1. A Level Music AQA (2270) Specification at a glance.
The AQA Music course is split into 6 component parts which are spread across two years as an AS and an A2 examination – the units are as follows:-
AS Unit 1 – Musc1 Influences on Music This represents 30% of the marks at AS and consists of a 1 hour 45 minute written examination which tests students on their skills in appraising and the study of set works. The first section of the examination is based on the listening skills of the students as they answer questions on extracts of music that are unprepared. Candidates will have regular practice throughout the course. The second section of the examination requires the students to write one essay (from a choice of two) on a set work (2015 onwards: Haydn Symphony No’ 104, ‘The London Symphony’, movements 1 and 3 and one essay (from two) on ‘Choral Music of the Baroque Era’. Unit 2 – Musc2A, 2B & 2C Composing: Creating Musical Ideas This also represents 30% of the marks at AS and requires students to harmonise in four parts, a Chorale in the style of JS Bach and to continue a two part piece for instruments of their own choice (2A) or create a ‘free composition’ (2B) or to arrange a piece for alternative forces (2C).The brief for this exercise is distributed in November and the deadline for completion is March. This unit is externally assessed. Unit 3 – Musc3 Performing: Interpreting Music Ideas This represents 40% of the marks at AS and requires students to perform between 10 – 16 minutes of music on an instrument or as a singer. The standard of performance should be at Grade VI or above. Students must perform before an audience and ensure that their interpretation of their pieces is thorough and appropriate. This is the only unit that is internally assessed and moderated by AQA. Students who perform pieces below Grade VI will lose marks. A2
Unit 4 – Musc4 – Music in context.
This represents 20% of the marks at A2 and is similar to Unit 1 at AS. The examination consists of a 2 hour 15 minute written examination which again tests students on their skills in appraising and the study of set works. The first section of the examination is based on the listening skills of the students as they answer questions on extracts of music that are unprepared. Candidates will have regular practice throughout the course. The second section of the examination requires the students to write one essay (from a choice of two) on a set work (2014 onwards: Shostakovich Symphony No’ 5, the whole work, and one essay (from two) on ‘British Choral Music of the 20th century.
Unit 5 – Musc 5A, 5B & 5C Composing: Developing Musical Ideas
This also represents 15% of the marks at A2 and requires students to harmonise in four parts, a Chorale in the style of JS Bach and to continue a composition for two or more instruments (5A) or create a ‘free composition’ (5B) or to arrange a piece for alternative forces. The brief for this exercise is distributed in November and the deadline for completion is March.
Unit 6 – Musc6 Performing: A musical performance
This represents 15% of the marks at A2 and requires students to perform between 10 – 15 minutes of music on an instrument or as a singer. The standard of performance should be at Grade VII or above. Students must perform before an audience and ensure that their interpretation of their pieces is thorough and appropriate. This unit is externally assessed by AQA. Students who perform pieces below Grade VII will lose marks.