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A Level - Music

Course Information

Course TypeLevel 3

Duration2 Years

Awarding BodyAQA

What does the course involve?

A Level Music is a course suited for those with a passion for music. It looks at the three main elements of music; performing, composing and listening, and the way in which these can be brought together.

This course aims to develop your individual playing skills and creativity as well as your performance style and composition skills. This course extends the GCSE skills of performing, composing and appraising a variety of styles of music. You will look at a variety of styles and genres of music studying set works from the Baroque Concerto, Romantic Piano Music, Classical Opera, Musical Theatre and Jazz and have the chance to perform and compose your own music.

In the first year, you will look at performing as a soloist and as part of an ensemble; taking part in a range of rehearsals, composition workshops and performances. You will be able to develop improvisational skills through performance and the study of classical music and jazz. You will compose in a variety of styles and be taught the skills required to use music programs such as Sibelius in order to do this. You will study harmony and compositional styles and apply this knowledge to completing two composition briefs in Year 13. The units you study will represent the three major activities involved in this qualification; Performing, Composing, Listening and Historical Studies. We strongly recommend you have lessons on your instrument or voice and join many of the music clubs on offer at lunchtimes.

A Level Music 2

Entry Requirements

At least 6 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 , including GCSE English Language, and meeting the entry criteria of individual subjects (Level 2 vocational qualifications at Merit or Distinction will be treated as equivalent to one GCSE)

Grade 6 in Music GCSE or a Level 2 BTEC or RSL Diploma (or equivalent) in Music at Distinction level, or have considerable practical experience in Music (usually in the form of graded instrumental exams) and grade 4 in English Language.

You would also be expected to have a pass at grade 5 practical/theory or equivalent in the September entry. If you don’t study Music at GCSE/L2, then please explain on your application form your previous musical experience and any instrumental/vocal grades you have. We may also ask you to do an audition or send in a video of you performing a piece of music.

A Level Music 3

Can I take additional qualifications?

If you choose to study Music, you will usually take it alongside two other A Levels and/or Extended Certificates.

How will I be assessed?

On the AQA course, the performing component is assessed by:

Students will perform as a soloist and then choose whether to play in an ensemble, performing as an instrumentalist or vocalist and/or music production (via technology). The performance is a minimum of ten minutes in total.
Harmony and composition is assessed by a portfolio submission that you complete in Year 13.
Listening and Historical Studies is assessed via a 2 hour and 30 minute written examination at the end of the two year course

What are the costs?

Any costs associated with this course will be clarified at interview. Students should budget for trips to performances and concerts in order to gain maximum benefit from the course. The trips will take place periodically throughout the year at a cost of approximately £15 - £30 per trip.

We strongly encourage students to budget for individual instrumental/music lessons (you can have instrumental/singing lessons at One) to support their study of music courses.