Music

What You Will Learn About:  

• Performance Skills: How to develop your instrumental or vocal abilities through solo and ensemble performances.  

• Composition: The theory and practice of composing music, experimenting with different genres and styles.  

• Music Theory & Analysis: Understanding the building blocks of music and how to analyse music from a variety of genres and periods.  

• Historical and Contemporary Music: Exploring the evolution of music and how past traditions influence modern musical trends.  

This course is ideal for students wishing to pursue a career in music, music education, or related fields, and it will also provide a strong foundation for further study at university or music conservatories.  

Course Content & Assessment

Module 1: Appraising Music (40%) 

In this module, you’ll study two areas of music and demonstrate your knowledge through a written exam. Area of Study A is compulsory, and you’ll choose one more area to study from a range of exciting options: 

Area of Study A: 

• The Western Classical Tradition (The Development of the Symphony 1750-1830)

Choose one of the following: 

• Area of Study B: Rock and Pop 1960-1990

• Area of Study C: Musical Theatre (5 representative composers)

• Area of Study D: Jazz 1920-1950

Assessment Breakdown: 

• Area of Study A (48 marks): You’ll answer four questions, including analysis, aural perception, and comparison of symphonic extracts. You’ll study symphonies by the composers  Joseph Haydn and Felix Mendelssohn, as well as a wider range of composers from the Classical and Romantic eras. 

• Area of Study B, C, or D (40 marks): This includes analysis of unprepared musical extracts and questions on the wider context of the chosen area of study. 

How It’s Assessed: 

• Written exam: 88 marks in total 

 

Module 2: Composing (30%) 

You’ll demonstrate your ability to compose original music in two compositions, learning to develop musical ideas that are convincing and expressive.

Composition 1: 

• A composition reflecting the Western Classical Tradition, based on a brief set by EDUQAS.

Composition 2: 

• A free composition where you have creative control to explore your musical ideas. 

Assessment Breakdown: 

• Total duration of compositions: 4½ – 7 minutes 

• 72 marks in total 

 

Module 3: Performing (30%) 

In this module, you’ll showcase your performance skills by presenting at least two pieces either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble, or a combination of both.

One of your performance pieces must reflect the musical characteristics of one of the areas of study you’ve worked on. The total performance duration must be between 6 and 8 minutes.

How It’s Assessed: 

• Externally assessed by a visiting examiner 

• 72 marks in total 

Teaching

Throughout the course, you will take part in a varied programme of music-making, including rehearsals, creative sessions, and focused classroom study. You’ll strengthen your technical control, musical understanding, and confidence as a communicator of musical ideas. 

At the start of the course, you will explore a broad range of musical styles and traditions, gaining insight into the work of key composers, performers, and cultural movements. You’ll begin developing your own performance and composition skills, trying out new approaches and refining your creative voice. 

As the course continues, you will take greater responsibility for your own learning. You will prepare and interpret music for both solo and ensemble performance, investigate musical conventions in depth, and shape your own compositional projects. Working with others will be an important part of the process, allowing you to experience collaborative music-making at a more advanced level. 

Classroom study will support and extend your practical work by helping you view music from a range of perspectives: 

• As a performer: building technique, musical expression, and stylistic awareness.

• As a composer: crafting original ideas through effective use of melody, harmony, structure, texture, and rhythm.

• As an analyst and listener: developing the ability to study set works and unfamiliar music, recognise key features, and understand the wider contexts in which music is created.

This integrated approach ensures you develop as a well-rounded musician, capable of performing, composing, and understanding music with confidence and insight. 

Your Future

Music is a lifelong passion, not just a career! This A Level course equips you with the knowledge and experience to pursue both higher education and a wide range of careers in the music industry. Whether you’re interested in performance, composition, teaching, or music technology, this course offers a path that suits your interests and strengths.  

Even if you choose a different career, your musical skills will always be in demand. Universities often have vibrant music communities with bands, orchestras, and choirs that are open to all students – so the social side of music is never far away!  

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