Â鶹´«Ã½AV

In a nutshell

This course will enable you to study, perform, compose and develop your music skills.

This course is for you if...

... You want a blend of practical and theoretical study
... You’re enthusiastic and self-motivated
... You have a passion for music and/or theatre

What will I be doing?

We offer conservatoire-style training of a high calibre. At AS you’ll study solo and ensemble performance, composition and compositional techniques. In addition you’ll develop aural skills and musical analysis through the study of set works covering two areas of study (the symphony 1760-1830 and either music theatre, or rock and pop, or jazz). The music specification at AS consists of three units of study:

• Performing (30% of AS)
• Composing (30% of AS)
• Appraising (40% of AS)

At A2 you’ll study a further three units. Performance and composition are studied in greater depth and further musical understanding is developed through new set works based around three topic areas (The Symphony 1830 to 1910, Impressionism and American Musical Theatre). The music specification at A2 contains three units mirroring those at AS but allowing for greater flexibility of depth of study in Performing and Composition.

Units will be assessed either via coursework or by an examination. Visiting instrumental and vocal staff also assist in the preparation for grade examinations in performance. Upon completion, you’ll gain:

• AS Level Music
• A Level Music
• Skills activities
• English and Maths

What is expected of me?

To enter this course, you’ll need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, to include English/Welsh First Language and Maths/Maths Numeracy and.GCSE Grade B Music or Grade 5 Music Theory is required, as is an ability to read music notation. Performance to a Grade 5 standard (ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool, etc) is also required.

Full commitment to attendance is essential, as is respect for others, enthusiasm for the subject and self-motivation. You’ll be continually assessed and there’s an expectation that you’ll continue your studies and coursework during your own time.

What comes next?

You can progress to university, conservatoires or specialist performing arts colleges.

Additional information

Whenever possible, visits to see performances that are educational and enjoyable will be arranged, which will have a cost. However you’re under no obligation to attend.

Â鶹´«Ã½AV is committed to offering a diverse and rich curriculum to its A and AS Level learners and is eager to ensure that learners across Gwent can access subjects which historically recruit small numbers. In order to secure availability, Spanish and French are offered at our Crosskeys Campus and Welsh will be offered at our Crosskeys and Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone campuses. Music and Further Maths will be offered at all our campuses. If your choice of subjects necessitates travel between campuses, please contact our admissions department for further information.