A Level

Syllabus

The NEAB Music Advanced Level syllabus comprises of a compulsory core consisting of two components and three options selected from a list of six. Each component carries an equal weighting. The syllabus is designed to provide a balanced course in music which at the same time gives scope for the development of individual interests and aptitudes.

Student Skills Required

During the course candidates will be encouraged to:

  • study and practise critical listening and performance;

  • develop understanding of compositional skills and written techniques;

  • acquire the skills of study and research, through an investigation of selected topics and works;

  • develop lifelong interest and enjoyment in listening to and making music.

Course Content and Methods Of Assessment

All candidates must take the core (40%) and three options (60%)

CORE: 40% of the available marks.

a) Listening 20% A test of aural perception is set using recorded material on a cassette tape.

Part One: Dictation and Aural Discrimination. The test will consist of up to six excerpts of music ranging from single line melodies to four part textures (10%) Assessment: End of course examination paper (45 minutes)

Part Two: Aural and Stylistic Analysis. The test will consist of up to eight excerpts which assess the candidate's awareness of a variety of styles and forms of music from 1550 to the present day (10%) Assessment: End of course examination paper (1 hour)

b) History and Analysis (20%) This involves the study of Historical Topics and Set Works. A written paper will be divided into two sections, Section A on Historical Topics and Section B on Set Works. Candidates will be required to answer three questions, either three from Section A or two from Section A and one from Section B. There will be a choice of questions all of which carry equal marks. Assessment: End of course examination paper (2 hours 30 minutes).

OPTIONS: 60% of the available marks.

Three of the following options must be selected by candidates.

i) Composition 20% Candidates must submit a folio of not more than three compositions which must be their own unaided work. Candidates may explore any medium and work in any style. The total playing time of the compositions should not exceed 15 minutes. Compositions should be submitted in the form of a score accompanied by a cassette recording. Assessment: Folios will be externally assessed by the NEAB's examiners.

ii) Harmony and Counterpoint 20% A written paper will be set requiring candidates to answer one question demonstrating their knowledge of four-part harmony and one question demonstrating their ability in two-part counterpoint. The sections to be completed in each question will be between twelve and sixteen bars in length. The material used is normally taken from the works of established composers and will give candidates the opportunity to write in a variety of styles.

Assessment: End of course examination paper
( 2 hours 30 minutes).

iii) Practical Musicianship + 20%

a) Ensemble Playing (8%) . Candidates will be required to demonstrate their technical and interpretative skills as a member of an ensemble. Ensemble performances should be of between five and eight minutes duration and normally consist of three or more independent performers.

b) Practical Tests (12%). Candidates will be required to demonstrate their skills applied to previously unseen music. Candidates select three tests from sight reading, sight singing, transposition, improvisation and other practical keyboard tests. Preparation time is allowed and where appropriate the tests may be performed on any instrument chosen by the candidate.

Assessment will be by the NEAB's visiting examiners, during the period specified in the GCE timetable.

iv) Project and Report 20% This option allows the candidate to pursue an individual enthusiasm through the examination of musical material within a well defined and limited area of study. The title selected should define the nature of the research which should involve the candidate in the examination and evaluation of actual music (not a historical study or biographical study). The outcome of the candidate's research will be presented in the form of a written report of between 2,000 and 3,000 words.

Assessment will be conducted internally and then subject to external moderation by the NEAB.

v) Recital A*+ 20% Candidates will be required to offer a programme of pieces lasting for between 15 and 20 minutes for one instrument or voice, which enables them to demonstrate their technique and skills of communication and interpretation. The minimum standard required is grade 5. The music for the recital should be made available to the examiner.

Assessment will be by the NEAB's visiting examiners during the period specified in the GCE timetable.

vi) Recital B*+ 20% Candidates will be required to offer a programme of pieces lasting for between 12 and 15 minutes for one instrument or voice (15%) and a performance of a previously unseen quick- study piece (5%), for which 15 minutes study time with access to instruments is permitted. This performance must be offered on the same instrument used for Recital B. The choice of recital programme should enable candidates to demonstrate their technique and skills of communication and interpretation. The minimum standard required is grade 5. The music should be made available to the examiner.

Assessment will be by the NEAB's visiting examiners during the period specified in the GCE timetable.

*Candidates offering both Recitals A and B must select a different instrument on which to perform in each recital.

+ Candidates may offer only two out of the options thus indicated TEACHING

Teaching Styles/Methods

The style of teaching is informal with opportunity for individual and group work. Lessons and private study include listening, composing, keyboard harmony, rehearsing, performing, analysis of set works, research, note-making, discussion and submission of essays.

Career Opportunities

An 'A' level in Music is accepted for entry to courses in Higher Education. Some careers where music has a direct link are Teaching and Performing. There are also opportunities in Arts Management, Radio and Television, Music Therapy, the Recording Industry, Music Libraries, the Retail Trade and Musical Instrument Technology. All 'A' level music students are expected to take part in extra curricular musical activities.

Last modified: Monday, 23 July 2012, 3:59 PM