Music

What will you do on this course?

You will be studying three different aspects of music:

  1. Influences on Music – this will be the historical knowledge and set work, which includes one optional area of study selected from Pop Music, Music for Media, Music for Theatre, Jazz, Contemporary Traditional Music and Art Music since 1910

  2. Creating Musical Ideas – two original compositions to a brief given by the examination board

  3. Performing – two performances which will be recorded over the year, one solo and one ensemble

How will you be assessed?

Component 1: Appraising Music

  • Section A: Listening (56 marks)
  • Section B: Analysis (34 marks)
  • Section C: Essay (30 marks)

This component is 40% of A Level marks (120 marks)

Component 2: Performance Solo and/or ensemble performing as an instrumentalist, or vocalist and/ or music production. A minimum of 10 mins of performance in total is required (no more than 12 mins).

This component is 35% of A Level marks. This component will be externally marked by AQA examiners.

Component 3: Composition

  • Composition 1: Composition to a brief
  • Composition 2: Free composition

A minimum of four and a half minutes of music in total is required (no more than six minutes)

This component is 25% of A Level marks, externally assessed by AQA.

What could this course lead to?

This course could lead to a career in the music industry, academic study or simply for interest.

Requirements

GCSE Music is required to take A Level Music, along with at least a grade 7 pass on an instrument or voice. A Level Music will provide candidates with the knowledge and experience required for all forms of further and higher education. It will give you an understanding and encourage appreciation of all music genres in all contexts.

What syllabus do you follow?

AQA 7272

My favourite thing about taking music would either be the exploratory work into different eras and genres, or the music teachers! They make the music department a fun place to be and make the lessons enjoyable.