Music
Studying Music at A level sharpens creativity, discipline, and critical listening while deepening your understanding of culture and emotion. It’s a course that blends art and intellect, opening doors to both performance and a wide range of professional opportunities.
Why study Music?
Beyond mastering an instrument or voice, A-level Music develops transferable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and confident communication. For those wishing to pursue music as a career, the music industry is currently one of the largest employers in the UK
What skills do you develop?
- Discipline
- Performance skills
- Creativity
- Teamwork
- Composition
- Technical understanding of music, possibly use of tech in composition/recording
- Time management
What careers can you pursue?
- Performing
- Composing
- Music production
- Sound engineering
- Teaching music
- Arts administration
- Media roles
- Broadcasting
- Music therapy
- Instrument manufacture
- Event management
AS & A level components
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Component 1:
Performing – 30% of qualification Total duration of performances: 6-8 minutes
Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner
Component 2:
Composing – 30% of qualification total duration of compositions: 4½ – 7 minutes
Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by Eduqas
Component 3:
Appraising – 40% of qualification
Written examination: 1 hours 30 minutes
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Component 1:
Performing
Option A: Total duration of performances: 10-12 minutes
Option A: 35% of qualification
Option B: Total duration of performances: 6-8 minutes
Option B: 25% of qualification
Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner
Component 2:
Composing
Option A: Total duration of compositions: 4-6 minutes
Option A: 25% of qualification
Option B: Total duration of compositions: 8-10 minutes
Option B: 35% of qualification
Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by Eduqas
Component 3:
Appraising – 40% of qualification
Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes
Subject FAQ’s
Which examination board?
Eduqas
Does the AS count towards the A level or is it a standalone qualification?
The AS is a standalone qualification. It does not count towards the A level. You can opt into the AS qualification if you choose to drop this subject at the end of Year 12.
How will you be assessed?
Performing, composing and appraising.
