A Level Music

Practical music-making is integral to this course.

Music A level provides an excellent all-round education in the varied aspects of music-making. It is a creative subject which provides opportunities to work in your own preferred styles, whilst retaining a focus on traditional Western classical music.

About the Course

If you love music and are keen to evolve your skills in performing and creating music, this is the course for you. In addition to practical music-making, you will explore a broad range of set works, from popular music to film, fusions to works written in the Western classical tradition.

Fifty percent of the course allows you to work in your preferred musical styles; you will also build your aural, analytical and essay writing skills through collaborative lessons on set works. Performance is a key part of the course so you must have regular lessons with a suitably qualified professional on your main instrument or voice. You will be encouraged to take part in the lively and diverse extra-curricular music programme.

Opportunities unique to this course

The course allows you to develop your practical skills in performance and composition alongside the academic study of a range of musical styles. There are ample opportunities to take part in live music-making and an enticing array of concerts and other events.

Component 1

Performance - solo and/or ensemble performance.

Component 2

Composition - two compositions

• One to a set brief OR your own brief
• Second composition is Harmony or Remix

Component 3

Appraising - listening and written questions on set works.

Areas of study are:

• Instrument Music.
• Music for Film.
• Popular Music and Jazz.
• Vocal Music.
• Fusions.
• New Directions.

Component 1 Performing 30% - solo and/or ensemble performance (8 minutes).

Component 2 Composing 30% - two compositions, one to a set brief and the other either free composition or also to a brief.

Component 3 Appraising 40% - listening and written questions on set works.

You need to be qualified by both the relevant Admissions Score AND the predicted GCSE grade for each A level you apply for.

Please go to the College website to find the most up-to-date entry requirements for each A level that we offer: https://www.hillsroad.ac.uk/study-with-us/a-level-subjects

You can also visit www.hillsroad.ac.uk/apply to find out more about making your application.

Most students continue to higher education, perhaps to study Music, or to Music Conservatoire to specialise in an instrument, voice, or composition. Many A level Music students pursue different subjects at university but continue music as a future hobby.

For more information and to read the FAQs for this subject visit www.hillsroad.ac.uk/music