Music
A level
The curriculum area of music is one of the largest in the country and offers a wide range of opportunities for music making to about 200 students each week. It has a reputation for outstanding results and high standards. Experienced staff offer you a comprehensive musical education in an atmosphere that is friendly, sociable and yet hard working.
If offered a place on this course, you will have access to the most modern and well-equipped music suite and performance facilities in the county including:
A level music students are required to take part in at least one performance ensemble per week as a key part of the course; these will develop skills such as sight-reading, teamwork, continuous improvement and commitment. Other ensembles are set up in line with students' experience and musical interests such as close harmony groups, stomp bands and other chamber groups. All students (and staff!) across the College are welcome to join the ensembles.
Numerous and varied activities of a high standard include:
In addition to practical work in class and the extra-curricular programme, you will have many opportunities to perform:
In addition, students are encouraged to lead their own ensembles. Trips to concerts and other events are also arranged to enhance the course.
Fourteen specialist instrumental tutors visit the College. The College provides instrumental tuition for students who are studying music (or BTEC music performance). Please collect an application form and further details from the music department. Lessons are available for all other students but will be charged to parents/guardians.
If you enjoy performing, listening to music, composing or arranging, this course could be ideally suited to you. The main areas of study will include:
You will be involved in many different activities including group work, individual study, tutorials, discussion, practical work and listening. You will be given individual guidance and support in order to fulfil your potential. As part of the course, students are encouraged to join the music ensembles available at the College as an extension to what they learn in the classroom; appraising, composing and performing.
This linear A level course is a combination of exam (40% of the overall grade) and coursework (60% of the overall grade). Coursework is completed over the two years consisting of a solo or ensemble performance and two or three compositions. At the end of the second year of the course, you will take an external exam that will assess content covered in the first and second year.
Music combines well and contrasts with mathematics and science (particularly physics), modern foreign languages, media studies and other arts subjects. Music is accepted as an academic subject for entrance to higher education.
We have an enviable reputation for outstanding results. About half of our students continue their studies further at music conservatoires and universities. In the last three years destinations have included Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester, Birmingham, York and Southampton Universities and The Royal College of Music, Royal Academy of Music, Trinity College of Music, Guildhall School of Music, Royal Welsh College of Music and Birmingham Conservatoire. Others simply enjoy making music for pleasure.
Please see below for careers and labour market information for music - use the refresh buttons to find out about different courses and careers, and use the left and right arrows to view more detailed information.
You can find the prep work for this course at prepwork.farnborough.ac.uk.
Eduqas
Trips to Opera/Evensong/BBC Proms/West End Show - not compulsory to attend but advised.
Eduqas AS and A Level Music Study Guide, Paperback – 9 Jan 2017, ISBN: 978-1785583476, RRP: £20.
Rhinegold notes - available during course.