Students follow the AQA A Level Music specification (7272), a rigorous and rewarding course that builds on the skills, knowledge, and experiences developed at GCSE. Students do not need to have completed a GCSE in Music but must have equivalent qualifications grade 5 practical and grade 5 theory or a BTec in music.
The A Level Music course encourages students to recognise the close relationship between performing, composing, and listening and appraising. Through these interconnected disciplines, pupils develop a deeper understanding of musical structure, style, and context, while strengthening their practical and analytical abilities.
What is involved?
Listening and Appraising - 2 ½ hour exam paper:
Section A – Unseen Listening based on the Compulsory Area of Study (Baroque, Classical and Romantic) plus the two chosen Areas of Study.
Section B – Listening questions on the set works that you have studied from the Compulsory Area of Study.
Section C – Essay on one of the two chosen Areas of Study
Compulsory Area of Study: Western Classical tradition 1650-1910.
The strands are:
Baroque Solo Concerto
The Operas of Mozart
Romantic Piano Music
You will then choose two further areas of study after discussion: Pop Music, Music for Media, Music for Theatre, Jazz, Contemporary Traditional Music, Art Music (from 1910)
Performance:
You need to be able to perform in one of the following ways:
1. Instrumental/vocal: as a soloist and /or as part of an ensemble
2. Production: via music technology
A recital of 10-12 minutes (repertoire should be between grade 6-8 standard)
Recorded after the 1st March in year 13 in school and externally assessed
Composition:
1. Free composition (students’ choice of genre/instrumentation etc.)
2. Brief composition (a choice of brief set by the exam board in September of year 13)
Combined duration of 4 ½ - 6 minutes
Compositions are completed throughout the course and are externally assessed
A Level Music provides excellent preparation for further musical study, advanced training, and potential professional pathways in music and the creative industries. For many students, it also offers a stimulating and enriching contrast to other A Level subjects. The course appeals to a wide range of learners and combines effectively with numerous academic and creative disciplines.
Music complements subjects such as Mathematics and Physics through its analytical and structural elements, while also linking strongly with Creative Arts, English Literature, History, and Modern Languages. This versatility makes A Level Music a valuable and respected choice within a broad and balanced programme of study. Music is a highly regarded A Level as it helps develop many of the skills that top employers and Universities actively look for in candidates.