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.
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 & 2
Component 3
Assessment consists of three components: Performing (non-examined assessment, 60 marks, 30%), Composing (non-examined assessment, 60 marks, 30%) and Appraising (a 2 hour 10 minute written examination, 100 marks, 40%). Together they assess practical performance, creative composition and critical listening and 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 or 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 – all of which are 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.
Course and Assessment
Component 1: Performing – non-examined assessment, externally assessed, worth 60 marks (30% of the qualification).
Component 2: Composing – non-examined assessment, externally assessed, worth 60 marks (30% of the qualification).
Component 3: Appraising – written examination of 2 hours 10 minutes, worth 100 marks (40% of the qualification).
Progression and Opportunities
Music A Level is an important subject for students who wish to perform professionally and/or work in the arts, music industry, education, events, arts coordination, arts administration or music technology. It is also a valuable fourth subject for applications to medicine, helping students to stand out and show a range of complementary skills.
A Level Music develops self-management and resilience, the ability to formulate arguments, solve problems and communicate in an inspired way, both musically and in writing. These skills are attractive to universities and employers.
Entrance Requirements
Essential: Grade 5 in Music.