Exam Board: EDEXCEL
Course Outline
A-level Music is a mix of creative, practical, academic and analytical skills. You will compose, listen to and analyse a wide variety of music from 1600 to the present day. There is a good range of choice to suit the strengths of different candidates, but all candidates will need to be dedicated musicians as performance is a significant part of the course.
There will be opportunities for A-level students to attend events and benefit from the expertise of visiting professional musicians. This course will enable you to improve your music performance skills by working closely with professional musicians and attending numerous workshops. You will perform as a soloist and as part of an ensemble and play a variety of different repertoire.
Assessment and Examinations
Performing: externally assessed, 30% of the total qualification. Students perform one or more pieces of music with combined duration of at 2.5 minutes.
Composing: externally assessed, 30% of the total qualification.
- Students to compose one or more pieces of music with duration of at least 2.5 mins
Appraising: exam in Year 13, 40% of the total qualification.
- 18 set works spanning 6 areas of study
- Questions assess knowledge of the set works but also wider listening and the historical and social context of different genres of music.
Future Prospects
Many of our Music alumni have left CoLAHG to study Music at some of the top universities in the country including University of Oxford and University of Leeds. Other students have chosen different musical routes such as applying for conservatoires such as Royal Academy of Music or other higher education courses.
There are many careers that lead on explicitly from A-level such as: professional musician, Producer/sound engineer, Composer, Music or instrumental teacher, Arts charity administration and leadership.
Additionally, students who have studied A-level Music are highly respected by universities and employers due to the range of skills they demonstrate such as organisation, reliability, commitment, creativity and self-discipline.