AS & A2 Music at the Ulster College of Music

Specialist music tuition for students who want to study GCSE Music, AS Music or A2 Music outside the normal school timetable.

Contact the College

`AS Music class at the Ulster College of Music — L-R: Ione Jennett, Rhiannon Mulligan, Sheya Chan, Oisin McDonnell, Nicolas Lilley, Cara McElvogue, Niamh McCloskeyAbsent students: Tristan Sparks

A Unique Opportunity in Northern Ireland

The Ulster College of Music is unique in Northern Ireland as being the only non-school Centre to offer AS and A2-Level Music. These courses take place over two academic years: the 1st year is for AS, and (if the student wishes to proceed) the 2nd year covers A2.

Classes are usually small, generally around 8 students, giving each student valuable teacher input and individual support. Lessons take place at the College and on Zoom, outside normal school hours, so students can continue with their regular school studies while completing AS/A2 Music.

How To Study Course

Declan's Free How-to-Study Course is included in this course!

Small Classes

Usually around 8 students, allowing for focused support, guidance and teacher feedback.

Flexible Study

Face-to-face and Zoom teaching outside school hours to fit around existing commitments.

Expert Teachers

Taught by Dr Declan Plummer and Dr Anselm McDonnell.

A2 Music students at the Ulster College of Music — Mitchell McCullough, Isaac Samson, Megan Pattison, Caoimhe Maguire

Supportive AS/A2 Music Teaching

Students are guided carefully through each part of the CCEA AS & A2 Music course, with practical help in performance preparation, composition technique, listening skills and musical analysis.

The course is designed to give students a clear understanding of what is expected in each assessment area, while also helping them grow as confident, thoughtful and independent musicians.

AS/A2 Music Course Structure

1. Solo Performance

AS 32.5% (worth 13% of A2), A2 19.5%

Largely this will be covered in students’ own instrumental or vocal lessons, though guidance can be given in selecting appropriate repertoire and explaining the guidelines that are detailed in the Specification. Students will be examined on the following:

a programme for solo performance (which should contain at least two contrasting pieces of music)
AS pieces should be a minimum grade 4 standard with a combined length of 5-7 minutes
A2 pieces should be a minimum grade 5 standard with a combined length of 8-10 minutes
a Viva voce discussion with the examiner

All the details regarding the performance guidelines and possible topics of conversation with the examiner can be found in the Specification (particularly pp.6-7, 14, 27-28, 30, 46-48) under the Syllabus Materials section of this page. Make sure you read these pages and let us know if you need help. All A-Level students will need to be available for an assessed performance recital, organised for a Saturday in February (usually during half term).

2. Composing

AS 32.5% (worth 13% of A2), A2 19.5%

AS & A2 Music MONDAYS 5:00-9:00 (face-to-face at UCM) – students need to be available at some point during this time. Exact times to be arranged individually with Dr Anselm McDonnell. Students will be taught composition techniques to assist them in their composition, which involves the following:

AS students must compose one piece of music lasting between 1½ and 2½ minutes
A2 students must compose one piece of music lasting between 2 and 3 minutes
All students will be expected to use a computer to create a notated score of their composition
All students may choose their own brief, compositional style and resources; they need to be able to create, organise and develop musical ideas, make consistent and effective use of harmony and demonstrate control of instrumental resources;
All students must submit their composition in the form of a recorded performance (audio CD);
Students at AS must submit an analytical and reflective written commentary, 1000 words maximum;
Students at A2 must submit an analytical and reflective written commentary, 1200 words maximum;

Students will complete compositions in College as this is controlled assessment.

3. Responding to Music

AS 35% (worth 14% of A2), A2 21%

Times can be altered depending on student interest). For each year of the course there are three areas of study, which are all compulsory: Music For Orchestra 1700-1900, Sacred Vocal Music (Anthems), and Secular Vocal Music (Musicals) are covered in the first (AS) year; Music for Orchestra in the Twentieth Century, Sacred Vocal Music (Mass/Requiem) and Secular Vocal Music (1600 to Present Day) are covered in the second (A2) year. There are two exams for each year:

Aural Test lasting 1 hour for AS and 1 hour 15 minutes for A2: includes mostly short-answer questions for familiar and unfamiliar music
Written Test lasting 2 hours for AS and A2: includes score analysis questions based on orchestral music, and extended essay-style questions based on Sacred and Secular Vocal set works

Class Times

AS & A2 Composition: Mondays, 5:00–9:00pm, face-to-face at UCM. Students need to be available at some point during this period, with exact times arranged individually with Dr Anselm McDonnell.

AS & A2 Responding to Music: AS Music Class Thursdays 4:00-5:45 and A2 Music Class Thursdays 6:00-7:45 (Zoom). Times may be adjusted depending on student interest.

AS & A2 students with any accompanists they employ will also need to be available for an assessed performance recital, usually organised on a Saturday in February during half term.

Course Teachers

Dr Declan Plummer GCSE Music teacher at the Ulster College of Music — Dr Declan Plummer

Dr Anselm McDonnell GCSE Music teacher at the Ulster College of Music — Dr Anselm McDonnell

Find Out More

Further information about the AS & A2 Music specification can be found on the CCEA website:

www.ccea.org.uk/music

To ask about AS & A2 Music classes, please contact the Ulster College of Music.

Email the College

```

A-Level Music Enrolment Criteria

To enrol for the A-Level Music course, students must meet the following criteria. These requirements are designed to make sure that each student is ready for the level of musical understanding, independent study and commitment required.

1. Music Theory Knowledge

It is critical that you have a complete understanding of all the areas covered in Grade 5 Music Theory, ABRSM.

2. Previous Study

Ideally, you should already have a GCSE in Music. If you do not have a GCSE in Music, you must have at least Grade 5 practical in an instrument or voice, and at least Grade 5 Theory. Declan will then make a final decision about admission to the course.

3. Solo Performance

Guidance can be given in selecting appropriate repertoire and explaining the Specification guidelines. However, this area needs to be covered in greater detail by you in consultation with your private instrumental or vocal tutor.

4. Class Attendance

You need to attend all classes, participate in group discussion and class Q&A, complete homework assignments, and download any lesson materials provide by the tutors.

5. Independent Study

Most of your work and study will take place outside the classroom. You need to be able and willing to complete a large amount of private, independent research and study at home, in addition to any work provided by your tutor. The more you put into this course, the more knowledge and enjoyment you will get out of it.

Ready to Enrol?

If you meet the above criteria, contact the UCM office and book a place in our A-Level Music course. Limited places are available.

Contact the UCM Office

A-Level Music Handouts & Course Documents

The following documents provide useful guidance for A-Level Music students and parents, including the full specification, assessment materials, planning documents and student support resources.