Two of the following three: Grade 5 level on instrument or voice, Knowledge of basic music theory (equivalent to ABRSM Grade 3), GCSE music grade 5.
Music develops practical skills in performing and composing as well as a deeper study of music history, theory and analysis. The core repertoire studied is classical music from 1750–1930, plus some musical theatre, but students perform and compose in a wide range of other styles. One of the exciting things about studying music is putting the theory into practice in your composition work.
In performance you will continue with vocal or instrumental lessons (we offer heavily subsidised tuition at college) as you prepare for a solo assessed performance in year 13. You must perform in at least two different styles, but the repertoire choice is up to you.
In composition, you will learn to compose music in the style of Classical and Romantic composers supported by detailed analysis of how this musical language works. In the second year you will develop your skills in free composition, writing music in any style of your choice.
For exam we will explore three areas of study:
Note: if you feel that you are a stronger composer, you choose to change the weighting so that composition is 35% and performance 25%, which slightly changes the assessment.
Music students can choose to specialize in performance at a conservatoire or to take a more academic qualification at a university music department. In previous years we have sent students to The Royal Northern College of Music, The Royal Academy of Music, Oxford, Manchester, Southampton, Birmingham and Cardiff Universities among others to study music. The academic content of music A level means that it is recognised as a useful preparation for a wide range of degree subjects. Music students have recently gone on to study humanities, languages, earth sciences and social sciences at Oxbridge as well as a range of prestigious Russell Group institutions.
Music is a huge part of the UK economy and there are many opportunities to be involved in the performance, composition and production of music both live and for film and media. Some roles that music students from King Eds are now involved:
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