Music A Level

A Level Music is an exciting and enriching course for students who want to deepen their understanding of music, develop their performance skills, and explore their creativity through composition. You’ll study a wide variety of musical styles—from classical and jazz to pop and musical theatre—while learning how music is constructed and what makes it powerful and expressive.

The course blends academic study with hands-on creativity: you’ll analyse music in context, compose original pieces, and perform both solo and in groups. Along the way, you’ll build valuable skills in listening, music theory, and use of music technology. Supported by experienced and passionate staff, and with access to excellent facilities, you’ll become part of a creative and collaborative music community. Whether you’re aiming for a future in performance, composition, sound production, or music education—or simply want to keep music as a lifelong passion—A Level Music offers a strong foundation and a wide range of future opportunities.

Western Classical Tradition (mandatory)

• Focus: Evolution of the symphony (1750–1900)

Set works:

• Haydn, Symphony No. 104 “London”
• Mendelssohn, Symphony No. 4 “Italian”

One popular music genre (choose one):

• Rock & Pop
• Jazz
• Musical Theatre

Twentieth or Twenty-First Century classical music (choose one):

• Into the 20th Century, with set works: Debussy’s Nuages and Poulenc’s Trio (Oboe, Bassoon, Piano)
• Into the 21st Century, with set works: Adès’s Asyla (mvt 3) and Beamish’s String Quartet No. 2 Movements I & IV

Coursework: 65%
Exam: 35%

A-Level Music is perfect for students who are passionate about performing, whether through singing or playing an instrument. Ideally, you should be working towards at least Grade 5 standard, though you don’t need to have taken the exam officially. Some experience in composing or creating music is also helpful, whether that’s writing songs, experimenting with music software, or improvising.

To thrive on this course, you’ll need an open mind and a genuine enjoyment of listening to a wide range of music, from classical and jazz to pop, musicals, and film scores. A solid grasp of music theory, such as notation, keys, chords, and rhythms, is recommended (around Grade 5 Theory level), though you’ll develop these skills further as you progress. You should also be ready to analyse and write about music using musical terminology and short essay-style responses in exams. Finally, an interest in using music technology—such as Sibelius, Logic, or other digital audio workstations—will give you a real advantage when composing.

A-Level Music provides a strong foundation for higher education and future careers in the arts. Many students progress to degrees in Music Performance, Composition, Music Production, Music Education, Music Therapy, or Music Business, as well as related creative fields such as Performing Arts or Media. It also develops transferable skills such as creativity, analysis, and communication, which are valued in a wide range of university courses beyond music.

For those who prefer a more vocational path, the qualification can lead to apprenticeships in areas such as sound engineering, production, event management, creative media, or even instrument making and repair.

In terms of careers, A-Level Music equips you for roles both on and off the stage. Some students pursue performance as soloists, ensemble members, or session musicians, while others follow creative paths as composers, songwriters, or producers. Opportunities also exist in sound engineering, teaching, therapy, arts administration, journalism, and event management. Whatever your chosen direction, this course gives you the skills, experience, and confidence to take your passion for music to the next level.