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Music
Director of Music: Ms Sarah Meere
"The true beauty of music is that it connects people. It carries a message, and we, the musicians, are the messengers."
Roy Ayers
Course Summary
Our A level Music course aims to inspire the next generation of students in forming personal and meaningful relationships with music through the development of musical knowledge, understanding and skills. Students will be encouraged to engage critically and creatively with a wide range of music and musical contexts, develop an understanding of the place of music in different cultures and contexts, and reflect on how music is used in the expression of personal and collective identities.
Facilities
The Music Department has its own dedicated building at Christ’s School which is purpose built to facilitate a range of music making experiences, with a Mac suite, numerous practice rooms, recording studio and large classroom/performance space. We use the software Logic Pro and Sibelius and have a range of equipment for recording and for live sound. Students often use the equipment during lunch, break and after school, learning to record their own music, as well as using the technology as a tool for composition.
Assessment method
There are 3 components assessed in Music A level: Performing, Composing and Appraising, The coursework components Performing and Composing make up 60% of the A level. Students choose the coursework component they want to focus on more by selecting either Option A: Performing (35%) Composing ( 25%) or Option B: Performing (25%) Composing ( 35%). The appraising component(written exam) is 40% of the qualification.
GCSE requirements
Students taking this course should have achieved grade 6 or above in GCSE music and have reached the equivalent to Grade 5 on their main instrument or voice.
Extra-Curricular
There is a strong musical life at Christ's School, with opportunities abounding for a broad range of music making at all levels. There are numerous events throughout the school year for students to develop as performing musicians including a Carol service, school production, Fireworks night, summer concert, collective worship and a range of smaller scale events. There are currently ensembles for woodwind, strings and brass, along with jazz band and choir. We also facilitate students with their own music making, providing equipment for bands to rehearse and equipment to record their own music.
Exam Board
Eduqas
Course specification
Reading and Resources
Song Exploder is a podcast where musicians take apart their songs, and piece by piece, tell the story of how they were made.
Composer of the week is a long-running BBC Radio 3 programme that explores the life and works of a different composer each week. The show features expert analysis, historical context, and musical excerpts, offering listeners a deep dive into the composer’s background, influences, and most significant pieces.
Teoria is a free online platform and app designed for music theory and ear training. It provides interactive exercises, tutorials, and resources to help musicians improve their understanding of music theory, sight-reading, and aural skills.
MusicTheory.net is a free online resource for learning and practicing music theory. It offers interactive lessons, exercises, and tools to help musicians improve their understanding of music fundamentals.
The AB Guide to Music Theory" (Parts 1 & 2) – Eric Taylor
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Provides a solid foundation in music theory, which is essential for A Level Music.
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Covers key topics like harmony, melody, notation, and analysis.
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Useful for both composition and appraising sections of the course.
Eduqas AS and A Level Music Study Guide" – Rhinegold Education
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Specifically written for the Eduqas A Level Music specification.
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Covers set works, musical analysis, and exam techniques.
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Provides guidance on the three key areas: performance, composition, and appraising