Music at ESA
Culture needs a soundtrack! Music is intrinsic to how we feel and connect. It is the soul and spirit of communication. It is the language and deep thought and fun, melancholy and wonder. It is listening and it is play. The ESA ensemble is a beautiful thing!
GCSE Music
Specification:
Course Code:
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Music
This qualification supports students in forming personal and meaningful relationships with music through the development of musical knowledge, understanding and skills including performing, composing and appraising. The qualification encourages students to engage critically and creatively with a wide range of music and musical contexts, develop an understanding of the place of music in different cultures and contexts, and reflect on how music is used in the expression of personal and collective identities. This qualification also supports the development of musical fluency and provides access to further study of music at A Level.
Component 1: Performing
Non-examined assessment: 30% of the qualification
Solo performing
Ensemble performing
Approaches to performing
Assessment overview
Students perform for at least four minutes’ combined duration
Solo performance: this must be of at least one minute in duration, and may comprise one or more pieces
Ensemble performance: this must be of at least one minute in duration, and may comprise one or more pieces
Component 2: Composing
Non-examined assessment: 30% of the qualification
Developing musical ideas
Compositional techniques and strategies
Ensuring technical control and coherence
Methods of notating composition scores
Assessment overview
Students compose two compositions, of at least three minutes’ combined duration
One composition to a brief set by Pearson, of at least one minute in duration.
One free composition set by the student, of at least one minute in duration.
Component 3: Appraising
Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes - 40% of the qualification
Musical elements, musical contexts and musical language.
Areas of study:
Instrumental Music 1700–1820
Vocal Music
Music for Stage and Screen
Fusions
RSL Music Performance
Course Code:
RSL Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma for Music Practitioners 601/7691/X
Specification:
RSL Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma for Music Practitioners
The RSL Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma for Music Practitioners provides a music industry qualification that will equip learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding for entry to employment in the music industry or progression to further educational study at a higher level. The qualification aims to offer practical learning and exploration of musical practice through a series of subject specific units including Rehearsal Skills and Live Music Performance, Session Musician and Planning a Career in Music that allow students to develop their skills as a performing within the music industry.
Assessment:
Rehearsal Skills and Live Music Performance:
The learner will be able to Plan the rehearsal of a live music performance, rehearse effectively for a live music performance and present a live music performance and provide an evaluation identifying strengths and areas requiring development.
Planning for a Career in Music:
The purpose of this unit is to familiarise learners with the processes associated with effective career planning
Auditioning for Music:
This unit aims to develop the skills to participate effectively in the audition process. This will also present the learner with the opportunity to explore, analyse and develop their own audition techniques and experience through a combination of theory and practice, relevant to industry standards and expectations.
Session Musician:
This unit aims to develop the learner’s ability to operate effectively as an instrumentalist/vocalist in a range of musical styles and contexts, whilst developing strategies to broaden musical horizons, increase flexibility and promote versatility.
Music Artist and the Media:
The aim of this unit is to evaluate the role and impact of the wider media on an artist/producer and their audience. The purpose of the unit is to develop the learners’ understanding of the interaction of the artist and the wider media.
Composing for Film & Documentary:
The aim of this unit is to develop the learner’s technical and creative knowledge and understanding as composers of music in the genres of film and documentary.
Careers and Industry Connections:
Connections to PLATFORM ONE college of Music, in partnership with the University of Chichester. Connections to BIMM Brighton and London, with workshops and visits from University personnel. Opportunities to perform in professional standard Music performances, working closely with industry standard equipment and professional personnel in the planning and delivery process.
