THE SIXTH FORM

Nonsuch Music Department has a lively sixth form and every year we accept students from other schools.

Results at A Level are outstanding. Click here to view

Quotes

"Since joining Nonsuch Sixth Form last September I have been incredibly fortunate in performing great works such as Brahms String Sextet in G with professional tuition. I never imagined playing music of this standard at school. Mrs Cohen and Ms Monahan are both very encouraging and passionate about their subject. The Music Department is my second home."
Clare

"Since joining Nonsuch for the Sixth Form I have enjoyed a varied choice of ensembles including a string sextet, a viola ensemble and a flute quartet. The possibilities to perform are endless-a good preparation for public performances."
Shana

A LEVEL MUSIC

The syllabus followed is that offered by EDEXCEL

It is expected that students will perform at a standard equivalent to at least Grade 6 at the start of the course and will have gained a good result at GCSE Music.

All students should be taking instrumental or singing lessons and all should be competent on the piano.

AL students all take part in school orchestras, choirs and bands. There are opportunities for chamber music and also for mentoring and coaching younger students.

UNIT 1 PERFORMING 30%

Solo Performance 15% (Externally assessed)

Students perform one or more pieces lasting 5-6 minutes- recorded at any time up to May 1st

Performing during the course 15% (Teacher assessed-externally moderated)

Candidates should keep a log. One solo recording is required for moderation by the Board. Students choose their 4 best performing occasions, one of which should be a performance of their own composition, either as a soloist or ensemble player.

Performances Required

1. Recorded Solo
2. Performance of own composition
3. Ensemble
4. Free Choice

Regular lesson time will not be set aside for Performing as it is envisaged that there will be many extra curricular opportunities for students to perform.

UNIT 2 DEVELOPING MUSICAL IDEAS 30%

Compositional Techniques 15% (Externally assessed)

1. Chords and Cadences in the Style of JS Bach:

2 periods a week will be devoted to studying a harmony course leading to the ability to harmonise Bach chorales by year 13.
The work necessary for completing the AS Paper will have been covered by March.

2. Scales, modes and series.

1 period a week from January will be devoted to the study of serial techniques. The requirement of the exam is to complete a melody for solo instrument to make a short piece of about 12 bars. The given part includes the complete note row.

Composition 15% (Externally assessed)

Students will produce 1 composition lasting not less than 3 minutes in one of the styles suggested by the Board. It must be performed and recorded by the student.
1 period a week will be available for related listening and help on compositions.

UNIT 3. LISTENING AND UNDERSTANDING 40%

1. Listening. 15% (Externally assessed by a written examination)
1 period a week will be devoted to traditional Aural eg Dictation, Keys, Chords and Cadences etc in preparation for the examination.

A further period will be devoted to practising the textures and comparisons question.
All listening is relevant to this Unit of Study and will in addition support the other areas of the course.

2. Understanding 25% (Externally assessed by a written examination)

2 periods a week will be devoted to Anthology work including the detailed study of set works from two different Areas of Study.

Areas of study are 20 and 21st Century Art music and Secular Vocal Music

A2 (Year 13)

UNIT 4 RECITAL, 15%
Students will present a recital lasting at least 20 minutes on one or more instruments. They should supply programme notes and the recital should be recorded for external assessment. The recital normally takes place early in March.

UNIT 5 PERFORMING AND COMPOSITIONAL TECHNIQUES 15%

Performing during the course
Students will keep a log of solo and ensemble performing throughout the course. 4 best pieces will be selected including at least one solo and one ensemble performance. The teacher must be present ay 3 or more performances and one solo performance is sent to the Board for moderation.

Compositional Techniques
This is an extension of the work done on Bach Chorales in Unit 2.
Students will be required to complete a Bach Chorale under exam conditions in May of year 13.

UNIT 6 ANALYSING MUSIC, 20%

Part 1 Listening test 1hour

Part 2 Written test 2 hours
Students will continue one Area of Study from Unit 3 (Secular Vocal Music) and take up a new Area of Study for the special focus work to be decided in consultation with the group.