonstrate understanding of musical ideas and the use of conventions.
• To appraise contrasting genres, styles and traditions of music, and develop a coherent awareness of musical chronology.

During the course, the following areas will be covered:

Unit 1: Performing

A performance of at least two pieces, either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble (or both). One piece should reflect the musical characteristics of one area of study: The Western Classical Tradition (1760-1830), Rock and Pop (1965-1990), Musical Theatre, or Jazz (1940-1965). The other can be chosen by the learner. The entire performance should last between six and eight minutes.

Unit 2: Composing

The creation of a portfolio consisting of two pieces:

1. A piece of at least one minute in length using techniques associated with the Western Classical Tradition. This piece should respond to a brief set by examiners.
2. A free composition of at least two minutes in length, demonstrating techniques chosen by the learner.

Unit 3: Appraising

Exploring two areas of music (one compulsory, one chosen):

A. Compulsory: The Western Classical Tradition.

This will involve an in-depth study of Haydn’s Symphony No. 103 “The Drumroll” together with the social, historical and cultural context of the period 1760-1830.

You will explore:

• Structure, tonality, melody and thematic development
• Instrumentation and orchestration
• Important composers and compositions
• Reading and writing musical notation

B. Optional: (Choosing one of the following)

• Rock and Pop, 1965-1990. This will involve study of four rock and pop genres between 1965 and 1990
• Pop (including Funk and Disco)
• Rock (including prog rock and heavy metal)
• Soul
• Country.

You will explore:

• Structure, tonality, melody and timbre
• Melody, harmony, tempo and rhythm
• The use of musical technology and the effect of audience and performance
• Important artists/bands in each genre
• How rock and pop have changed over time

A. Musical Theatre

This will involve study of four musical theatre composers:

• Cole Porter
• Richard Rodgers
• Claude-Michel Schönberg
• Andrew Lloyd Webber.

You will explore:

• Structure, tonality, melody and timbre
• Types of song and genre of musical
• The relationship between lyrics, music and character
• The effect of audience and place on performance
• How music for theatre has changed over time

B. Jazz, 1940-1965

This will involve study of three genres of jazz popular between 1940 and 1965:

• Big Band (including Swing)
• Be-bop
• Cool.

You will explore:

• Structure, tonality, melody and thematic development
• Instrumentation and timbre
• Important composers and compositions
• The effect of audience and place on performance
• How jazz has changed over time

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade A* - C including English Language and Maths.
• Interview.

Individual subjects may require higher grades. 
Mature learners without these qualifications may be accepted after an interview with the subject tutor.

• The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18
• Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities
• Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect
• Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice
• All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print
• Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers
• Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.