A Level Music helps students to develop composing, performing, aural and analytical skills. The course focuses on: 

• Interpreting ideas through performing with technical and expressive control and an understanding of style and context  
  
• Creating, developing and refining musical ideas with technical and expressive control and coherence  
  
• Demonstrating and applying musical knowledge  
  
• Analysing and appraising music, making evaluative and critical judgments
  

Assessment

Component 1: Appraising Music - 40% 

• Examination 
  
• Listening and written questions 
  

Component 2: Performance - 35% 

• Non-Exam Assessment (Coursework) 
  
• Solo and / or ensemble performance 
  

Component 3: Composition - 25% 

• Exam Assessment (coursework)  
  
• Two compositions, one free and one to a brief 
  

Skills Developed and Career Prospects

Studying Music inspires students to explore creativity and expression alongside more formal skills of critical analysis, presentation, interpretation and language. It develops ability in a diverse range of skills including performing, creating, listening and essay writing. It also promotes the softer skills of team work, critical thinking, communication, confidence, concentration and self-reliance.

A Level Music complements a range of subjects including Maths, Art, Drama, Music Technology and Languages. The course leads to a qualification which not only facilitates access to a higher education, but also a wide range of career opportunities. Music graduates are employed across a varied range of fields; a large proportion work in the creative industry, but the roles performed by graduates vary greatly. Less anticipated, but no less common, is the employment of Music graduates in Finance and Banking, Legal and Consultancy fields.