Sixth Form Music

Why study Music?

In the future, Creativity is going to be one of the most important and in-demand skills at work (World Economic Forum.) When business leaders across the world were surveyed, they voted creativity as the most important workplace skill to help their businesses survive and grow. This means that the study of creative subjects, like Music, is becoming even more important and relevant to young people to give you the chance to succeed – whatever your ambitions. At the same time, you will find many opportunities to develop and improve your personal wellbeing both independently and as part of a wider community. Music will enable you to demonstrate many skills which employers, colleges and universities will be looking for. It can also give you opportunities to travel, meet people and get the most out of life.

 Aims of the course

• Engage actively in the process of music study
• Develop performing skills to demonstrate an understanding of musical elements, style, sense of continuity, interpretation, and expression
• Develop composing skills to demonstrate the manipulation of musical ideas and the use of musical devices and conventions
• Recognise the interdependence of musical knowledge, understanding and skills, and make links between the integrated activities of performing, composing and appraising underpinned by attentive listening.
• Broaden musical experience and interests, develop imagination and foster creativity
• Develop and extend the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to communicate effectively as musicians.
• Develop knowledge and understanding of a variety of instruments and styles, and of relevant approaches to both performing and composing
• Develop awareness of music technologies and their use in the creation and presentation of music
• Appraise contrasting genres, styles and traditions of music, and develop understanding of musical contexts and a coherent awareness of musical chronology
• Develop as effective, independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds
• Reflect critically and make personal judgements on their own and others’ music
• Engage with, and extend appreciation of, the diverse heritage of music to promote personal, social, intellectual, and cultural development.

Course requirements

This specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills established at GCSE. Some learners may have already gained knowledge, understanding and skills through their own private study therefore GCSE music is desirable but not essential. There is no minimum instrumental grade level required; however, Grade 4 would enable performance marks of a good standard. The maximum marks awarded for difficulty in performance is for Grade 6 on an instrument. Music technology can also be used as a performance.