The Music syllabus followed and outlined below is Eduqas. For this specification learners must choose either Option A in both Components 1 and 2 or Option B in both Components 1 and 2. All learners must study Component 3.
Component 1: Performing
• Option A: Total duration of performances: 10-12 minutes worth 35% of qualification. A performance consisting of a minimum of three pieces. At least one of these pieces must be as a soloist. The other pieces may be either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble or a combination of both. One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one area of study. At least one other piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one other, different area of study.
• Option B: Total duration of performances: 6-8 minutes worth 25% of qualification A performance consisting of a minimum of two pieces either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble or a combination of both. One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one area of study • Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner
Component 2: Composing
• Option A: Total duration of compositions: 4-6 minutes worth 25% of qualification Two compositions, one of which must reflect the musical techniques and conventions associated with the Western Classical Tradition and be in response to a brief set by WJEC. Learners will have a choice of four set briefs, released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken. The second composition is a free composition.
• Option B: Total duration of compositions: 8-10 minutes worth 35% of qualification Three compositions, one of which must reflect the musical techniques and conventions associated with the Western Classical Tradition and be in response to a brief set by WJEC. Learners will have a choice of four set briefs, released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken. The second composition must reflect the musical characteristics of one different area of study (i.e. not the Western Classical Tradition) while the third composition is a free composition
• Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by WJEC Option
Component 3: Appraising Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes (approximately) worth 40% of qualification
• Area of study A: The Western Classical Tradition (The Development of the Symphony 1750-1900) which includes two set works, one set work for detailed analysis and the other for general study. ‘Symphony No. 104 in D major, ‘London’: Haydn’; ‘Symphony No. 4 in A major, ‘Italian’: Mendelssohn’
• A choice of one area of study from:
Area of study B: Rock and Pop,
Area of study C: Musical Theatre,
Area of study D: Jazz
• A choice of one area of study from:
Area of study E: Into the Twentieth Century including two set works:
- ‘Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano,
- Movement II: Poulenc’ ‘Three Nocturnes, Number 1, Nuages: Debussy’
Area of study F: Into the Twenty-first Century including two set works:
- ‘Asyla, Movement 3, Ecstasio: Thomas Adès’
- ‘String Quartet No. 2 (Opus California) Movements 1 (Boardwalk) and 4 (Natural Bridges): Sally Beamish’
Structure of exam questions
• Set work analysis with a score • Extended responses on wider context • Unprepared extracts of music with and without a score • Comparison questions This component includes a listening examination.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of 5 GCSE passes at grade 5 and above is preferable and should include Music.
Examination arrangements and weightings
> Component 1 30%
Recital performed in the examination year.
> Component 2 30%
Pieces submitted and moderated in the examination year.
> Component 3 40%
2hours 15 min written exam with listening questions – use of C.D. for the exam.
Recommended support materials and revision guides
Students will use Eduqas Student Guides specifically written for this syllabus.
Careers
What can I do after I’ve completed the course? Jobs in the Music profession include working in the theatre, TV, film Industry, recording studios, music performing, music research, and music therapy. It is an excellent qualification to have if you intend to work with children or need to develop the self-discipline that is required when preparing for a performance in careers such as law.