Music
Music is a multifaceted subject, allowing students to develop the interdependent skills of performance, composition, analysis and listening. The diverse requirements of the course enable those who love music to develop their musicianship while cultivating a lifelong love of music.
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Year 12
In Year 12, students begin to build and refine the core skills of performing, composing, analysis and listening.
Through solo and ensemble performance work, they develop technical control, expression and stage confidence.
Alongside this, students explore a range of musical styles and set works, learning how to analyse musical features and respond to music in a more informed and critical way.
Compositional tasks introduce different techniques, structures and stylistic approaches, helping students to develop their own creative voice.
Year 13
In Year 13, students extend their performance and composition work to meet the full demands of the A Level course.
They prepare a final recital for assessment and complete compositions that demonstrate creativity, stylistic awareness and technical skill.
Students also prepare for the appraising examination, developing their listening skills and deepening their understanding of set works, wider listening and contextual knowledge.
By the end of the course, they are able to discuss, analyse and evaluate music confidently in both practical and written forms.
Assessment Components
Component 1: Performing
Component 2: Composing
Component 3: Appraising
Assessment consists of three components: Performing (30%), Composing (30%) and Appraising (40%). Together, they assess practical performance, creative composition, critical listening and musical analysis.
Progression and Opportunities
Music A Level is a vital subject for students who aspire to perform professionally or to teach and work in the arts, music industry, education, events, arts coordination, arts administration and music technology.
It is also a valuable fourth subject for applications to competitive courses such as medicine, helping applicants to stand out and demonstrate a wealth of complementary skills.
Did you know? A Level Music develops skills of self-management and resilience, argument formulation, problem-solving and inspired communication, both musical and literary. These are all highly attractive to universities and employers.
Entrance Requirements
Essential Grade 5 in Music.
Music (A-Level)
Music is a multifaceted subject that develops the interdependent skills of performance, composition, analysis and listening. The course allows students who love music to develop their musicianship while cultivating a lifelong love of the subject.
Year 12
Students develop their performing, composing, analysis and listening skills. Solo and ensemble performance work builds technical control, expression and confidence. Students explore musical styles and set works, analyse musical features and experiment with compositional techniques and structures.
Year 13
Students prepare a final performance recital and complete compositions demonstrating creativity and technical skill. They also develop their knowledge of set works, wider listening and musical contexts in preparation for the appraising examination.
Assessment Components
Component 1: Performing. Non-examined assessment, externally assessed. 60 marks (30%).
Component 2: Composing. Non-examined assessment, externally assessed. 60 marks (30%).
Component 3: Appraising. Written examination lasting 2 hours 10 minutes. 100 marks (40%).
Progression and Opportunities
Music A Level supports progression into professional performance, teaching, the music industry, arts administration, events, arts coordination and music technology. It can also complement applications to competitive university courses such as medicine.
The course develops self-management, resilience, analytical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills valued by universities and employers.
Entrance Requirements
Essential: Grade 5 in Music.