MUSIC IN YEARS 1-5

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Instrumental Lessons

1st - 3rd YEARS

Depending on their year in the school, all girls have two or three Music lessons each week, taught either in tutor groups or in even smaller classes. The first three years of music studies at St George's aim to develop the key areas of listening, composing and performing.

GCSE Music (AQA Examinations Board)

The GCSE course is divided into three equal components: Listening, Performing and Composing. Listening is assessed by examination, the other areas by coursework assessed at school and then moderated.

Listening involves the study of a wide variety of music, including 'pop', world music, jazz and of course 'classical'. A good general musical knowledge is required, and a pass in Grade V Theory is recommended. This can be taken during the first year of the course if necessary.

Composing: A folio of compositions, with taped performances, is submitted at the end of the Spring Term in the Fifth Year. A total performance time of around five minutes is required.

Performing: A solo and an ensemble performance are taped. Where possible, we like to tape 'live' performances, eg at our Sunningdale Church concert, but a less confident performer can be recorded without an audience. A minimum standard of Grade V is normally recommended on the chosen instrument.

General points: It is normally possible for a strong candidate to take this subject at the end of the Fourth Year, but candidates can be accepted on this basis only at the discretion of the Music Department.