Music
Why study Music?
The Music Department is at the heart of the school community. All music students take an active part in the busy musical life of the school. A level music students are eligible for a subsidised weekly half hour instrumental lesson from a visiting specialist teacher.
We have a large team of highly experienced visiting teachers and regularly enter pupils for Associated Board, Guildhall, Trinity and Rock School exams and diplomas.
The department boasts excellent facilities with two large music rooms, several practice rooms and a computer music suite, running Sibelius, Dorico and Cubase composition/ recording software with high specification keyboards. This facility is used extensively for composition at A Level.
Why our students like this course
‘There is a great balance of theory, composition and performance throughout the course…’
'Music is definitely the most well rounded A-Level I take: the teaching is wonderful and we cover most different aspects of music. There is a great balance of theory, composition and performance throughout the course which means that you have a good basis to go on and study music at a higher level. The extra-curricular clubs mean that we get the opportunity to perform in ensembles or as a soloist which is wonderful experience too.'
Entry Requirements
Either a GCSE in this subject Or Grade 5 Theory and Grade 5 Practical in standard.
Exam Board
Eduqas (for Y12 from Sept 2022)
Edexcel (historic for current Year 13 2022/23)
Course Structure
| Y12 Half Term | Unit 1: Performance | Unit 2: Composition | Unit 3 Appraising |
|---|---|---|---|
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Aut. 1 |
Assessed performance: Sixth Form Chamber Concert |
Exploring Western Classical tradition composition: Writing a melody and Bach chorale harmony |
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Aut. 2 |
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Exploring Western Classical tradition composition: Texture, harmony and modulation and refining Bach chorale harmony |
key relations and modulations
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Spr. 1 |
Assessed performance in class |
Composition to a Western Classical brief: Responding to a brief, melody creation and development
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Spr. 2 |
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Composition to a Western Classical brief: Chords and cadences, texture and harmony
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Sum. 1 |
Assessed performance in class |
Composing a free choice composition: Structure, form and modulation. |
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Sum. 2 |
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Refining a free choice composition |
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| Y13 Half Term | Unit 1: Performance | Unit 2: Composition | Unit 3: Appraising |
|---|---|---|---|
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Aut. 1 |
Assessed performance: Sixth Form Chamber Concert |
Select Published Brief WCT Composition (plus an extra choice related to a different area of study to WCT if specialising) Plan brief composition Composition tutorials |
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Aut. 2 |
Recital preparation |
Composition tutorials |
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Spr. 1 |
Recital preparation and recital mock |
Composition 3 if specialising or Composition tutorials |
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Spr. 2 |
Performance exam
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Composition tutorials Deadline for compositions at end of term |
Revision of all areas of study and practice questions |
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Sum. 1 |
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Revision and exam technique |
Where does this subject lead to?
Nearly all music degree courses at universities, colleges and music conservatoires require A Level Music. Music can also raise candidates profile and make them stand out from other applicants for other subject courses. Additionally, many students benefit from gaining a vast array of transferable skills from studying music and this is also recognised by higher educational establishments as well as employers. Instrumental exams, such as ABRSM music exam, count as UCAS points and many pupils who enjoy A Level Music go on to study different subjects or take vocational routes into higher education.
You can watch a great series of videos of people who are working in jobs that use music at icould.
For example university degree courses and careers leading from this subject click here.
Creative Industries: explore a wide selection of creative careers
Apprenticeship courses: Info on what an apprenticeship is and courses available
Norwich University of the Arts
NUA is a dynamic and creative community providing arts, design, architecture and media education.
Peripatetic Lessons
If you would like your child to receive instrumental/vocal lessons in school, we offer lessons in the following instruments: Bass Guitar, Guitar, Singing, Drums, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Recorder, Oboe, Bassoon, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Trumpet, Trombone, Cornet, French Horn, Tenor Horn, Euphonium, Tuba, Piano and Jazz Piano.
From September 2023, the school will offer subsidies for the following students/instruments:
- Orchestral instruments (brass, woodwind, orchestral strings)
- Students who are studying A Level or GCSE music
- Students who are eligible for pupil premium/ free school meals
All remaining students/ instruments will continue to be taught by a qualified, experienced teacher, but will receive no subsidy.
Music lesson Fees from September 2024:
- non-subsidised music lessons will be £143 a term for eleven 20-minute individual lessons (for piano, jazz piano, drums, guitar and singing).
- Orchestral music lessons will be £100 a term for eleven 20-minute individual lessons
- GCSE music students’ lessons will be £100 a term for eleven 20-minute individual lessons
- A level music students’ lessons will be £100 a term for eleven 30-minute individual lessons
- Music lessons will be fully funded for children eligible for pupil premium and Sixth Form Bursary students.
For students eligible for a subsidy, please note the following stipulations:
- Only one subsidy is available per student
- Students receiving a subsidy will be expected to regularly attend one of the extra-curricular music clubs on offer in school as a condition of this. Non-attendance will result in a loss of subsidy and therefore lessons will be charged at full price.
Once your child is allocated a place you will receive an invoice at the start of term. Lessons are delivered during term time on a rotational basis and take place during the hours of a normal school day. We require half a term’s notice for cancellation of lessons.
Priority is given to students who are already taking lessons and wish to continue. After this, new applicants are allocated lessons on a first come first served basis. Any pupils who cannot be timetabled for lessons will immediately be placed on a waiting list.
If you need to hire an instrument, Norfolk Music Service may be able to provide your child with one free of charge, subject to availability. You will however be responsible for the maintenance of the instrument. Please refer to the school's Peripatetic Music Instrument Policy.
To apply for lessons please click and complete the online google form. Please also refer to the school's Peripatetic Music Instrument Policy.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with Mrs Selwood, Head of Music kselwood@ndhs.org.uk
Contact a teacher
If you have any subject specific questions that you'd like to ask. You are very welcome to contact the relevant Head of Subject. To find their email address click on Teaching Staff. For general enquiries, contact the 6th Form Team.
Induction Resources
Please view the Transition Booklet below to help you to prepare for starting our course in September.