The Eduqas A Level Music specification offers a broad and coherent course of study which allows learners the opportunity to further develop their musical skills.

The content will be assessed across the three distinct but related disciplines of performing, composing and appraising. All learners study The Development of the Symphony in relation to the Western Classical Tradition. In addition, they learn about one area of study from a choice of three: Rock and Pop, Musical Theatre, or Jazz, as well as a further area of study focusing on developments in 'classical' music from the 20th or 21st century which includes set works. This ensures both breadth and depth in their study of music. It gives learners the freedom to express their own musical interests through composing and performing in styles of their own choice and also the discipline to perform and compose within at least one of the specified areas of study.

The structure allows learners to play to their strengths in either performing or composing, provide extended responses, and demonstrate their ability to draw together different areas of knowledge and understanding from across the full course of study.

You can study music at A level if you have not taken Music at GCSE provided you can read music and play an instrument or sing to Grade 5 standard. Pupils who have taken GCSE would be expected to have achieved at least a grade B.

Entry Requirement

A minimum of grade 4 in Maths and English Langplus at least 3 other GCSEs at grade 5

Subject Specific Requirements

Grade 6 (if taken.) Working towards grade 5 and can read Music at the start of the course.

Assessment

Component 1: Performing – Options A or B

This unit is examined by a visiting examiner in the Spring term of Year 13

Option A: (35%) – A recital of 10-12 minutes

Option B: (25%) – A recital of 6-8 minutes

Component 2: Composing – Options A or B

This unit is externally assessed

Option A: (25%) – 2 compositions

Option B: (35%) – 3 compositions

Component 3: Appraising (40%)

A written examination that focusses on three areas of study.

The Western Classical Tradition covering The Development of the Symphony, 1750– 1900.

A second area of study is selected from:

Rock and Pop (1960-2000)
Musical Theatre
Jazz (1920-1960)

In year 13, a third area of study is selected from:

Into the 20th Century
Into the 21st Century

Future Applications

A level music is designed to provide a broad platform for students wanting to develop their musical education.

All universities like students with a music qualification, whatever subject they apply to study.

Music graduates have a wide variety of careers open to them as performers in a professional
capacity, teaching peripatetically or in the classroom, as well as administrators, journalists,
publishing and marketing.

Alumni

Sophie (Music, Oxford)
Peter (Music Production, Leeds College of Music)
Ben (Trombone/Tuba, Welsh College of Music)
Emily (Birmingham Conservatoire).