Greenhead College SF Greenhead College Sixth Form
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Music

Why Study This Subject?

A Level Music follows a relatively traditional path, focusing on performance, composition and analysis of works from the western classical tradition through to more contemporary twentieth century classical music.

It is a well-regarded academic subject by many universities. Here at Greenhead College, the Department’s ensembles have been recognised at The National Festival of Music for Youth and have a high profile within the local community.

Students have the opportunity to attend performances regularly, both locally and further afield. Recent trips have included seminars at the University of Huddersfield, performances by Opera North and the Hallé Orchestra, and events at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival. Music students can also take part in international concert tours – past destinations have included Paris and Berlin.

Music is at the heart of College life and as a student, you have a huge range of opportunities available to you. You are also encouraged to participate in the Music Enrichment Programme, which includes a variety of musical ensembles and performance opportunities.

You will be joining a vibrant Department, supported by two full time members of experienced staff and a dedicated and specialist music technology technician.

Most importantly, you will meet like-minded and enthusiastic students in an environment where you can continue to study something you’re passionate about. Music at Greenhead has something for everyone – whatever style you enjoy or instrument you play!

Topics You Will Cover

This course follows the EDUQAS specification.

Topics include:

  • Performance
  • Composition
  • Harmony
  • Analysis
  • The development of the symphony
  • Studying a range of set works; from Haydn, Schubert, Debussy and Poulenc through to general listening on rock and pop
  • Aural, theoretical and musicianship skills
  • A variety of performance opportunities during the course.

Entry Guidelines

Ideally you will have achieved a pass at Grade V ABRSM Music Theory, but we are happy to allow some flexibility as long as you meet the College’s general entry requirements. However, it is a requirement that you pass this exam by the start of your second year and will have a chance to do so as part of our Enrichment Programme in the first year of the course.

You can study any combination of music courses at College. You will need to be performing at Grade 6 (practical) standard or higher on your chosen instrument by the time you enter Year 13

What Our Students Say

“Studying Music at Greenhead was a great decision. I learnt an incredible amount in both Music and Music Technology. There is a fantastic dynamic between staff and students which facilitates everyone becoming their best musical selves. The rich extracurricular aspect of the department also means that anyone with a love for making music can get involved and perform in numerous concerts”.

“I think I really benefitted from how wide-ranging the course at Greenhead is; you get a solid grounding in a lot of music history and theory, but the department also encourages you to combine different disciplines and be inventive with your approaches to them. I think this dual ethos—of providing the opportunity to experiment with a composition, while also offering a technical basis for making that experimentation more fruitful—is what made the course so useful and so enjoyable”.

“The Greenhead music staff and facilities are top notch – there is a great relationship between students and staff that is really encouraging and productive. The opportunity to play or sing in the numerous ensembles and perform in the college concerts is also a great addition”.

Skills You Will Develop

Music News