New A Level in Music

Syllabus by Pearson/Edexcel

Performing 30%

Composing 30%

Listening and Appraising 40%

Performing

♫ A public performance of one or more pieces, performed as a recital ♫ Performance can be playing or singing solo, in an ensemble, improvising, or realising

music through music technology ♫ The total performance time must be a minimum of 8 minutes and will be recorded

in one take ♫ Music performed must be minimum grade 6 standard or equivalent ♫ Recitals will be recorded between March 1

and April 30 2018 ♫ Recitals will be externally assessed

Composing

♫ A total of two compositions ♫ One must be in response to a chosen brief from a list set by Pearson/Edexcel, or a

free composition ♫ This will last a minimum of 4 minutes and will carry a total of 40 marks ♫ The second will be from a list of briefs assessing compositional techniques ♫ This will last a minimum of 1 minute and will carry a total of 20 marks ♫ The combined time for both will be a minimum of 6 minutes ♫ Both will be completed by April 30th 2018 ♫ Compositions will be externally assessed ♫ Assessment criteria will be made available

Listening and Appraising

♫ Assessed through a 2 hour written examination ♫ Application of knowledge is assessed through six areas of study:

Vocal Music Music for Film Fusions

Instrumental Music Popular music and Jazz New Directions Each AOS contains 3 set works – 18 in all

♫ There are two sections in the exam. ♫ Section A: Worth 50 marks – there are three questions based on extracts from the

set works and one question on dictation. ♫ Section B: Worth 50 marks – one essay question on an unfamiliar piece of music and

one essay chosen from three optional questions on a set work. ♫ The paper will include multiple choice, short open and extended writing questions ♫ Each student will have a CD and will be in control of listening to the extracts relating

to each question.

Things to do between now and September

♫ Purchase your copy of the A level Anthology from Amazon (Edexcel AS/A Level Anthology of Music 2016 by Julia Winterson ISBN: 9781292118369)

♫ Brush up on your theory especially keys and chords ♫ Start noodling and coming up with composition ideas ♫ Practise!