Final exams are imminent for music A Level and GCSE music and my students have been burying their heads in their revision books. GCSE students are now dreaming circles of fifths and A Level students are hearing music in SATB arrangements everywhere they go! It takes me back to my school days when I help students prepare for their exams. We have been using the following Edexcel books as our study guides, click below to see more information about each study guide:
For students that have been playing the piano for around 3 years or more, GCSE Music is a very good subject to choose as it’s highly likely that you will be able to achieve a great mark in it as you will have covered lots of the background requirements for performance and listening skills already. Students that have already reached Grade 2 or 3 theory will have a good foundation for the theoretical requirements for a large part of the examination.
A Level music is a demanding subject and usually a minimum level of playing and theory knowledge around Grade 5 level would be required. If you are serious about a career in music, Edexcel offer a brilliant, and very tough, BTEC First in Music. This is on offer at the BRIT School in West Norwood but I am not aware of any other local schools currently offering this. Edexcel’s BTEC Level 2 First Certificates and Diplomas in Music are designed to introduce learners to working in the sector or prepare them for further study, such as a BTEC National qualification or an appropriate NVQ. Learners can choose from a wide variety of options to develop their skills in specific areas. Specialist units include DJ technology, rehearsal techniques and working as a musical ensemble.
SE22 Piano School 