A Level Music

Why study Music?

Music A-Level is about building skills in performance and composition and gaining a broad musical knowledge through the study of set works. Students should choose to study Music if they are a proficient instrumentalist or singer and/or have a strong interest in composing their own music. The A-Level Music course is a valuable qualification in its own right as it not only demonstrates academic, practical and creative skills but also highlights the qualities of self-discipline and commitment.

What will I study?

A-Level Music consists of three components:

• Component 1: Performing (30%)
• Component 2: Composing (30%)
• Component 3: Listening and Appraising (40%)

Component 1: Performing

You will perform a recital lasting 8 minutes of solo and / or ensemble music on your chosen instrument, or as a singer. This performance can be in any style of genre of music, and marks are awarded in relation to accuracy, technical control, musical expression and difficulty.

Component 2: Composing

You will produce a portfolio of compositions lasting at least 6 minutes. Some of these compositions will be in response to a chosen brief. Compositions can be in a wide range of different styles and genres, and you can choose which instruments / voices you write for, and how you employ music technology.

Component 3: Appraising

You will study a whole range of different musical genres, and a number of set works representing this range. The music you study will include:

- Vocal Music

- Instrumental Music

- Music for Film

- Popular Music & Jazz

- Fusions

- New Directions

Minimum Entry Requirements:

5 x 5s

4 in English and Maths

Subject Entry Requirements:

6 in Music at GCSE

Grade 5+ on at least one instrument or voice

* Please note that Level 2 vocational courses are the equivalent of 1 GCSE and only 1 will be counted towards the A-Level pathway entry requirements

What can Music lead to?

With Music A-Level, students can go onto study the subject at university or a conservatoire. As well as following this path with a view to becoming a musical performer or composer, there are a whole host of career pathways in the music industry and related fields where an A-Level in Music would be a huge advantage. Music A-Level is also a subject which enables students to develop a lot of transferable skills: performance, creativity, analysis and broader historical and cultural understanding.