A-Level Music leads not only to traditional careers in teaching, composing and performing, but also working in what is now the second-biggest visible industry in the country. The course covers a wide range of musical styles, cultures and periods whilst developing your skills in composing, performing and analysis to the highest level.

Results in A-level Music have been extremely high in recent years with 100% pass Grade A*-A in 2022.  Students often go onto study Music at university.

What will I learn on this course?

COMPONENT 1 (PERFORMING) – An 8-minute public recital on an instrument of your choice or voice.  Approximate difficulty standard of grade 7.  This is recorded in the Spring Term of Year 13.

COMPONENT 2 (COMPOSING) – One 4-minute free choice composition and one 2-minute Technical Study. Total time across both submissions must be a minimum of 6 minutes.

COMPONENT 3 (APPRAISING) – You will study 13 set works across 6 different areas of study: Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Music for Film, Popular Music and Jazz, Fusions and New Directions.  Assessment is through a 2h15 examination in the summer of Year 13 testing knowledge of the set works, aural dictation skills and the ability to compare and contrast familiar and unfamiliar pieces.

How will I be assessed for this course?

In Year 12 you will complete an internal examination.

In Year 13 you will sit Component 1 (30%) + Component 2 (30%) + Component 3 (40%).