Music

Staff

Subject Coordinator     Mrs J. Abraham

 

Curriculum

GCSE

The Music Department is rich in nourishing opportunities for young musicians and, whether they are pianists, singers, instrumentalists or composers, the GCSE course at Lurgan College offers a wonderfully diverse and colourful experience, whilst providing a solid grounding for pupils to pursue their musical studies to Advanced Level in Years 13 and 14.

GCSE Music has 3 components:

Composing and Appraising         30%

Performing and Appraising         35%

Listening and Appraising            35%

 

Composing and Appraising

Students compose two pieces of music, one of which they write in response to a pre-release stimulus. They record their compositions and provide a score, a lead sheet or a written account of their work. Students will be encouraged to make full use of our amply resourced music technology facilities in the Mac Suite.

 

Performing and Appraising

One solo and one ensemble performance will be examined by a visiting examiner in April of Year 12. Throughout the course of study, GCSE pupils can enjoy the experience of learning a new instrument, if they desire, and many willingly participate in a variety of school ensembles – Girls’ Choir, Chamber Choir, Band, Jazz Group, Vocal and Instrumental Trios and Quartets, performing at school, public and private engagements. As part of their ensemble, GCSE pupils will be collaborating with pupils in the senior music classes.

 

Listening and Appraising

Students build on the knowledge, understanding and appreciation of music gained through composition and performance. They develop their understanding of the relationship between music and its contexts. Students listen to and appraise familiar and unfamiliar music by a range of composers, both male and female, within the four Areas of Study:

1. Western Classical Music 1600–1910
2. Film Music
3. Musical Traditions of Ireland
4. Popular Music 1980–present day

AS/A2 

The fundamental nature of music rests in its ability to evoke a personal response through active involvement as composer, performer or audience member. The raw materials of sound are expressively honed and fashioned in myriad ways to reflect a wide range of cultures and traditions across time and place. These two factors form the most significant aspects of the study of CCEA A level Music within the AS and A2 exams.

AS Music

Unit 1 Solo performance and viva voce.  (13% of A level).

This should be 5-7 minutes in length and a minimum standard of Grade 4.

 

Unit 2 Composition (13% of A level)

This should be 1½ to 2½ minutes in length and be accompanied by a written commentary with a maximum word limit of 1,000 words.

 

Unit 3 Test of Aural Perception and Written Examination (14% of A level)

This will be assessed through detailed analysis and study of set pieces of music under the headings; Music for Orchestra 1700-1990, Sacred Vocal Music (Anthems), and Secular Vocal Music (Musicals).

 

A2 Music

Unit 1 Solo performance and viva voce.

This should be 8 to 10 minutes in length and a minimum of Grade 5 standard.

Unit 2 Composition

This should be 2 to 3 minutes in length and be accompanied by a written commentary of no more than 1200 words.

 

Unit 3 Test of Aural Perception and Written Examination

This will be assessed through detailed analysis and study of set pieces of music under the headings; Music for Orchestra in the Twentieth Century; Sacred Vocal Music (Mass/Requiem Mass) and Secular Vocal Music (1600 to the present day).

 

The Music Department is rich in nourishing opportunities for young musicians.  Whether they are pianists, singers, instrumentalists or composers, the AS and A2 Music courses at Lurgan College offers a wonderfully diverse and colourful experience, whilst providing a solid grounding for pupils to pursue their musical studies at university. 

Careers

Related Degrees and Qualifications:

• BMus (Bachelor of Music)
• MA (Master of Arts) Music Performance
• Level 3 Diploma in Music
• Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) Grades and Diplomas

 

Professions Associated with Music:

• Musician/Performer
• Music Teacher/Tutor
• Composer/Arranger
• Sound Engineer/Producer
• Music Therapist

 

Employability Skills Gained from Music:

• Musical proficiency and performance skills
• Composition and arrangement abilities
• Technical skills in music production and recording
• Teaching and communication skills
• Collaboration and teamwork in musical ensembles

 

Related Professional Associations:

• Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM): Website Link (see page 1 for links)
• Association of British Choral Directors (ABCD): Website Link (see page 1 for links)

 

Industry Trends and Insights:

Labour Market Information highlights a demand for musicians and professionals in the music industry, driven by live performances, digital streaming, and music education. Key trends include online music platforms, virtual concerts, and interdisciplinary collaborations in music production.

 

Alumni Stories:

Discover how our former Music students have pursued careers in performance, education, and music production. Some examples include: