A Level Music continues to develop the GCSE assessment areas of performing, composing and listening. It also includes more detailed study of prescribed musical works and develops more specific skills in aural awareness and harmony.
The OCR A Level Music specification offers the option to customise the weighting of the exam according to the strengths of the candidate. Candidates can either choose to follow an A Level with greater weight given to Composition, or one with greater weight given toPerformance. There is an end of course Listening and Appraising exam, lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes, for which candidates have to prepare four Areas of Study, two of which are compulsory.
Recital minimum of 6 minutes and two contrasting pieces.
Choice of:
- solo piece(s) on one or more instruments or voice
- ensemble performance (including accompanying)
- realisation using music technology
Recital – minimum of 10 minutes and three contrasting pieces.
Choice of:
- solo piece(s) on one or more instruments or voice
- ensemble performance (including accompanying)
- realisation using music technology
Compositions with a combined duration of at least 8 minutes
- one to a brief set by OCR
- one to a brief written by the learner
- three short technical exercises
Compositions with a combined duration of at least 4 minutes
- one to a brief set by OCR
- one to a brief written by the learner
Listening and appraising
- analysing and evaluating music
- familiar and unfamiliar pieces
- prescribed works
- questions based on aural extracts
No prior knowledge or learning of the subject is required by the exam board. The GCSE (9-1) in Music is not a prerequisite to take the OCR A Level in Music. However it is strongly recommended that any student contemplating A Level Music should be familiar with staff notation and able to read music reasonably fluently. In addition they should aim to be at a playing/singing standard of at least Grade 5 ABRSM by the end of Year 11 with a view to being at a standard of at least Grade 6 ABRSM by Year 13.
| Key Course Details | |
|---|---|
| Course type | A Level |
| Exam board | OCR |
| Assessment |