Music

Welcome the Music Department at WSCC!

Music is taught in a purpose built block that consists of one large teaching room, two small practice rooms, a recording studio with digital recorder and mixer and an office. We have two computers with Cubase software and dummy keyboards which are used mainly for GCSE and A' level coursework.

Many topics are taught in Year 9 aimed at increasing our students creativity with sound and extending their understanding of music from other cultures and different periods in history. Students use a mixture of keyboards, percussion and their own instruments to explore these topics. Everyone is expected to perform their work to the rest of the class each lesson and encouraged to think carefully about their contribution to their group's performance / composition.

At GCSE level we cover Bhangra, Salsa, Renaissance Music, Waltz, Minimalism and Disco. Students develop their understanding of these styles through composition and performance. In addition to studying these compulsory units students also get the chance to develop their own favourite styles of composition and performance.

SIXTH FORM

Music: AVCE in Performing Arts

Course content:

There are three compulsory units:

  • Investigating Performing Arts Industries
  • Skills Development
  • Performing Work

Then you must choose one of the following units:

  • Working in performing arts
  • Developing performance ideas
  • Preparing for work in the performing arts

Then you must choose two further units to study from the following list:

  • Creating Work for Performance
  • Movement Skills
  • Contemporary Dance
  • Jazz Dance
  • Text in Performance
  • Devising Drama
  • Keyboard Skills
  • Improvising in Music
  • Music Performance Studies

What do students have to do to complete each unit?

Unit 1- Investigating performing industries. Understanding 'the business' and how it operates is the key to getting work.

You will learn about:

  • The different types of arts organisations and businesses including 'for profit' (clubs, theatres, agents etc.) and 'not-for-profit' (sponsorship, grants, subsidies etc
  • The range of products produced such as stand-up comedy, bands, recording artists, street performers, dance companies etc

You will also learn about venues and audiences:

  • Theatres, arts centres, cruise ships, restaurants etc
  • Audience research (social category etc.)

You will learn about Marketing and Finance:

- How effective marketing helps performing arts companies to meet business objectives
- How the aims of marketing campaigns vary
- What proportion of the budget is to be spent on marketing
- National Arts Councils
- Local Art Groups (ARTLIFE)
- National Lottery Funding
- Charitable Trusts Assessment through externally set and marked test

Unit 2 Skills Development. In this unit you will be striving to perfect your skills in one of the following disciplines: Dance, Drama or Music. Each specialism requires particular skills. You need to identify and understand:

- The accepted professional skills of your specialism
- Technical vocabulary
- Relevant theory

You will need to:

- Prepare thoroughly for practical sessions
- Identify your present skill level
- Identify the skills you need to develop
- Practice effectively to improve your skills
- Accept and use feedback and advice

You will need to show that you can:

- Compare your previous skill level with the progress you have made
- Evaluate your work
- Relate your work to good industrial practice.
- Work as part of a team

Assessment through portfolio.

Unit 3 Performing Work. In this unit you will learn about being involved in and staging a performance, both as a performer and as a member of the production team. You will learn about the:

  • significance of initial decisions and planning
  • importance of thorough preparation
  • demands of your own role and how this relates to othersimportance of  team work

This unit will culminate in a performance involving all members of the group who will fulfil roles within there own specialism and as a member of the production team (tickets, publicity, sound etc.)

Assessment through portfolio.

Optional units These should reflect your specialism and will be assessed through a portfolio of your work.

Music: Advanced Subsidiary AS. Advanced A2

Entry Qualifications: Several years' experience of playing an instrument, together with enthusiasm and a commitment to hard work.

Course Details:

The syllabus can be varied to suit the practical skills of the individual student. The recommended level of instrumental or vocal ability should not be below grade 4 (ABRSM) or its equivalent.

The course is split into two - AS and A2. AS level is completed by all students at the end of the first year of study. During the second year the standard of work expected rises and the general topics of Composing, Performing and Listening are studied in more detail.

The structure of the course is as follows:-

AS Level

Module 1 Performing
Module 2 Composing
Module 3 Listening

A Level

Module 4 Advanced Performing
Module 5 Advanced Composing
Module 6 Advanced Listening