Music students at Holy Cross College get a chance to participate in a wide variety of music activities, both as part of the course and in the varied enrichment programme. We are proud to have strong connections with the Royal Northern College of Music, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hallé Orchestra and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and students have regular opportunities to attend and participate in concerts and workshops with professional musicians. All music students are
encouraged to participate in music or vocal ensembles with opportunities to perform at concerts, college productions and assemblies. All music students have the opportunity to receive free tuition on their principal instrument or voice if they have lessons with tutors from either Bury Music Service or Rochdale Music Service.
Entry into Music College or university (to read Music or another subject). Possible careers include music performance, teaching, arts administration and music therapy. (If you are interested in music therapy it is a good idea to take A-level Psychology). Singers or instrumentalists who wish to receive recognition for their musical activities but to specialise in other subjects may consider taking Music AS level (1st year only) or to participate in one of the music enrichment activities which are offered to all students in college.
In both AS and A2 Music the course covers the areas of Performing, Composing & Historical Study. Performing is worth 40% of the overall mark with the other units being 30% each. In the first year you will take modules in Performing (solo recital with a viva voce and a choice of further options in ensemble performance, accompanying or performance of your own composition), Composing and Introduction to Historical Study. The Historical Study module places emphasis on classical and jazz music, including the study of three orchestral set works in the classical and romantic periods and a study of Instrumental Jazz (1ti20- 1ti60). In the second year the modules are Performing (practical recital and a viva voce), Composing (stylistic exercises & a choice of three composition options) and further Historical and Analytical Studies.
AS & A2
General college entry requirements. (See page 10 for details.) In addition, students who wish
to study music must have at least a grade C in GCSE Music and be of approximately Grade 4 standard on the principal instrument or voice. Students who have not studied GCSE Music may be considered for the course if they have a Grade 5 (or above) theory qualification. All students who have not reached Grade 5 theory standard or who require further support in the theory side of the course will take a supplementary course in music theory.
Music Technology