| 6th | 7th | |
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| Higher | ||
| AS Level |  |
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| A Level | |
The OCR Music A-Level course covers a wide range of important areas within the subject: there is a good balance between the academic and the practical, and between general and specific study.
Progression
The syllabus covers all major disciplines in the subject: performing, inventing, stylistic composition, aural training, and historical study. This A-Level course would make a very good foundation for any university music course.
Entry Qualification
GCSE/Standard Grade Music is useful, but not as essential as an ability to play an instrument at least to Grade 5 standard, and knowledge of Theory equivalent to the Associated Board Grade 5 Theory exam.
AS-Level
Assessment
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Unit 1 : PERFORMING Includes: solo recital, any instrument or voice; discussion (viva voce) with examiner on matters relating to the solo performance; performing on a second instrument (or voice) or performing in a duet or ensemble, or as accompanist or performing one or two own compositions for instrument/voice with one accompanying instrument or improvisation option. |
Unit 2 : INVENTING
Includes: a folio of at least six exercises to be submitted, demonstrating the ability to harmonize given melodies; one instrumental composition for 4-10 instruments, lasting no more than 3 minutes; or an arrangement from a lead-sheet i.e. a single-line vocal melody with chord symbols. |
Unit 3 : INTRODUCTION TO HISTORICAL STUDY
Includes questions on a choice of recorded musical extracts (each candidate has his own CD and player, to replay as often as desired): an extract from one of three prescribed orchestral works written between 1700 and 1830, and from one of three jazz works from 1920-60. Also an essay question on the prescribed works in context. |
A-LEVEL (A2) |
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Unit 4 : PERFORMING: INTERPRETATION
Includes: a recital, as soloist or in an ensemble or as an accompanist – up to 15 minutes; discussion (viva voce) with the examiner, lasting about five minutes, involving comparison of at least two interpretations of music related to the recital programme for the instrument/voice. |
Unit 5 : INVENTING
Includes a folio of a set of exercises in imitation of a choice of styles e.g. Bach chorale, classical string quartet. Candidates choose one from a list of three composing options. |
Unit 6 : HISTORICAL AND ANALYTICAL STUDIES
Questions will be asked on a recording of a vocal piece from the period 1900-1945, whilst two essay questions on one of six Prescribed Historical Topics (involving study of prescribed works). |
Venue: The Music School
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Units 1-3 are taken in the 6ths, and Units 4-6 in the 7ths. Unit 2 is internally marked and moderated by the board; the other Units are assessed by the exam board. Units 3 and 6 are assessed in 2-hour exams in the summer term; Units 1 and 4 are assessed by visiting examiner between March and May; Units 2 and 5 coursework is submitted at the beginning of May.
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(assessed by exam board: 2 hour exam) 
The Robertson Room (above) is a concert room for small groups and is now the location for lunchtime recitals. With large French windows looking out on to the geits' yard it is a beautiful setting for musical performances. This page is: Edinburgh Academy / curriculum / music / alevel.htm
