A Level: Music

Course title: Advanced GCE in Music

Exam board: Edexcel

Subject specific entry criteria: Grade 6 in GCSE Music or ability to play an instrument and read music at Grade 5 level (ABRSM or equivalent). If you have not studied GCSE Music, you will need to be able to prove a performance level that is appropriate for A Level.

Course Overview

The course is designed to give all students the opportunity to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills of music whatever their previous experience.

The course is made up of three components.

Component One: Performance

Total performance time of 8 minutes.

A public performance of one or more pieces, performed as a recital.

  • Performance can be playing or singing solo, in an ensemble, improvising, or realising music using music technology.
  • Total performance time across all pieces must be a minimum of 8 minutes.

Specialist 1:1 instrument tuition is available.

Component Two: Composition

Two compositions, one to a brief set by Pearson and one either free composition or also to a brief.

  • Brief/free must be at least 4 minutes in duration
  • Briefs assessing compositional technique must be at least 1 minute in duration
  • Total time across both submissions must be a minimum of 6 minutes.

Component Three: Appraising

Application of knowledge through the context of six areas of study, each with two set works, with the exception of Popular Music and Jazz, which has three set works.

  • Vocal Music
  • Instrumental Music
  • Music for Film
  • Popular Music and Jazz
  • Fusions
  • New Directions

Application of knowledge to unfamiliar work

Assessment Overview

Component One: Performance – 30% NEA

  • Total of 60 marks

Component Two: Composition – 30% NEA

  • Total of 60 marks between 2 pieces:
    • 40 marks
    • 20 marks

Component Three: Appraising –  40% Exam

  • One written paper of 2 hours 10 minutes, with a total of 100 marks.
    • Audio files with the extracts to accompany questions on the paper will be provided to each student.

The Component Three Exam paper comprises two sections: A and B.

Section A: Areas of study and dictation (50 marks)

  • Three questions related to the set works (audio and skeleton score provided)
  • One short melody/rhythm completion exercise.

Section B: Extended written response (50 marks)

  • Two essay questions – essay one (20 marks) and essay two (30 marks)
  • Essay one asks students to draw links from their study of the set works to the music heard as an unfamiliar extract
  • Essay two gives a choice of four questions that ask students to evaluate the musical elements, context and language of one set work. Each option will be from a different area of study.

Future Progression

Progression to the further study of Music falls mainly into two pathways post-18:

  • a traditional university-based Music degree OR
  • a specialist Music Conservatoire.

We work in partnership with arts organisations, including the Royal Northern College of Music, to support our students in accessing opportunities to progress at the highest level.

Potential Careers

An A Level in Music can open the door to careers in many fields including performing, composing, arranging and editing, publishing, recording and production, teaching, and music therapy.

There are also opportunities to work in Music Administration, Journalism, Marketing, Engineering and Arts Management.

How to Succeed in Music

To succeed in Music, you need to have a genuine interest in listening to diverse musical content.

You need to be dedicated to practising and developing on your instrument/voice.

There is an expectation that you will have weekly music lessons and can practise and compose independently.

A keen interest in music through extracurricular involvement in school orchestra, choirs and ensembles etc. is desirable.

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