A Level Music
Exam Board/Specification
AQA A Level Music
Course Content
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
How Will I Be Assessed?
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%
- Non-Exam Assessment (coursework)
- Two compositions, one free and one to a brief
Skills and 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.
High Storrs Sixth Form Entry Requirements
A minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 9 – 4. This must include:
• Mathematics Grade 4 AND
• English Language Grade 5 OR
• English Literature Grade 5 AND English Language Grade 4
Plus
Grade 5 in Music and Grade V in ABRSM instrument or voice and the ability to read treble and bass clef notification or an equivalent demonstration of expertise