Academic Music

Our academic music curriculum follows the same philosophy as our co-curricular programme, that ‘every child is a musician’. Within academic music lessons, pupils are collaborative and engaged, developing skills and embedding knowledge within an authentically musical setting. Our high expectations remain the same whether in a lesson or rehearsal; to be a musician at Barney is to be involved in the music-making.

Our Pre-Prep and Prep School curriculum is focused on developing the fundamental skills required in music, which begins with our very youngest pupils. This ensures a smooth progression of musical ability as pupils move from Prep to the Senior School and enables pupils to receive a cohesive and consistent experience within academic music lessons.

Our GCSE and A-Level lessons offer expert teaching, with the goal of enabling pupils to achieve their greatest potential. They also provide an excellent foundation for those pupils looking to study Music at University or Conservatoire level.

GCSE

GCSE Music is split into three components:

• Performing – Pupils will perform on an instrument (including singing) for a minimum of four minutes, including at least one piece performed as part of an ensemble. The recommended standard is Grade 3 or equivalent.
• Composing – Pupils will submit two compositions with a total playing time of between three and six minutes. One composition will be in response to a brief set by WJEC, and the other will be a free composition in a style chosen by the pupil.
• Appraising – Pupils will study four key areas of music (AOS 1 Forms and Devices, AO2 Music for Ensemble, AO3 Film Music, AO4 Popular Music). They will study two pieces in depth (JS Bach’s ‘Badinerie’ and Toto’s ‘Africa), alongside exploring these areas more widely, and will answer listening questions based on these within the exam paper.

A-Level

A-Level music is also split into three components:

• Performing – Pupils will prepare a performance consisting of at least three pieces for between ten and twelve minutes, with at least one piece performed as a soloist. At least two of the pieces must relate to different areas of study from within the course. The recommended standard is Grade 6 or equivalent.
• Composing – Pupils will prepare a portfolio of two compositions with a total playing time of between four and six minutes. One composition will be in response to a brief set by WJEC, and the other will be a free composition in a style chosen by the pupil.
• Appraising – Pupils follow three areas of study (AOS A The Western Classical Tradition, in which pupils will study the Development of the Symphony from 1750-1900 and in particular, Haydn’s Symphony No. 104 and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4; AOS C Musical Theatre; and AOS E Into the Twentieth Century). The exam paper involves pupils answering set work analysis with a score, extended responses based on understanding of wider content, unprepared extracts of music with and without a score, and comparison questions.