Music

Students who have a love of listening to and performing music will find studying Music A Level extremely rewarding. We study a huge range of music from Bach to Kate Bush and from The Beatles to the Batman soundtrack. There is music to suit every taste and open-minded students will find many musical discoveries along the way.

As well as developing analytical and listening skills, students are able to develop their skills as a performer. Instrumentalists and vocalists are given many performance opportunities during the course which culminates in a showcase of their performing talent during a final recital.

Independence is a prominent feature of the course and students enjoy tailoring their composition projects to match their own musical interests and talents while working in a variety of genres. This independence to develop as a creative musician alongside opening students’ ears to such a wide range of music provides a great opportunity for students to develop into accomplished and mature musicians.

Course structure /

Exam board: Edexcel

Performance (30%): An 8-minute recital on your strongest instrument. Composition (30%): One 4-minute composition (either free or written to a brief) one compositional techniques exercise. Listening and Appraising exam (60%): Covering 6 areas of study; Vocal Music; Instrumental Music; Music for Film; Popular Music and Jazz; Fusions and New Directions.

Beyond A Level /

Music A Level prepares students to go on to study Music at University or Music College/Conservatoire. The course also prepares students for possible Choral/Instrumental Scholarships at University (which can often be pursued even when not studying for a degree in Music). Music is also an excellent preparation for an extremely wide range of degree courses as it contains analytical and essay writing skills, alongside more scientific and mathematical approaches. Careers include: Career opportunities in music include (but are not limited to) – performance, composition (including for film and TV), arts administration (such as artist management), radio/ recording producer, music therapy and music education. Amongst the many transferable skills in the subject perhaps the strongest are; self-discipline and independence, creative thinking and ability to collaborate effectively.

Entry requirements /

GCSE Music (Grade 6) or GCSE Music Theory (Grade 6)