Music A Level

This Music course introduces you to the disciplines involved in an academic and practical study of the subject.

Music students will perform a solo recital lasting 8 minutes in length. Responding to exam board briefs, students will also compose a piece in a style of their choice lasting 4.5 minutes, and complete a technical composition study lasting 1.5 minutes. Students will study set works of vocal, instrumental, film, world, pop and jazz music in preparation for a 2 hour listening and analysis exam at the end of the year.

We often have visits from professional performers and run trips to concerts and workshops relating to the course. There are many performing opportunities throughout the year either as a soloist or in our Concert Orchestra, Contemporary Choir, Chamber Choir, Jazz Band or one of our many chamber ensembles. We provide private instrumental and singing tuition from visiting teachers. This busy and vibrant department welcomes all students with a passion for any kind of music.

Each year our students progress to study music at top universities or gain places at leading conservatoires such as RCM, RAM, Guildhall, Trinity and RWCMD.

Additional

Grade 4 in GCSE English Language and Maths. GCSE Music is beneficial but not mandatory. The ability to play an instrument or sing to grade 6 standard and to pass grade 5 Music Theory is recommended.

Assessment

40% exams and 60% coursework.

Progression

Music A Level is a comprehensive qualification that offers you the development of a wide range of skills including analysis, criticism, creative expression, verbal, written and musical communication, discipline, initiative, team work and the application of ICT.

Few other subjects cover such a range of disciplines, so Music is recognised as excellent preparation not only for music-related careers but also for progression into other fields.

Music can be studied for single honours at university or at conservatoire, but there are also many joint honours courses.

The majority of our Music students progress to studying Music at Russell Group universities or conservatoires, some receiving scholarships.

Recent university offers: University of Oxford, University of Birmingham, University of Durham, University of Manchester and University of Southampton

Recent conservatoire offers: Birmingham Conservatoire, Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music and RWCMD.