Music
One of the great strengths of music in Charterhouse is the quality of teaching.
There are six full time staff, all of whom bring a considerable breadth of professional experience to their teaching, providing pupils with a huge variety of musical opportunities at the highest level.
Music Scholarships are generous and competitive and the Director of Music, Mark Shepherd, usually meets prospective Music Scholars and their parents at the outset of their process of choosing a school.
Whatever the musical interest of pupils, Charterhouse offers them a stimulating musical environment to help them reach their potential. To make an appointment to meet Mark Shepherd, please contact Emma Woods on 01483 2915696.
Removes and Fifths - GCSE
AQA: 3271
The GCSE has four equally-weighted components, each based on at least one of the five Areas of Study - Music for Film, Music for Dance, Music for Special Events, Orchestral Landmarks and The Popular Song since 1960:
- Coursework Composing (internally assessed) - One composition based on the area of study, Music for Special Events.
- Coursework Performing (internally assessed) - One solo performance and one performance as part of an ensemble.
- Integrated Assignment (externally assessed) - One composition based on an AQA-set assignment, a recorded realisation of the composition by the candidate and a written examination.
- Listening and Appraising Test (externally assessed) - Written examination of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Specialists - Cambridge Pre-U
GCSE Requirements
Music GCSE is desirable but not essential for the Pre-U course. However, some understanding of music history and theory is important, as is the ability to play a musical instrument to approximately Grade 7 standard.
Outline of the course
Component 1 – Listening, Analysis & Historical Study: Two 1½-hour written papers with questions on the following topics: The Concerto in the Baroque and Classical Periods, Instrumental and Vocal Music in the Romantic Period and Modernism in Paris (1894 -1925).
Component 2 – Performing: A 20-minute recital on any instrument or voice.
Component 3 – Composing: A 2-hour harmony & counterpoint examination, plus a coursework portfolio of five exercises in stylistic composition and one free composition.
Component 4 – Personal Study: Either a dissertation on a subject of the candidate’s choice, a portfolio of two free compositions or a 30-minute advanced recital on any instrument or voice.
Combinations with other subjects
Music will combine with any other subject, but works particularly well with other essay-based subjects.
University courses and careers
University courses in Music would require a Sixth Form qualification in Music and the Pre-U is considered excellent preparation, particularly for candidates considering applying to read Music at Oxbridge. Music is given full academic status by universities and can lead on to a multitude of career opportunities.
R.C.D. Millard