Scheme of work: 2 years (A-level) This scheme of work suggests how the A-level Music specification may be taught over two years. Year 1 Half term Component 1: Listening and appraising Component 2: Performing Component 3: Composing Autumn 1 Area of Study (AoS) 1: Explore the Baroque solo concerto strand. Focus on listening skills, musical features and knowledge. Initial exploration of all composers and Introduce performance diary to include a focus on: rehearsal aims and targets preparation for performances reviews on performances seen/heard and impact on their own performance programme notes on their pieces final repertoire decisions and monitoring the timing of the programme production preparation and progress tips for rehearsing, repertoire choice and use of technology Establishment and key compositional skills including: rhythmic character strong melodic character and harmonic outline/direction melodic use and timbre of resources use of overall textures and textures phrasing harmonic basis, including cadences and modulations sense of style creating contrast writing idiomatically.
assessment criteria reflection on performances written and verbal feedback targets for. Exercises and extracts linked to AoS, set works and optional study pieces. Baseline assessment of performance skills and initial indication of performance options. Autumn 2 Focus on listening skills, musical features and knowledge. Start analysis of set work The marriage of Figaro. Explore first Performance of two contrasting pieces. For production, initial recording of midi/audio tracks for one piece. Programme note to be provided to demonstrate technical and interpretative understanding. establishment and key compositional skills including: rhythmic character strong melodic character and harmonic outline/direction melodic use and timbre of resources use of overall textures and textures phrasing harmonic basis, including cadences and modulations sense of style creating contrast writing idiomatically.
Exercises and extracts linked to AoS, set works and optional study pieces. Spring 1 analysis of set work. technique of short style questions. Explore second Ensemble performances. For production, mixing and producing skills. Experiment with different mixes. Assessment using Programme note to be provided to demonstrate technical and interpretative understanding. Approaching the briefs. Use AS briefs or SAMs as a starting point. Using different stimuli as starting points and developing compositional ideas. For chorales: chords and voicing part writing chorale grammar and rules cadences, cadential progressions and exploration of keys chorale style. Spring 2 Complete analysis of set work. technique of analysis style questions. Explore third. Two with focus on the extended response Performance of a minimum of six minimum of six Programme note to be provided to demonstrate technical and interpretative understanding. Practice composition based on a brief. Chorale brief: start with AS chorale briefs and work towards A- level chorale SAMs Practice programme note. Assessment using composition to a brief Feedback and target setting.
question. Summer 1 Review and consolidate set work knowledge. style questions. Review and consolidate knowledge. Focus on essay writing skills. Year 12 internal assessment of six minutes minimum. Formal assessment using assessment criteria. Start exploring ideas and resources for composition 2: free composition. Identify stimulus ideas, composer, artist, genre, style etc. Year 12 internal exam assessment. Summer 2 Focus on listening skills, musical features and knowledge. Consideration and decision of repertoire and options for A-level recital. working on free composition. Initial exploration of all composers and Year 2 Half term Component 1: Listening and appraising Component 2: Performing Component 3: Composing Autumn 1 Performance of recital repertoire - a Completion of free composition.
Start analysis of set works for this strand. Explore first minutes of music all midi and audio recorded. Focus on the technical control (Performance: accuracy of pitch, intonation, rhythm, quality of tone, breathing, diction, bowing, pedalling etc. Production: accuracy of pitch, rhythm, articulation, phrasing, clarity of sound capture.) Autumn 2 Performance of recital repertoire - a Introduction of composition briefs and initial exploration of ideas. analysis of set work. technique of short style questions. minutes of music production and mixing started. Explore second Focus on the expressive control (Performance: tempo, dynamics, phrasing and articulation. Production: choice of timbres, dynamics, dynamic processing
including compression and EQ.) Spring 1 Complete analysis of set works. technique of analysis style questions. Explore third with focus on the extended response question. Mock exam assessment. Mock recital assessment. Full performance of recital repertoire - a minutes of music first completed mixes. Focus on the performance quality (Performance: musical style and communication. Production: style, balance, blend, panning, use of effects.) Formal assessment using assessment criteria. Working on composition to a brief. Spring 2 AoS1: Practise relating to all three strands. Revision of The marriage of Figaro set work and practise of analysis questions. Recording of final performances and final mixes for production from 1 March. Completion of composition to a brief.
Revision of AoS and practise listening questions and essay writing. Summer 1 AoS1: Practise relating to all three strands. Revision of and Grieg piano music set works and practise of analysis questions. Recording of final performances and final mixes for production from 1 March to AQA deadline. Final submissions of both compositions with attention to the score/written account/lead sheet. Programme notes and recordings for each composition. Revision of AoS and practise listening questions and essay writing. Summer 2 Final individual revision and for the final exam.