Music - AS
About this course
This Music AS Level is a one-year course which should be taken alongside two or three other subjects as well as the Welsh Baccalaureate or as an add-on to an A2 programme. This course is also open to part-time students.
All topics are studied from a practical and theoretical perspective and students will need to reflect critically and make personal judgements on their own and others’ music.
What you will study
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:
- 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.
- 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
Course fee per year
Part-time enrolment fee: £0.00
Entry requirements
Individual Subject Entry Requirement English Language minimum: B
Important points
- 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.
- Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
- 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.
Start date
End date
Time of day
Full Time
Course code
Qualification
Music - AS
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