AQA Music GCE MU2Unit •Music helps students develop a number of new skills:- Communication- Application of Numbers- Using Information Technology- Working with Others-Problem Solving

-It also develops- listening and analysing skills-personal confidence and presentation

-The AQA course is;•Appealing – Areas of Study chosen for their interest to all candidates and with much scope to use music technology •Accessible – easy to follow, with a choice of Areas of Study

•Approachable – only one centre-assessed unit.

AQA Music GCE

At AS, this course intends to enable candidates to develop an understanding of the organisation of sounds,the context of music, Recognition of musical styles and genres.

Candidates will create musical ideas with technical control and expressive understanding,making creative use of musical devices, conventions and resources.

Candidates offer two performances which may be solo, ensemble and/ortechnology-based. Each performance may be one long piece or several short ones.Candidates may perform their own composition(s).

AQA Music GCE MU1Influences on Music Written Paper, 1 hour 45 minutes

Externally assessed 80 marks30% of total AS marks15% of total A Level marksStructured listening questions using a CD of musical excerpts• Two essay questions, one on each Area of Study

The Western Classical Tradition (compulsory)(Set work (2012) Beethoven Symphony No 1 mov 1 and 2)

and a choice of one from:• Choral Music in the Baroque Period• Music Theatre: a study of the musical from 1940-1980• British Popular Music from 1960-the present day

AQA Music GCE MU2Unit 2: Composing/Creating Musical Ideas 60 marks

Coursework, composing Externally assessed30% of total AS marks15% of total A Level marks• Respond to one brief from a choice of three• 20 hours maximum

Brief A Compositional techniques• Harmonisation of a 16 bar diatonic melody/ Controlling texture

Brief B Free composition or pastiche in response to a given genre• Vocal music, small ensemble, electronic music or keyboard music3-6 minutes

Brief C Arranging• Arrange a given folk song melody and text, vocally and/or instrumentally

AQA Music GCE MU3

Unit 3: Performing Interpreting Musical Ideas 80 marksPerforming, 10-16 minutes Internally assessed40% of total AS marks/20% of total A Level marks

Two performances, including music technology opportunities•5-8 minutes each. Grade lV - V

Subject Content• Solo performance on an instrument• Solo performance on voice• Solo performance on a second instrument• Ensemble performance • Technology-based performance - sequencing• Technology-based performance – multi-track/close microphone recording

AQA Music GCE MU4Music in Context Written Paper, 2 hour 15 minutes20% of total A Level marks/100 marks

• Structured listening questions using a CD of musical excerpts• Two essay questions, one on each Area of Study

The Western Classical Tradition (compulsory)Set work Vaughan Williams Symphony Symphony no 5 in D major

And a choice of one from:• English Choral Music in the 20th Century• Chamber Music from Mendelssohn to Debussy• Four Decades of Jazz and Blues 1910 - 1950

AQA Music GCE MU5Unit 2: Composing/Creating Musical Ideas 60 marksCoursework, composingExternally assessed15% of total A Level marks

Respond to one brief from a choice of three• 20 hours maximum• Briefs released by AQA on 1st November

Brief A Compositional techniques• Harmonisation of a Bach chorale melody and a classicalstring quartet

Brief B Free composition or pastiche• Single, substantial piece in any style or genre• Any combination of voices and/or instruments• 5-8 minutes

Brief C Arranging• Arrange a piece of popular ‘classical’ music in a recognisedPop, rock or jazz style (5 – 8 mins)

AQA Music GCE MU6Performing, 15 minutes Externally assessed60 marks15% of total A Level marks

Two (or more) contrasting performances• Programme of 10-15 minutesGrade V – Vll

Two or more performanceschosen from:• Solo acoustic performances• Technology-based performances• One solo performance and one technology-based performance(each at least 5 minutes)

High Storrs Music Department Why We Offer More!We are a school with;•Excellent exams results which are improving year upon year•Provision of subsidised instrumental lessons to students taking Music GCE•State of the Art music facilities•A city wide reputation for Performing Arts with an annual production at the Crucible.•A large range of extra curricular provision and opportunities to suit all musical tastes•Regular concert tours (October 2013 Paris and Disney World)We are;•The only state secondary school south and west of the city that offers Music and Music Tech A level•A Champion school for the Sheffield Music Hub. An acknowledgment of excellence in Music Teaching.•A Sheffield Music Service centre for ensembles.

Students have come to High Storrs to do A level Music/Music tech from;Fir vale Meadowhead Hope valleySilverdale King EcgbertBradfield Sheffield High School

Stephen Jackson Year 13 Music and Music Technology Student (Previously Meadowhead)

‘ I have really enjoyed being part of a large Music Department at High Storrs And being involved in a number of different Music groups. The sixth form and Music Department were open and friendly and have given me opportunities to develop my full potential as a musician. Having access to the Music Studio and being able to book it out of school time has been a particular stimulus to my studies.’

High Storrs Music Department Why We Offer More!

AQA Statistics 2013 AS Grades A-C Criteria Our centre last year 90% Our centre 100% Similar centres 63% All AQA centres 68%

A2 Grades A*-C Criteria Our centre last year 50 %Our centre 67 %Similar centres 64 %All AQA centres 72 %

Grades A*-E Our centre last year 100 Our centre 100 Similar centres 98 All AQA centres 99