Music
Aims and philosophy
It is not necessary to be a 'top musician' to enjoy and succeed in this subject. It is intended that all boys should have some knowledge of the many styles of music that can be heard today, partly as a matter of education but more importantly because familiarity with a wide variety of music is in itself a worthwhile objective.
Curriculum by year-group
Shells: This is a foundation course for those who wish to take their musical studies further, an opportunity for those already playing musical instruments or singing to broaden their understanding of the subject, and a general education for all. Throughout the course, boys will study music from different cultures around the world, music from the western classical tradition and the development of popular music in the twentieth century. This will be done by listening to, discussing, analysing and, in some cases, performing pieces of music in these styles. Boys will also be taught how to use Sibelius music notation software and will have the opportunity to compose their own pieces using it.
GCSE: This subject is suitable for any boy who can perform vocally or instrumentally to a standard of approximately Grade 3 or above. The syllabus is based around five Areas of Study: Music for Film, Dance, and for Special Events, Orchestral Landmarks and Popular Songs since 1960. Boys are assessed in the following ways: a folio of two compositions, one of which must be based on Music for Special Events; two recorded coursework performances, one of which must be a solo and one an independent part in an ensemble; a further composition, based upon an assignment set in the second term of the Fifth Form; and a listening examination, including music drawn from all five Areas of Study.
GCE AS & A2: At this level, boys must be able to perform vocally or instrumentally to a standard of approximately Grade 6 or above. The course leads on naturally from GCSE and has the advantage that many of the musical activities taken by Harrow musicians will count towards their final examinations. As with other subjects, the course is divided into six modules.
At AS-Level candidates are required to perform and record a solo performance on their main instrument (or voice) and are also assessed on the general range of performing they have been involved in throughout the Lower 6th year; they are also required to learn about two styles of formal compositional techniques such as the harmonisation of Bach chorales or 32-Bar Pop Songs and Renaissance counterpoint or Serialism and to submit a free composition chosen from one of nine areas of study; finally, they have two written examinations one of which tests listening and aural ability on a selection of unseen musical extracts in varying styles and the other tests analytical ability on pieces in two genres studied throughout the course.
At A2 Level candidates choose either to submit a portfolio of free compositions or to give a public recital; in addition to this they are assessed on the general range of performing they have been involved in throughout the Upper 6th year, and they take a written compositional techniques examination on one style continued from the Lower 6th; finally, they again have two written examinations, one testing aural ability on unseen musical extracts and one testing analytical ability on pieces studied throughout the course.
Outside the classroom
For more information about the musical life of the School, click here.
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