Music A level

[BertrandRussell]

My year 12 ds does loads of music-he's in a band that gets regular paid gigs, he sells music online, has written music for school and youth theatre productions and has been learning the guitar since he was 6. He has chosen never to take any exams and did not do GCSE music. He is currently staring to put together a portfolio because he has realised, a bit late in the day. 5)-5 there are music related further education courses that interest him. Recently he was "doing some music" at school and the Head of music heard him, and asked him about his background-and has now suggested that he should have a go at doing A level music in a year. He has offered to teach him the necessary theory in free periods and after school. Ds is very keen-but it seems to me to be a ridiculously difficult thing to do. Is there anyone here who could advise? Is this sensible or stupid?

@Moomin, the new A level most definitely DOES have essays in it.

I don't get why people keep saying how easy it was to take Music a few years ago. Whilst that might be the case (I doubt it based on many years' experience teaching it), things have changed massively in the new specifications. The set works are enormously varied and students have to know a lot about all sorts of musical styles. In the nicest possible way, from the OP, this does not sound like her DS.

Some universities will accept lower than grade 8 Theory. A couple of years ago, I know that Nottingham only needed grade 5. Birmingham were happy with grade 7. In my school, we put all our A level students through grade 8 and even if they have not received their result before UCAS, once the result comes through, offers are normally lowered for Music degrees if students have grade 8 Theory.

To the OP: look at which A level specification your DS's school offers. Look at the set works list for next year. Does any of this appeal to him? Look at the entry requirements for HE places of interest. Then make your decision.

Well, I'm glad to hear the new syllabus has a bit more meat in it as the old one satisfied no-one. The numbers taking both GCSE and A level music have been dropping like stones, partly due to the lack of appeal of the courses and partly because of EBacc. I've never taught but I am very impressed at the thought of a whole class of A level music students managing Grade 8 theory too.